Scene Opens: Home Depot, Monday, 7 am. A harried woman clutches items and calculates aloud… Employee: Can I help you, Ma’am? Woman (showing him an armful of wire): Is this the right width flexible steel wire for these pulleys? Employee:
Read MoreArizona SB1318 and Dyslexia Policy
SB 1318, a bill which expands requirements for identifying students with dyslexia and training teachers to help them, has been passed in the Arizona Senate and assigned to committee in the House of Representatives. It was developed by a group
Read MoreMs. Corrigan is Having a Baby!
For the last seven years, my classroom and my students have been my babies, and in many ways, they always will be my first babies. However, as of February 11, 2019, I have my first real baby. While I am
Read MoreSupporting African American Youth
My initial purpose for this writing piece was to highlight the current academic status of African American youth in Arizona. Unfortunately, I was not able to locate current information about our academic demographics. I have requested this information from the
Read MoreWhy I Love…
I’ll be honest I’m not a fan of Valentine’s Day. I think it’s a hoax, a made up holiday to support greeting card, chocolate and flower companies. I mean really, if you need a day to say “I love you”
Read MoreWhat’s my Version of the bus?
As Winter Break came to a close, I prepared myself to return to my classroom by reflecting on my teaching practice this first semester. Am I meeting the needs of this group of students? What is working? What is not
Read More(Better) Partnering with Parents Around Reading
January marks the second half of the school year and this time usually flies by quickly. My 1st graders are now demonstrating increased rigor, independence, and pride in academic growths. This has allowed me to have a more accurate assessment
Read MoreToo Much Rigor?
Rigor: A popular buzz word in education today, this word is packed with meaning. It pops up in staff meetings, school mission statements, and parent conversations about school choice. Everyone seems to think that “rigor” is what kids need. But
Read MoreApplying the Principles of “Good to Great” in the Classroom
National Board score releases have come and gone and I was relieved to see the “Congratulations!” banner come across my screen. That was a sweet, sweet moment and I am thankful to all of those who helped and supported
Read MoreThe Other Opportunity Cost of Teaching
I came home in a serious funk, slamming the door behind me, barking at my family, huffing and puffing under the heavy weight of the stack of papers I bring home (optimistically) every evening. I sat down on my bed
Read More