Over the past six weeks or so, I have served as site liaison for Arizona Educators United as the Red for Ed movement evolved from t-shirt activism to an unprecedented statewide walkout of Arizona teachers. It has been an intense
Read More#WEIRDforED
I’d rather cough than take medicine. Sure, the medicine provides a good night’s sleep. But it makes me feel weird for days after. My mind lacks focus and doesn’t follow through on thoughts. My work ethic goes into the toilet.
Read MoreWhy I Walked
An invited response to Angela Buzan’s heartfelt piece on why she won’t walk out: http://www.storiesfromschoolaz.org/wont-strike-perspective/ I’m tired. I’ve taught in Arizona for 13 years of my 19 year career. I’ve watched from the front line as our state has starved the
Read MoreHaving ESP: Why I am Red for Techs
When we were kids we used to joke about having ESP, extra-sensory perception. We thought it would be a blast to be psychic, read people’s minds and look into the future. Now, as a junior high teacher, I am often
Read MoreClarity through Focus Groups (part 1)
Focus group questions projected on the Smartboard? Check. Handouts with the questions so the teachers can follow along? Check. The Asian food I had ordered for our group was out and other snacks are ready to be eaten. Clean tables
Read MoreTwo-By-Ten Strategy Part 1
Recently at my school, we have begun to look at those strained relationships with scholars as opportunities. You know the ones. The scholars that push us to our limits and challenge our patience. The scholars who test our good last
Read MoreWhen the Political is Personal, and the Personal is Political
I think many of us have had conversations in schools, in neighborhoods, and around towns lately regarding the #RedforEd movement. As I became a National Board Certified Teacher, I learned that it is my responsibility and privilege to advocate for
Read MoreTeacher Economics 101
When I went to college to become a social studies teacher, I was given some very specific advice. It went something like this: Social studies teachers are a dime a dozen; no, a nickel. What are you going to coach?
Read MoreArmed and Dangerous
Arming teachers in the classroom is a very controversial and heated topic right now. I am personally so proud of our young people for taking a stand on the gun issue and making their voices heard above all the noise.
Read MoreDo We Really Need 200 School Districts?
Stories from School Blogger Beth Maloney recently wrote the article The Problem with Teacher Pay in Arizona and One Possible Solution . This interesting piece proposes that a statewide salary schedule will equalize pay for teachers while considering qualifications and
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