Labels. As kids we’re told it’s impolite to label one another. “He’s skinny.” “They’re poor.” “He’s an F student.” Those are taboo. So why are schools receiving grades as the label of their academic achievement? In the past week the
Read MoreMind-Meld
Mind-meld. That’s the only possible description that can fully describe my lateral experiences of National Board Certification and Teach for America. As the Vulcan dictionary describes a mind-meld, it is “a technique for sharing thoughts, experiences, memories, and knowledge with
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Down to the Wire
I don’t know one Arizona educator who actually enjoys April. Why? It’s that time of the year…… the dreaded AIMS has arrived to determine how much information our students absorbed throughout the school year and how effective we are as teachers.
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Vulgar and Perilous Reforms
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,
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Teacher-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
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