The last month and a half has been a sea of constant change. I recently re-read Who Moved My Cheese? by Dr. Spencer Johnson. It’s my go to read when I’m forced into unexpected and unwanted change. It reminds me
Read MoreTo Nationals and Beyond!
Back in April, before COVID put the breaks on all things normal, I had the opportunity to interview the dynamic bundle of intellect and inspiration that is 14-year old Xharia W. Xharia, an 8th grader at Shaw Montessori in Phoenix,
Read MoreThe Long Goodbye
This is dedicated to the Basha High School Class of 2020. My sweet, smart, empathetic, hilarious, amazing senior class. You will forever have a place in my heart. You made me love teaching at a time where it was almost
Read MoreSix Feet Apart
I spent this past weekend recreating, cutting, and mailing invitations to my sister’s socially distant baby shower. In our three months of planning, it has morphed from a typical party of baby themed games to a drive-by wave at the
Read MoreReflections of a Teacher Saying Goodbye
As my twenty-year classroom teaching career draws to a close, I feel the need to share my reflections and important things I’ve learned. There is nothing more important than classroom community. First and foremost, classroom community affects student behavior. It
Read MoreGet your goggles. We have a flood.
Coughing. Gasping. Thrashing through rapids. With unexpected waves drudging rocks, sludge, and debry down upon a once placid lake, a well-prepared swimmer would panic. Nose plugs, goggles, and a swim cap do nothing to prevent the swirling catastrophe closing in.
Read MoreReadiness for Remote Learning in Our Innovative School
Since Arizona closed schools March 16, like my Stories from School colleagues and many other people around the world, I have experienced alternating episodes of hope, tears, escapism, distress, mental dispersal, zen, joy,
Read MoreGrief Carousel: An Unexpected Ride
Just two months back, I spent some time answering the question What is your teaching theme song? After much reflection, I announced that my teaching theme song is Best Day of My Life because that’s how I want my students
Read MoreMaslow Before Bloom
Educators have a tough job right now. We’ve been told by Superintendent Hoffman to “continue to provide educational opportunities to students to the best of [our] ability” during this time of school closure and world-wide pandemic. We’re doing our best
Read MoreCrisis Leadership
I always thought I was a strong leader, but nothing has tested my leadership like COVID-19. It has tested the leadership of every school administrator in a way that is different from everything else. In a matter of days, our
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