I’ve been looking forward to this day for years—my first day as Dean of Students. Since my second year of teaching when I recognized the impact that a well-designed system could have on a classroom, I have been pursuing leadership
Read More
#FirstDays Beyond the Four-Hour Block
We were asked to introduce ourselves in our blogs this week, and that feels funny, since this is the sixth (or seventh?) year I have had the opportunity to contribute to Stories from School Arizona. This will be my 25th
Read More
Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten years? Fifteen years?
“Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten years? Fifteen years?” This classic question is asked by potential bosses in interviews frequently. Interviewees often provide a bright description of their future advancing up the ladder, taking on more responsibility,
Read More
Staying Present
Recently, I read the AZK12 Center’s Homeroom Article: Make the Most of Your Commute: 8 Tips for Teachers. This article provided several strategies and suggestions to use when you are stuck behind the wheel. One that stood out for me
Read More
Who Sharpens You?
As Iron Sharpens Iron, so One person sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17 Teachers are members of learning communities. Core Proposition 5, National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. I have had the privilege of participating in multiple small communities of learning groups.
Read More
Snap: Academic Gaps Continue for African American Youth in AZ
As mentioned in my previous articles, I have set off on an inquiry regarding the academic status of African American students in Arizona. Although I am still in the gathering process, it is time to give an update on what
Read More
2 Weeks of Action
It is part of our mission of the Arizona National Board Certified Teachers Network to raise awareness about the impact of National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) on our students, schools, and profession. Many NBCTs have shared our stories about why
Read More
The Freshest Apples: Teacher Terms Matter
Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words…well, I think that words can hurt a lot. In a teaching climate with an ongoing teacher shortage and massive teacher attrition, I think we need to choose our words very carefully.
Read More
How do you Learn to be a School Administrator?
“The talent squared workplace is possible because gifted bosses and great employees want the same things from a workplace: Freedom from management, mediocrity, and morons; a change; a chance.” – Dale Dauten, Gifted Boss “Connect your brain to your mouth and
Read More
Freshmen Transition: Creating Programs to Fit Your Needs
Thinking back to my first day of high school, I remember feeling anxiety, nervous excitement, and fear of the unknown. I grew up in a small tight-knit community and knew most of the students in my class as we entered
Read More