I write this blog while sitting in the midst of over 200 teachers attending a training day for candidates working towards their National Board certification. And while sitting in this large, noisy meeting room, my thoughts returned me to
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The first moments
Ahhhhhh April. The Palo Verdes are blooming, allergy medicine is sold out at both CVS and Walgreens, Promposals are seemingly happening everywhere. Spring has sprung in Arizona. April is the time when teacher’s thoughts turn to that of AZMerit and,
Read MoreWhat Is Specially Designed Instruction & Why Does It Matter?
With so many educational terms being thrown around on a day-to-day basis it can be difficult to keep track of all the new vocabulary coming our way. We have name-dropped so many acronyms and one-word hit wonders in education, have
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Staying Present
Recently, I read the AZK12 Center’s Homeroom Article: Make the Most of Your Commute: 8 Tips for Teachers. This article provided several strategies and suggestions to use when you are stuck behind the wheel. One that stood out for me
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Keep the Student in Student Teacher
Dear Student Teacher, Congratulations! In a few months, you will begin the part of your college experience that you have likely been waiting for forever – student teaching. I hope that your student teaching experience gives you all the tools
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Who Sharpens You?
As Iron Sharpens Iron, so One person sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17 Teachers are members of learning communities. Core Proposition 5, National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. I have had the privilege of participating in multiple small communities of learning groups.
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Outdoor Education
Over a decade ago when I started teaching sixth grade one of my first questions were about the school’s science camp program. I was teaching in the same district I had attended as a sixth grader and remembered the major
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Snap: Academic Gaps Continue for African American Youth in AZ
As mentioned in my previous articles, I have set off on an inquiry regarding the academic status of African American students in Arizona. Although I am still in the gathering process, it is time to give an update on what
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Purchase Order Woes
Here is what drives me nuts about education finance. We are asked to operate as a business yet; we are not allowed to follow the same rules as businesses in regards to purchasing and acquisitioning. We need upgrades in how
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Touching Isn’t It?
As the silly sideshow of our perennial presidential campaigns rolls on, touching is in the news. As thoughts and memories flow through my mind, one conclusion is clear: It’s s really not that hard to figure out when, where, how,
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