I am really excited about the changes coming to my district next year. Many of my peers are moving to new leadership positions, and I may even be working in a different capacity. For me, one of the best parts
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Planning Blind: The Limitations of Test Scores
Warning: Grumpy face. You’ve run the race, and you need to start strategizing how you will train for the next one. But you won’t know the results of the race for months. Innovation can be exhilarating… as well as exhausting,
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In Appreciation of Teachers
In my 14 years of classroom teaching, I feel like I took Teacher Appreciation Week for granted. I didn’t really feel the need to be appreciated. I loved what I did and I felt the love from 150 high school
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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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Loving Intentions and Liking Our Students
There is a sign on the door of my classroom that says “I <3 My Students” (with an actual heart). It is cut out in the shape of a heart and made on sunset colored poster board. I made it
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In Search of New Perspectives
In undergrad, I recall having a class discussion about how many ‘hats’ teachers had to wear. It was accompanied by a cartoon with a leaning tower of ball caps precariously placed atop a teacher’s head. I am sure you are
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The first moments
Ahhhhhh April. The Palo Verdes are blooming, allergy medicine is sold out at both CVS and Walgreens, Promposals are seemingly happening everywhere. Spring has sprung in Arizona. April is the time when teacher’s thoughts turn to that of AZMerit and,
Read MoreWhat Is Specially Designed Instruction & Why Does It Matter?
With so many educational terms being thrown around on a day-to-day basis it can be difficult to keep track of all the new vocabulary coming our way. We have name-dropped so many acronyms and one-word hit wonders in education, have
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Staying Present
Recently, I read the AZK12 Center’s Homeroom Article: Make the Most of Your Commute: 8 Tips for Teachers. This article provided several strategies and suggestions to use when you are stuck behind the wheel. One that stood out for me
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Keep the Student in Student Teacher
Dear Student Teacher, Congratulations! In a few months, you will begin the part of your college experience that you have likely been waiting for forever – student teaching. I hope that your student teaching experience gives you all the tools
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