“I am a human being, not a human doing. Don’t equate your self-worth with how well you do things in life. You aren’t what you do. If you are what you do, then when you don’t…you aren’t.” Dr. Wayne Dyer I’ll
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The Last Walk to the Parking Lot
In August 1987, I drove into the parking lot at Naylor Middle School for my first day ever as a professional teacher. Chances are that I’ve had the time of my life with you blasted from my radio, because it was
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Sawabona: I See You
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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A Tribute to The Brave Who Came Before #TsChangeLives
There’s a special smell this time of year: a mix of sweaty kids and exhausted teachers. Walking around the hallways is treacherous as parents teeter past with arm-loads of teacher appreciation gifts and students race around like walking went out
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Dear Future Self: End of Year Reflection
I am really excited about the changes coming to my district next year. Many of my peers are moving to new leadership positions, and I may even be working in a different capacity. For me, one of the best parts
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Planning Blind: The Limitations of Test Scores
Warning: Grumpy face. You’ve run the race, and you need to start strategizing how you will train for the next one. But you won’t know the results of the race for months. Innovation can be exhilarating… as well as exhausting,
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In Appreciation of Teachers
In my 14 years of classroom teaching, I feel like I took Teacher Appreciation Week for granted. I didn’t really feel the need to be appreciated. I loved what I did and I felt the love from 150 high school
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Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten years? Fifteen years?
“Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten years? Fifteen years?” This classic question is asked by potential bosses in interviews frequently. Interviewees often provide a bright description of their future advancing up the ladder, taking on more responsibility,
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Loving Intentions and Liking Our Students
There is a sign on the door of my classroom that says “I <3 My Students” (with an actual heart). It is cut out in the shape of a heart and made on sunset colored poster board. I made it
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In Search of New Perspectives
In undergrad, I recall having a class discussion about how many ‘hats’ teachers had to wear. It was accompanied by a cartoon with a leaning tower of ball caps precariously placed atop a teacher’s head. I am sure you are
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