Tribes in South Africa traditionally greet each other with “Sawabona,” which means “I see you.” The response is “Sikhona,” which translates to “I’m here.” As I watch my students finish up this busy school year, I’m making sure they feel
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An End to Civil Discourse: One Teacher’s Response to HB2002
Remember how I reminded us to trust, but verify? HB20002 was the first education bill dropped this session. It is a bill outlining a ban against teachers discussing any political issues, court cases, and/or current legislation in school. I don’t
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Getting Real: Special Needs Families
This week, leaders around the country offered their State of Affairs speeches. As the leader in your classroom, how would you respond if someone asked you to speak about the “State of Relationships with Your Special Needs Families?” How are
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The Power of Student-Parent-Teacher Conferences, Part Two
Conferences have come and gone for myself and many educators I know, but districts that start later in the year or have conferences after Fall Break may still be in the midst of these important events. For those reading about
Read MoreThe Effects of RedforEd
The 2018-2019 school year started in a new era: post RedforEd. The painted cars, walk-ins, rallies, and walk-out of the spring changed the conversation teachers and the public were having about the state of education. But even after all of
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#WEIRDforED
I’d rather cough than take medicine. Sure, the medicine provides a good night’s sleep. But it makes me feel weird for days after. My mind lacks focus and doesn’t follow through on thoughts. My work ethic goes into the toilet.
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You Have Changed. Now What?
Epic week, right? And it just keeps going. AZ educators have been on fire, passionately advocating for AZ kids. We have sacrificed time and taken big risks. We’ve been criticized by people who don’t understand what we’re fighting for. We’ve
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Families: A Call for Unity with #REDforED
So wow: A teacher strike. It’s a lot to take in. No doubt, upcoming school closures are causing families inconvenience and stress. It is difficult to find childcare, rearrange work schedules, and entertain little ones for extra days at home.
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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 MoreGive Yourself the Gift of Letting Go
As a teacher, I believe that I look forward to Winter Break more than my students. Yet, at the same time, I find myself shaking my head at the idea of two weeks of no instruction. This happens every year.
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