“When I grow up, I want to be a __________”. This is one of the earliest conversations I have with my students and the one I hear them talk about with the most ease. It would feel negligent to
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I Learned to Teach from Mr. Rogers
I didn’t love Mister Rogers growing up. I was more of a Sesame Street-loving gal, with the bright, feathery puppets and the emphasis on cognitive growth. It wasn’t until my little sister, a tiny blond hellion whose body never stopped
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Just OK is NOT OK
As teachers, we can get stuck in doing the same old lesson plans we’ve always done. “It’s easier” and “Most students get it this way” are common responses. When I hear these, frustration sets in as questions race through my
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Rearview Mirror
Let’s be perfectly honest, reflection at any time of the year is hard, let alone in the moment or in real time. This is especially true as the year winds to a close. In schools, we witness and experience extreme
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Life as a Preschool Ninja
Yeah, you read that right. I’m a well-trained ninja. I can block flying items, catch falling kids, jump from the floor to my feet instantaneously, and open up doors using my knees when my hands are full. You might be
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‘Twas the Week Before Christmas
‘Twas the week before Christmas and we are ready for break No one was working how much more can we take? The students looked busy but I knew it was fake. How can they stay focused when the year is
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Thankful for Yes
“Hey, are you willing to try something in your classroom?” “Can I come in your class and test something out with your students?” “I just read about a really intriguing strategy, will you read it and see what you think?”
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Can I Still Teach?
This past summer, I joined one of my community’s Rotary Clubs. For years I had gone to Rotary as a teacher and requested funds for this or that project or to share this or that school update or student success.
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Chaos or Calm? You Have Control
There’s a funny teacher shirt that always makes me smile. It has the words “Chaos Coordinator” blazon across the front in fancy glitter writing. Being a teacher sure feels like that, right? (especially if you teach preschool or kindergarten!) But
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What’s in an A?
In Arizona, school letter grades come out in the fall. I found out my school earned an A grade in October 2018, at a time when I was completely absorbed in my state’s election. I’m an Arizona teacher and I
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