Recently, I had a chance to touch up with a fellow teacher. We did the usual greetings and had a lovely text-based conversation. While discussing staffing, he told me a few things that sent off alarms: “One of his coworkers
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NBCT vs. COVID-19
We are all facing the challenges of COVID-19. Social distancing, face masks, staying at home, and online instruction. So…. is this a good time to pursue or continue with National Board Certification? Honestly, I think yes. It is. When I
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Look How Far We’ve Come
My first year as an administrator is coming to a close. I wrote a blog post about my first day nine months ago. At that time, I was so nervous. Afraid of the unknown, hoping I didn’t look as terrified as
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What’s Your “Better”? Learning How To Move With Change
The last month and a half has been a sea of constant change. I recently re-read Who Moved My Cheese? by Dr. Spencer Johnson. It’s my go to read when I’m forced into unexpected and unwanted change. It reminds me
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Reflections of a Teacher Saying Goodbye
As my twenty-year classroom teaching career draws to a close, I feel the need to share my reflections and important things I’ve learned. There is nothing more important than classroom community. First and foremost, classroom community affects student behavior. It
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Readiness for Remote Learning in Our Innovative School
Since Arizona closed schools March 16, like my Stories from School colleagues and many other people around the world, I have experienced alternating episodes of hope, tears, escapism, distress, mental dispersal, zen, joy,
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Am I Doing Enough? An Affirmation for Teachers
Anxious, uncertain, afraid – I have felt all these emotions the last few weeks. At times, it has been overwhelming. But, in the face of it all, the adjective that describes what I am feeling most is awestruck. I am
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Teacher Retention: A Success Story
Last month, I wrote a blog about teacher retention and the need to “begin within” when it comes to teacher recruitment. Beginning within means school leaders need to be intentional with their efforts to entice valuable teachers to return to
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A Shot in the Arm
Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow. – Anthony J. D’Angelo Registration ✅ Accommodations booked ✅ Transportation arranged ✅ Family and Pets covered ✅ I was off to the Arizona Music Educators’ annual
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Teacher Recruitment: Begin Within
It’s hard to believe, but the time is almost here. Teacher contracts come out next month. Leadership teams across districts are having meetings and discussions about which teachers plan to return. With cautious optimism, they discuss the teachers they really
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