It’s that time of year when the child within us develops a dreamy, far-off look, and her eyes begin to gleam. Sugar plums? A Red Ryder BB gun? A new laptop? A roof rack and two kayaks? Creating a holiday
Read More
Addressing Dyslexia in Arizona, Part 3
As the year ended for my students and me, and we finally received their AZELLA results, I examined the test scores with a mixture of mostly pride in my students’ progress, along with a bit of sadness and a good
Read More
Having ESP: Why I am Red for Techs
When we were kids we used to joke about having ESP, extra-sensory perception. We thought it would be a blast to be psychic, read people’s minds and look into the future. Now, as a junior high teacher, I am often
Read More
House Bill May Allow for Innovations Beyond the 4-Hour ELD Block
In December, Emmanuel, a hypothetical yet typical student from Honduras, moves to the U.S. with his father. Emmanuel, based on his age and previous schooling, is placed into seventh grade. He speaks very little English; more accurately, he can read
Read More
A Jonah Day aka Academic Struggle in High Achieviers
There I stood in my lovely class of 1st – 3rd graders with 29 eagerly engaged students and 3 crying in agony. The cries were not from physical pain, but the emotional turmoil that sets in when we sit in places of discomfort.
Read More
Society is Shaped in the Elementary Classroom
Renewable Resources Most agree that social justice in America is becoming more questionable. We are a nation drenched in biases, prejudices, and mistreatments. We have a multitude of programs and initiatives aimed at righting these wrongs ranging from the Civil
Read More
Back in Black
It has, undoubtedly, been a minute since I’ve posted a blog. Since the presidential election last year, there has been much going on in our world that has given me pause – pause to the point of not being able
Read More Addressing Dyslexia in Arizona, Part 2
This is Part 2 of a three part blog series on addressing dyslexia in Arizona. Part 1 can be found here. The subtitle for this post should be “Call It What It Is.” Where are we today in Arizona policies,
Read More Addressing Dyslexia in Arizona, Part 1
Frida Kahlo is known for her vibrancy in art and life, and her courage. Although I have always loved the surreal, direct qualities of her portraits, I had forgotten that she experienced injury and illness that led to multiple physical
Read More
Sticks and Stones
Recently, a colleague of mine had the honor of speaking to teenagers about the power of becoming an educator. To prepare, she posted a Facebook status asking these questions: “Why should people pursue teaching degrees? Why should people teach in public schools?”
Read More