Many people ask me how I get through my very busy school year. It’s a legit question: between teaching fifth-grade full time, taking doctoral classes, blogging and coaching, not to mention being a mom and wife, I feel overwhelmed just
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Learning About Teaching (and Life) on the Back of a Bike
Stephen R. Covey lists “Sharpen the Saw,” through care of mind, body, and soul, as the habit through which we renew ourselves. So, on the last day of school in May, I bought a sport hybrid bicycle and named her
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A 1% Investment in Future Human Capital for the Sake of our Children
We need parents and stakeholders to step up and help get Arizona fixed. We need to start demanding that our kids get quality instructors, facilities, and equipment to make our next generation something to be proud of. I
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My All-Star TOY School
This past week, I sat on the interview panel for Arizona Rural Teacher of the Year. I have worked with Teachers of the Year in the past and I know the quality of teachers they are. In fact, I nominated
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Should Undocumented Teachers Be Allowed to Cross Professional Borders? Final Thoughts
In an attempt to ease our open-position crisis, recently passed Senate Bill 1042 permits schools to hire applicants with content expertise but no coursework in education. The law applies to grades six through twelve, as does this series of posts.
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A Letter: Dear Experienced Teacher in a New Situation
Welcome back to school! For some reason, whether by choice or mandate, you find yourself in a new situation this year. Perhaps you changed grade levels, classrooms, schools, districts, or even crossed state borders. You crammed things into boxes, worked
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The True Meaning of Collaboration
After twenty-plus years working in schools, I’ve done it all….almost. I’ve taught various subjects and several grade levels; served as a school principal and college counselor; had my share of hard talks with parents and students; and delivered commencement speeches.
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Improving STEM Education is Arizona with SB 1038
So, if you have not heard, the Arizona legislature this past session passed a bill called SB 1038. The Acts official title is the Arizona Teachers Professional Development Pilot Program. This bill was championed by Rep. Paul Boyer, and
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What Google Says About You: A Challenge
So it’s the end of the school year. A delightful feeling of renewal is sprinkling down like magic as you look forward to summer break. You are probably putting together an epic summer To-Do list of projects, appointments, and fun
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The AZ Teachers Professional Development Pilot Program
Attention all STEM teachers, do we have news for you!! With all the doom and gloom this past legislative session there is one piece of legislation that is going to make a difference in Arizona and that is our bill
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