Today it’s cell phones and backpacks. Depending upon your generation, it was chewing gum, the length of girls’ skirts, boys’ low-slung jeans and exposed boxers, high school boys with face hair, or checking that every child showered after PE class. … Continue reading
Rules Should Serve Kids Not Adults
Do I Teach Subjects to Children or Children to Understand Subjects? Huh?
“I am a teacher. I am a licensed social studies teacher. My teaching assignment is middle school social studies; 7th and 8th grade, to be exact. These are statements about my profession, my licensure, and my teaching assignment. They are … Continue reading
Disaggregated, There Is a Vast Difference in Teachers
Teachers are a vast hodgepodge of people. They come in all colors, shapes and sizes, and from the wide spectrum of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. At one point, each decided to be a teacher. Some early in life, the majority … Continue reading
When Trust Is Reciprocal, Great Things Happen
“In my last visits to your classroom, I was not certain I was in a math class. You and your students were talking about current events on three consecutive days”, her principal told her. “It’s my classroom and I will … Continue reading
Inspired Principal + Teacher Cadre = Change Agency
Effective school leadership is a lonely voyage without collaborating partners. When a leader understands distributed leadership and emboldens a cadre of like-minded colleagues to use their knowledge and skills to advance a school mission, loneliness turns into camaraderie. A cadre … Continue reading
To Stop Teacher Shortages and Attrition Pay More and Support Better
“Is the grass really greener elsewhere?”. Many teachers consider this question at several times in their careers. Actually, the question is not worded correctly. “Is the grass where I stand green enough for me now and for my future” is … Continue reading
Summer Is Time for Refreshing Teachers and Refreshing Lesson Plans
Before you teach last year’s lessons again, review, evaluate, and adjust. Schools do not provide time for this important work, so make it an August task. Your students will appreciate your efforts. Continue reading
Educating Problem Solvers
We get what we settle for, and today’s education creates Jeopardy players not problem solvers. We need mandates that make problem solving a school curriculum and grad requirement. Continue reading
School Faces Once Etched Are Forever Memories
Time does not diminish the significance of childhood, school friends. Their faces, personalities, and good traits are indelibly etched in our memory. Continue reading
Gifted Teachers Cause Indelible Effects
Exceptionally good teaching is a gift to a child. When it is taught by a gifted, an exceptionally good teacher, the gift has indelible effects. Continue reading