Friday, December 13th started like every other day. I got up around 4:30 went for a run with the dogs, had a cup of coffee and began to think about the day ahead. When I had gotten to school we
Read MoreThe Day I Met a Black Santa (A Childhood Memory)
I almost didn't post this, because it's more about ethnicity, race and culture than it is about school. However, I thought I'd share this childhood memory. I still remember what it felt like when I was a kid and I
Read MoreThe Changing Face of Inattention
A student who had been absent in algebra came in to make up work. She needed to create a reference sheet that showed the graphs of different kinds of functions. She was logged in and asked where to find the
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An Invitation to a Feast of Ideas
I commit to not making assumptions about your intentions. In a conspiracy obsessed nation, I understand that just because I can connect the dots, doesn’t mean that they’re connected. I ask you to do the same.
Read MoreSometimes Global Isn’t Authentic
My students finished a project where they developed a product, sketched it out, "launched" an advertising campaign and created a website for it. I pushed them to think about the dark side of commercialism and the way that their product
Read MoreWhere the Rubber Meets the Road
It's college essay season. My seniors recently submitted theirs and I am giving them guidance before they go "live" with them, applying for entrance to schools near and far. The essays I like the best are the ones that explain
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Re: The 103rd Arizona Town Hall – Early Education In Arizona
Early in November approximately 150 stakeholders gathered at the Grand Canyon for the 103rd Arizona Town Hall. The topic was Early Education In Arizona. Between meals featuring experts talking about topics as wide ranging as brain science and the rate-of-return
Read MoreDo As I Do
I teach high school English and Reading Strategies. And I read, and I write, for a range of audiences and purposes. Besides enjoying these activities, I think it is good personal policy. All teachers should do what they ask students
Read MoreFrom “Living for Teaching” to “Teaching for a Living”
I used to believe that teaching was my identity. I saw it as a vocation in the oldest sense – vocare, a calling. I spent my free time grading, lesson planning and reading up on journal articles. I felt inspired
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