This semester I have written about my huge ego, seeking help from peers, learning from podcasts, and bringing in experience from previous jobs. This time, I want to focus on who matters most: my students. As a new teacher, I
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Setting Resolutions: A 30 Day Challenge
Today officially ends the first half of my school year and, with that, starts my brain thinking about the new year and new semester. New Year’s Eve brings with it resolutions, and I fail at mine along with half the
Read More“Know When To Hold Em’ and Know When to Fold em”
“Know When to Hold em’ and Know When to Fold Them,” has become the most powerful phrase for me when training teachers. I was listening to a phenomenal 3P’s podcast -Season 4, Episode 9, with Dr. John Almarode and he
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Journey to National Board Certification
A few weeks ago, I opened my email to see the date I have been waiting for since May – the date National Board would release the scores, December 1, 2018. I have been waiting for this date for two
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Star-Life-NBCT
Today is December 18, 2018. it’s NBCT balloon day in Arizona! It’s Eagle Scout Court of Honor for my son. Do these events have anything in common? I like to think they do. National Board Certification is the “gold standard”
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Applying the Principles of “Good to Great” in the Classroom
National Board score releases have come and gone and I was relieved to see the “Congratulations!” banner come across my screen. That was a sweet, sweet moment and I am thankful to all of those who helped and supported
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Caring is the Best Professional Development
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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