I really doubt that anyone would argue with me if I were to say that we are in a crisis. The problem though, is one of definition. “Crisis” originally comes from the Greek krinein – To Decide. A crisis does not necessarily
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Thank You Medical Staff
Today, 11/25/2020, at 8:09 am, I typed “frontline workers COVID” in my Google Chrome search. The following stories came up, all posted within the last 24 hours: TExas’ medical and frontline workers and vulnerable populations to get COVID-19 vaccine first
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Four Practices Worth Carrying Forward
I have 11 desks in my classroom and zero periods in which they are all filled. Normally, I would have 32 desks and one or two classes completely full classes. Going into 3rd Period the other day, with 10 students,
Read MoreAll I ever really needed to know about teaching I learned in elementary school.
All I ever really needed to know about teaching I learned in elementary school. The luckiest thing to ever happen to me was that the world’s most fabulous teacher happened to work at the public school I attended as a
Read MoreTeaching This Way Is Hard Work!
This week I have been analyzing the engagement strategies I am using at the college level to acronymous and synchronous teach. I’m not going to sugar coat it, and some of you have probably been doing it longer than me,
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Back to School Nightmares
The nightmares always roll in like an angry storm system a few weeks before school starts. Students standing on their desks, unexpected observations by the principal, students not listening, being late to school, being unprepared, and angry parents are some
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Rise and Grind? I Think Not…Anymore
Rise and grind. Three little words that have summed my entire life, and I would guess many others as well. As a kid, my parents instilled the idea that we achieved when we worked hard day after day without fail.
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“Finding Gratitude in Uncertain Times”
During a typical year, it’s a challenge getting some kindergartners into school the first day. They are usually crying and hugging their parents, refusing to let go to enter the building. It takes some very convincing, persuasive talks to get
Read MoreMemoir of a Plague Teacher
It’s the end of August, 2020. I sit in my office (it’s only a classroom if students are in it). The glare of the computer screen casts pale blue. Bleary-eyed from lesson planning, navigating folders, grading too-little and obviously phoned-in
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A Most Excellent Antidote
In any October that is not 2020, I, along with countless other Americans, will line up to enter haunted houses. We line up to walk through a land of make-believe. It heightens our senses, brings us a sense of whimsy,
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