I was scrolling through Facebook a few weeks before school started and stopped on an image by principal and school humorist Gerry Brooks. I was dismayed. The image was that of a teacher’s nightmare, the nightmare of meetings being planned
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Teachers Expectations Can Change Student Outcomes
This summer, I was fortunate enough to attend the John Hattie Visible Learning conference in Las Vegas. As a leader of a school it is awesome to be able to participate in learning that develops my leadership skills so I
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The Next Chapter
“Take a deep breath as you walk through the door it’s the moment of your very first day,” plays in my head as I walk into school for the first day of school, just like it does on any other
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#MomLife: Tips for Juggling It All
Meet Brooks Nash Clark, my seven and a half-month-old son. He has red hair, which people love to point out to me, a big gummy smile, and is the cutest little man I’ve ever met, also the messiest person. How
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Act 1, Scene 1: Developing a Love of Music
5:00 am BEEP. BEEP. BEEP. I roll over groggy wondering what that crazy sound is coming from my bedside table. Oh, yes. I remember now; it’s my alarm clock. Today is the first day of school with students, and I must be on
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The Best Part
Teaching is a difficult job full of tough days and challenging students, so I try to focus on the good stuff: the lesson I planned that went perfectly, the student who says that I am their favorite teacher, the moment
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… A world of Yesterday, Tomorrow, and Fantasy
Many people who read The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson are drawn into the storyline of the titular ‘Devil.’ The novel is a tale of a serial killer finding prey in the many that flock to the 1893
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Reflecting with Colored Pencils
Eleven years ago when I graduated from NAU after student teaching, I was given one of the most versatile gifts, reflective gifts I have ever received. Twenty-four colored pencils. These colored pencils have seen me through moving classrooms and sites,
Read MoreAre You Taking Care Of You?
Over the years I have had the pleasure of working with and around amazing educators, administrators, groundskeepers, bus drivers and many other individuals who all have one thing in common, they work in the education system with Arizona’s children. I
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My Fond Farewell
The day teachers and students have been waiting for is finally here – the last day of school. Normally I cannot get out of my classroom fast enough, eager as can be to begin a much-needed summer break. I will
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