“The winner of the Excellence Award is Caitlin Gawlowski!” rings over the school intercom at the end of the day. I was out on duty supervising students at dismissal and actually did not hear it the first time. “Why is
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What’s the Priority?
There have been a lot of changes in my district this year, many being controversial. One of the least controversial changes has been the adoption of what we are calling “priority standards”. That is until I walk into the room.
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Getting Comfortable Being Uncomfortable: Reflections of a NBCT
I first saw the fireworks in December 2018. I added those four little letters to my email signature, and then my life began to change. I was a National Board Certified Teacher! Immediately after becoming an NBCT, I got a
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How Many StuBens is That?
“The team with the most StuBens at the end of 45 minutes wins!” the instructor said. So naturally, I wanted to win the game and started right away to get as many StuBens as possible. This was a simulation I
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It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Holiday themed outfits – check. Holiday read alouds – check. Holiday door decorations – double check. Antsy students – there are not enough checks in the world for this one. Teachers everywhere are beginning to prepare for the holidays in
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A Parents’ Guide to Grades
Dear Parents, I have been an educator for 11 years – 9 years as a classroom teacher, 1 year as an interventionist, and an instructional coach this year. In the last 11 years, I have had many conversations regarding students’
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Finding my Voice: Advocating for National Board Certification, Part 1
I have been trying to find my voice my entire life. Going back to my childhood, I was constantly told that I was too quiet, that I need to speak up or louder; I listened to excuses for my shyness
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Wait… Early Admission to Kindergarten is a Real Thing?
The scene is set in a bedroom, full of clothing piles and random children’s toys scattered around the room. It is nighttime, and one light is on, leaving the room with a dark quiet feeling. Husband, Matt, is laying down
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Putting on my Running Shoes
I stumble into my closet half asleep after my alarm goes off way too early in the morning, and get dressed. Shirt – check. Pants – check Shoes – cute heels, check. A memory from yesterday flashes through my mind
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I AM A TEACHER
The scene is set for any time that I have had a conversation with someone trying to make small talk over the past three months. Person: “So what do you do for work?” Me: “I’m a teacher.” Person: “Oh, that’s
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