All I ever really needed to know about teaching I learned in elementary school. The luckiest thing to ever happen to me was that the world’s most fabulous teacher happened to work at the public school I attended as a
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Snapshot of a Silent Classroom
For the first time ever in my career, you can walk into my classroom almost any time these days and it is silent, students sitting facing forward in their desks. District policy dictates that the desks face the front of the
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The Little Things
Teaching is tough these days. No doubt about it. This blog post is not intended to minimize the very real suffering felt by teachers across Arizona. But it is meant to maximize the very real impact teachers are having on
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The High Cost of Teaching
Finding teachers has been challenging across Arizona for the past decade. Finding teachers has been all but impossible this year. Districts are contending with record openings. According to data from the Arizona School Personnel Administrators Association, as of August 31st,
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Hybrid’s Not Enough- A Case for a Full Return
I was thrilled to begin hybrid instruction when my district decided to offer that option to families following fall break. I couldn’t wait to see my students in person. I was excited to see them interacting with their peers in
Read MoreTeaching This Way Is Hard Work!
This week I have been analyzing the engagement strategies I am using at the college level to acronymous and synchronous teach. I’m not going to sugar coat it, and some of you have probably been doing it longer than me,
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Back to School Nightmares
The nightmares always roll in like an angry storm system a few weeks before school starts. Students standing on their desks, unexpected observations by the principal, students not listening, being late to school, being unprepared, and angry parents are some
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Is This the Year to Start NBCT?
Is this the year to start your National Board journey? It’s a challenging year already. Do I want to take on more? GREAT questions that need significant time to ponder. I would also suggest finding a thought partner (or two)
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Rise and Grind? I Think Not…Anymore
Rise and grind. Three little words that have summed my entire life, and I would guess many others as well. As a kid, my parents instilled the idea that we achieved when we worked hard day after day without fail.
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“Finding Gratitude in Uncertain Times”
During a typical year, it’s a challenge getting some kindergartners into school the first day. They are usually crying and hugging their parents, refusing to let go to enter the building. It takes some very convincing, persuasive talks to get
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