October 2019 - STORIES FROM SCHOOL AZ

What’s in an A?

October 29, 2019Nicole Wolff Assessment, Education, Education Policy, Elementary

In Arizona, school letter grades come out in the fall. I found out my school earned an A grade in October 2018, at a time when I was completely absorbed in my state’s election. I’m an Arizona teacher and I

Bilingualism is a Two Way Road

October 28, 2019Yolanda Wheelington Current Affairs, Education, Education Policy, Elementary, Life in the Classroom

‘English Only’ Laws in Education on Verge of Extinction was the title that immediately caught my eye during my recent review of Education Weekly. The article, written by Corey Mitchell gave a brief overview of the history of bilingual education

One Week

October 26, 2019Jen Robinson Uncategorized

Lately, I have been thinking about teacher evaluations, classroom observations and walkthroughs. As our first quarter of school came to a close, I stopped to reflect on my practice. What data, comments or feedback helps teachers move their practice forward?

To Don’t List- Give Yourself A Break!

October 25, 2019Elizabeth Schley Evans Current Affairs, Education, Life in the Classroom, Love

“You are so lucky you get a two week break for fall break!” Yes. Yes, I am lucky. I am also unpaid during this two week break. My contract is for 202 days and these 10 days do not count.

Running Out of Time

October 23, 2019Rachel Perugini Uncategorized

I am naturally a fast paced person. Like the Energizer Bunny, I bounce around all day long until I get home, bounce slower, and eventually crash into my bed to recharge. Despite all my bouncing, I still have the same

Inner Circle

October 23, 2019Kyle Bragg Education

Our brains are easily persuaded by self-talk. When facing adversity, it’s natural to think about doubts and harder to focus on the positives. Life, especially in teaching, is full of challenges. As I tell my students, “If you think you

Who Should Have Seniority?

October 22, 2019Sandy Merz Uncategorized

A Return to Work (RTW) teacher in Arizona is one who retires, begins to receive their full pension, but stays on in their teaching position earning a percentage of their salary. This is legal because the RTW teacher technically becomes

Bonds and Overrides and the Public, Oh My!

October 21, 2019Beth Maloney Current Affairs, Education, Education Policy, Life in the Classroom, Social Issues, Teacher Leadership

As a busy teacher/advocate, I am careful to whom I rent space in my head, meaning, I don’t perseverate about things outside my control as much as I did as a newer teacher. Angry parents don’t phase me anymore. Administrative

NOT a Superhero

October 18, 2019Jess Ledbetter Current Affairs, Life in the Classroom, Teacher Leadership

So everyone dreams about being a superhero when they’re a kid, right? The idea of cape-crusading, building-climbing, crime-defeating glory sounds pretty awesome to anyone under ten. Superheroes are known for saving the world in cool costumes while soaking up love

Most Spirited

October 17, 2019James King Uncategorized

Earlier this week, just a few moments after sunrise, I found myself looking down at my school from atop a steep slope. I was pulling weeds, and raking a rocky hillside. No. This was not penance for some classroom stunt.