As we climbed into the dusty school van, I wondered what the next sixty minutes held. My assistant principal jumped behind the wheel while my principal settled into the front seat as the new teachers, myself included, climbed into the
Read More
My All-Star TOY School
This past week, I sat on the interview panel for Arizona Rural Teacher of the Year. I have worked with Teachers of the Year in the past and I know the quality of teachers they are. In fact, I nominated
Read More
Should Undocumented Teachers Be Allowed to Cross Professional Borders? Final Thoughts
In an attempt to ease our open-position crisis, recently passed Senate Bill 1042 permits schools to hire applicants with content expertise but no coursework in education. The law applies to grades six through twelve, as does this series of posts.
Read More
A Letter: Dear Experienced Teacher in a New Situation
Welcome back to school! For some reason, whether by choice or mandate, you find yourself in a new situation this year. Perhaps you changed grade levels, classrooms, schools, districts, or even crossed state borders. You crammed things into boxes, worked
Read More
The True Meaning of Collaboration
After twenty-plus years working in schools, I’ve done it all….almost. I’ve taught various subjects and several grade levels; served as a school principal and college counselor; had my share of hard talks with parents and students; and delivered commencement speeches.
Read More
Summer Learnin,’ Had Me a Blast
I’m usually a firm believer in the “too much rest is rust” saying by Sir Walter Scott. However, upon completing the school year in May, my body needed a little time to rust, I mean, rest. Summer days driftin’ away
Read More
Should Undocumented Teachers Be Allowed to Cross Professional Borders? Part Two
In an attempt to ease Arizona’s open-position crisis, recently passed Senate Bill 1042 permits schools to hire applicants with content expertise but no coursework in education. The law applies to grades six through twelve, as do the vignettes that follow.
Read More
Should Undocumented Teachers Be Allowed to Cross Professional Borders? Part One
In an attempt to ease Arizona’s open-position crisis, Senate Bill 1042 permits schools to hire applicants with content expertise but no coursework in education. The law applies to grades six through twelve, as do the comments below. (Part Two contains
Read More