In 1790, conservative political philosopher Edmund Burke wrote in Reflections on the Revolution in France: “A state without the means of some change is without the means of its conservation.” Clay Shirky, expert on the role of social media and
Read MoreThe Biggest Loser in Education
I am a fan of “The Biggest Loser,” the reality-television show which rewards one person with the biggest weight loss after undergoing 12 intensive weeks of healthy eating and strenuous workouts with trainers. While viewing the season finale this week,
Read MoreHalf Empty or Half Full
I recently read a post on Facebook… A psychologist walked around a room while teaching stress management to an audience. As she raised a glass of water, everyone expected they’d be asked the “half empty or half full” question. Instead,
Read MoreTeacher-Defining Moments
After attending an educator’s conference this past weekend, I was inspired with a question to ponder, “How does my background impact my effectiveness as an educator?” I am sure you recognize the phrase, “My life flashed before my eyes.” Well, the
Read MoreEnriched Kids
The statistics don’t lie: students who come from academically focused and highly educated households will often replicate such success. But why? Experiences? Lifestyle? Money? Parental education?
Read MoreBully: Will it Get Better? Part 2
Will bullying ever go away? Probably not. Will things get better for those being bullied? Yes, it will but it won't happen on its own. We have to empower children on how to handle bullies and be there to help
Read MoreTeacher Eval: Hunger Games Style
Yes, the geeky-English teacher that I am has jumped all over The Hunger Games craze. Yes, I’ve coerced all of my students into buying the book to use in class, most of us have seen the movie, plan to blog
Read MoreCalling All Teachers
I was raised on the Navajo Indian Reservation; in a small community called Rough Rock. I know what it is like to do homework with the light from a kerosene lamp, chop wood, cook for younger siblings, and take care
Read MoreProtecting the Teacher AllSpark
I read Bill Ferriter’s blog this week about the story of Mitchell 20, a movie about 20 Phoenix elementary teachers who chose to pursue National Board certification as a way to take control of the one thing they could control:
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