I don’t know about the rest of you, but the screeching halt from 60-70 hour weeks to a completely open schedule can send me into a tailspin! I can usually get caught up on sleep and routine housework within 4-7
Read MoreTeacher, a Modern Day Abolitionist
This has been a significant year for me. I am now a NBCT, the majority of my students have met academic growths and measures, and my youngest child got her Learner’s Permit. I have been blessed with the opportunity to
Read MoreTeacher Healthcare Matters
So, I am sick. I am really sick. Last year I came down with Valley Fever. Let’s just say if I was on the Oregon trail; I probably wouldn’t have made it past Kansas. My illness knocked me
Read MoreThe Last Walk to the Parking Lot
In August 1987, I drove into the parking lot at Naylor Middle School for my first day ever as a professional teacher. Chances are that I’ve had the time of my life with you blasted from my radio, because it was
Read MoreSawabona: I See You
Tribes in South Africa traditionally greet each other with “Sawabona,” which means “I see you.” The response is “Sikhona,” which translates to “I’m here.” As I watch my students finish up this busy school year, I’m making sure they feel
Read MoreA Tribute to The Brave Who Came Before #TsChangeLives
There’s a special smell this time of year: a mix of sweaty kids and exhausted teachers. Walking around the hallways is treacherous as parents teeter past with arm-loads of teacher appreciation gifts and students race around like walking went out
Read MoreDear Future Self: End of Year Reflection
I am really excited about the changes coming to my district next year. Many of my peers are moving to new leadership positions, and I may even be working in a different capacity. For me, one of the best parts
Read MorePlanning Blind: The Limitations of Test Scores
Warning: Grumpy face. You’ve run the race, and you need to start strategizing how you will train for the next one. But you won’t know the results of the race for months. Innovation can be exhilarating… as well as exhausting,
Read MoreIn Appreciation of Teachers
In my 14 years of classroom teaching, I feel like I took Teacher Appreciation Week for granted. I didn’t really feel the need to be appreciated. I loved what I did and I felt the love from 150 high school
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