This is the first in a series of blogs about enhancing “Teacher Talent: A Profession In Need.” Teachers and the teaching profession “has a major image problem. Unfortunately, this perception of mediocrity has negatively affected the national reputation of teaching, … Continue reading
The Professional Teacher Has An Image Problem
Teacher Talent: A Professional Need
“The teaching profession has a major image problem,” Third Way analysts Tamara Hiler and Lanae Erickson Hatalsky write in their analysis of the National Online Survey of College Students – Education Attitudes. “Unfortunately, this perception of mediocrity has negatively affected … Continue reading
Broadsided Data Release – No Thank You, NAEP
The 2013 NAEP results were released today. Once again, these data affect a local school district with the same impact as the National Transportation Safety Board’s report on highway fatalities. The big picture is nice to know, but what is … Continue reading
What Is Important When Everything Is Important?
An April article in US News and World Report made an impressive case for why public schools must maintain strong programming in what otherwise are known as the “extracurriculars.” Taken broadly, “extra” curriculars include all subjects taught in school beyond the … Continue reading
A Dope Slapping Now and Then Helps Everyone
The political leadership of Washington State got “dope slapped” by the US Department of Education. This was a good thing. Secretary Duncan revoked Washington’s waiver of No Child Left Behind sanctions as a result of the Washington legislature’s failure to … Continue reading
Professional Growth: Leadership’s Role
Professional. Professional licensing. Professional growth. These three concepts attach to every teacher in public education. The first term is a definition. The second is a status. The third term is the heart of professionalism. Most teachers, however, enjoy the accouterments … Continue reading
Mind-On Time: Make It A Priority
Since the time I sat at the keyboard to begin writing this piece, my phone buzzed with an incoming text message followed by a different buzzing pattern for three e-mails. My wife yelled from the downstairs bedroom where she is … Continue reading
Focus For the Newly-Elected School Board Member
It’s late April in Wisconsin. Although spring weather has not shown itself yet, newly elected members are present and being seated at their respective school boards. Congratulations new board member, your community voted and you should be proud of their … Continue reading
A Teacher’s Voice
A teacher’s voice. We all have heard a teacher talking. The sound is a part of each of us who has been schooled, whether in a public, private or home setting. Part of our growing up was caused by the … Continue reading
Flexibility Works Both Ways
Opportunities to exercise flexibility sometimes giveth and sometimes taketh away. The winter of 2014 grabbed Wisconsin and the upper Midwest and refused to let go. Deep snow falls and severe cold caused many school districts to cancel classes for children … Continue reading