It happened. We waited for two years. We rescheduled, waited, and watched. Then we did that some more. A few months turned into a year, then two years. Then it finally happened. We celebrated. One of my favorite events is
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Teaching Future Teachers
Twice a year I get invited to present to a classroom full of future educators. I get to visit during their high school teacher week; a panel of history, CTE, language, special education teachers, and me. In a college class
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Fingers Crossed
At this moment, National Board Candidates from around the country are counting down the hours until scores are released this week and they will finally know if their hard work paid off. That moment, I remember, is stressful and exciting
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License to Lead
Who decides whether you lead? Is it your boss? Is it the HR department? Is it your particular set of physical characteristics—your gender, your race, your height, your looks? Or, is it you? I want to tell you a fun
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Understanding Teacher Guilt
“I’m failing” I have heard that too many times in the past week. Tears, even from those who usually don’t cry, accompany the statement. Each week I meet with grade level teams. In these collaborative team meetings we talk about
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February: Black History Month 2021
In the voice of Bishop T.D. Jakes, “Get Ready! Get Ready! Get Ready!” February is Black History Month, and we all know that Black history is American history. Whether you are teaching online, in-person, or hybrid, the events of 2020
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A Call for Teacher Leadership in COVID Times
Why would COVID times be a good time to become a teacher leader? Isn’t it enough to just show up and make it through each day? And after all, schools have principals. Isn’t it the administrator’s job to lead? If
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Celebrating Small Wins
I was tired, worn out, and hungry when I joined a Zoom meeting for our district instructional leadership team. We meet monthly with our assistant superintendent and instructional coordinator to implement instructional practices, modify existing structures, amplify teacher voice, and
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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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Sending Up Flares: Teachers Are Calling For Help
“Is anyone else feeling like they are just hanging on by their fingernails?” This question, asked by a middle school teacher, interrupted a grade level discussion about a common formative assessment. The question opened the floodgates. Anxiety, dread, and frustration
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