Every few years I write that if you pay attention, the best professional development often comes out of nowhere, is free, and lasts only minutes – or even seconds. (You can read the earlier posts here and here.) Here are
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The Push for Computational Physics and Mathematics
Currently in physics land there is a push to merge computer science with physics. This idea is slowly starting to gather STEAM and the rewards of such a blend could have numerous benefits for everyone. So, imagine this. You
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The Other Opportunity Cost of Teaching
I came home in a serious funk, slamming the door behind me, barking at my family, huffing and puffing under the heavy weight of the stack of papers I bring home (optimistically) every evening. I sat down on my bed
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My Favorite Smart Technology: The Mother of All Boards
I am one of the very few teachers that actually have a Smart Board in their classroom! I am definitely grateful. This very expensive mammoth of technology is one of my most favorite tools for student engagement. Now that my
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A Holiday Wish List for ELD Equity
It’s that time of year when the child within us develops a dreamy, far-off look, and her eyes begin to gleam. Sugar plums? A Red Ryder BB gun? A new laptop? A roof rack and two kayaks? Creating a holiday
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Do Evaluations Improve Teaching?
I spend a lot of time thinking about my district’s evaluation system these days. As a first-year director of personnel, developing something new, meaningful, and usable is on my short list. After years of being evaluated by our current evaluation
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Cats, Pudding, and Apples: Still on the Quest for the Perfect Reading Program
Last month I blogged about my struggles with independent reading asking you, the experts, for feedback, answers, and ideas. Wow! I never expected the feedback you provided to encouraged me to think, reevaluate, and ponder the subject so profoundly. After
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Making the Most of Time Off
I always go into breaks from school planning to be really productive, but not getting a lot done. I usually spend two days catching up on sleep, television, and cleaning before realizing I’ve accomplished nothing and binge working the day
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Scholastic Synergy
For about 7 years I worked for Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Working in guest-facing as well as “backstage” roles for the company, I learned countless lessons. While those lessons ranged from frivolous to profound, most of those tales
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Nothing Routine about Routines and Procedures
I recently led a professional development where I asked my participants to think about a classroom that they considered to be the ‘exemplar’ classroom. Many smiled and shared at their tables examples of teachers and classrooms where significant learning took
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