Az House Bill 2278 would eliminate Algebra 2 as a high school graduation requirement. Below are some spontaneous thoughts that come to mind as I process a coherent opinion (stay tuned) about the bill. In the proposed bill, Algebra and
Read MoreI Made It. I’m still here.
Do you know why birds sign just before dawn? Scientists believe it’s to tell their mate they made it through the night, as a way of saying, “I’m still here.” Maybe that’s why we sing too-as a way of
Read MoreTeacher’s Personal Perspective
For this month, I wanted to interview teachers at different experience levels and see how similar or different their answers are depending on their experience in the classroom. The teachers that participated have taught for 2 years, 5 years, 9
Read MoreBehind the Curtain
My favorite movie is The Wizard of Oz, and this week I was thinking about it. Specifically, the scene where Dorothy and her companions get to meet the Wizard, only to see he is actually a con-man. “Pay no attention
Read MoreWhat Do You Do with That?
One of the greatest cruelties of capitalism is its view of utility. All too often, and in almost every sphere of activity, we are conditioned to produce. We no longer recognize any significance in the ding an sich – Kant’s
Read MoreHanging On
Not too long ago I listened to a couple colleagues talk about retirement. They had their countdown calculated to the day, hour, and minute. I remember being amused. I was genuinely happy for them and appreciated their excitement over their impending
Read MoreProfessional Development
How many of us look forward to hearing that we have a professional development training we must attend? Each month, our staff is required to attend an on-site PD. They are usually very general and broad, covering a wide variety
Read MoreMy Last Day
A draft of my letter of resignation: To Whom It May Concern: The day you mandate that teachers have to legally be unethical, dishonest, and horrible humans will be my last. While I see that legislators have been stacking racist,
Read MoreThe Aftermath
I thought that as a ten-year veteran teacher I had seen a lot of things, but this year as support staff (read: unexpected substitute teacher; lunch duty supervisor; occasional coach; and even an interventionist, my actual job) I have seen
Read MoreSocial Development is More Important Than Ever
In a time of redefining normal, it is important that we do not minimize the developmental milestones that children will still come across socially. Social development within the child is a work of adaptation. It is the child who must
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