When did we stop celebrating individual accomplishments at our school sites? Just this past weekend, I found out I had maintained my status as an NBCT and was very excited as last year had personally been tumultuous. I sent a
Read MoreSEL Exit Tickets
How well do you really know your students? Do you know their inner-thoughts, interests, hopes, dreams, fears, and worries? Do you know who their friends and frenemies are? There is a pretty easy way to learn a lot, and
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Encouraging a Love of Reading Through Science
I remember the magical feeling of the school library and searching the shelves once or twice a week for a new adventure to be a part of. I would cherish and savor each and every book. Book fairs were like
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Mi Viaje al Bilinguismo
This year, I made the decision to stop playing around and start making Spanish my second language. I currently teach grades 4-5 and my motivator was watching my Spanish speaking students work harder than their peers due to language barriers.
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Assessment Season
‘Tis the season to be tested, fa la la la la la la la la…. The second quarter is coming to a close and assessment season is upon us. When I was a kindergarten classroom teacher, I never really paid
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Switching Gears for the Holidays
December is here! The children are high energy and excited. Families are busy. School schedules are tight. This is the time that I give in to the pull and switch gears so that we can all get through health and
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Election Reflection
Another Arizona election is in the rearview mirror and I’m tired. For Arizona public education advocates, election season is emotionally, mentally, and physically grueling. It’s been 3 weeks since election day and I’m still exhausted. Those who dedicate their time
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It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Holiday themed outfits – check. Holiday read alouds – check. Holiday door decorations – double check. Antsy students – there are not enough checks in the world for this one. Teachers everywhere are beginning to prepare for the holidays in
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Pack Your Conference Bags!
Today I didn’t follow my usual routine of driving to school with my son. Instead, I dropped him off and headed to the airport. I’m going to Las Vegas for a teacher conference! Specifically, I’m headed to the ACTE Visions
Read MoreLet me tell you bout’ my best friend
During math period one morning, my third graders were working on solving a division problem with repeated subtraction. After spending time discussing the strategy and how to work through a problem, I let them know they would have a chance
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