Sniffles, sneezes, and coughs. That’s what I woke up to Tuesday morning when I picked up my nine-month-old son, Brooks. I’ve been dreading this day since he was born. So far, we’ve dodged the cold bug, but I knew this
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Every Teacher Needs a Champion
Five years ago, I left my familiar junior high school to move to a new district and a new grade level. I was excited for a new challenge after teaching the same thing for 11 years and felt confident because
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#MomLife: Tips for Juggling It All
Meet Brooks Nash Clark, my seven and a half-month-old son. He has red hair, which people love to point out to me, a big gummy smile, and is the cutest little man I’ve ever met, also the messiest person. How
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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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Get Selfish and Avoid the Burn Out with Teacher Self-Care
Self-Care: any necessary human regulatory function which is under individual control, deliberate and self-initiated (Wikipedia) This hot buzz word graces Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, and Facebook in memes and posts as a way to cope with the wild world we live
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Sparking Joy: Marie Kondo in the Classroom
If you haven’t had the absolute pleasure of watching Netflix’s latest phenomenon, you simply must find the time to watch Tidying Up with Marie Kondo. One lazy morning during maternity leave last month, I happened to click on it, and
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Trust, but Verify
I am alternately hopeful, terrified, and jubilant. I check Twitter obsessively. My anxiety is easily triggered. It must be time for the Arizona legislative session. Even in a state known for wacky and colorful political antics, it promises to be
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Using My Teacher Voice
Last year I participated in our statewide teacher walkout. This experience changed my perspective in a myriad of ways. Marching to the capitol with thousands of teachers, administrators, parents, students, and supporters is one of the most memorable moments of
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Keep Calm and Click Submit: Tips for NBCT
Wednesday, May 16, 2018 was a historic day in the Clark household. No, we didn’t buy a new house or bring a baby home. In fact, most people outside of education probably have no idea what I am talking about.
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Clarity through Focus (Part 2) and #RedforEd
What I discovered at our school was something that we already knew: Although we are an urban-based public school within a district with issues mirroring the nation, we had little to no annual teacher turnover. Our students return to a
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