When I was little, I used to say to my friends, “Meet me at my swing set.” My daughter says, “I’m meeting my friend at the left corner of Stomp io” (an Internet game). This is true for many parents
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Let’s Play! Maybe Older Students Need Recess, Too!
Today was the first day of AZELLA testing for my 7th grade introduction level English Language Development class. They were very nervous during the first subtest (Listening), and then we had quite a bit of time to relax. It wasn’t
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Teacher Recruitment: Begin Within
It’s hard to believe, but the time is almost here. Teacher contracts come out next month. Leadership teams across districts are having meetings and discussions about which teachers plan to return. With cautious optimism, they discuss the teachers they really
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Automation Assumptions
Like many, our family received one of those newfangled wifi camera doorbells this holiday season. Now, I can ask my listening device to start my robot vacuum while grasping a minicomputer that holds access to all of my personal information
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All I Want for Christmas: A Teacher’s Legislative Wishlist
Even though I’m listening to Wham’s “Last Christmas” for the third time today, I know the Ghost of Christmas Future looms right around the corner – for January brings the beginning of the Arizona legislative session. I’ve written before about
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To Infinity and Beyond! Advocating for the Future
I’ve been wearing red every Wednesday since March 2018. I’ve worn it for better teacher wages, for more funding for student resources, for building repairs and curriculum updates, and as a desperate plea for respect for the teaching profession. I’ve
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WE’RE NUMBER ONE!
Arizona is Ranked #1! Wow! That’s amazing. #1 in what? On the ALEC report card for K-12 Performance, Progress, and Reform. Have you had this conversation? Maybe you haven’t. My question is: How can Arizona be ranked #1 by ALEC
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Thankful for Yes
“Hey, are you willing to try something in your classroom?” “Can I come in your class and test something out with your students?” “I just read about a really intriguing strategy, will you read it and see what you think?”
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Lessons in Loss, Failure, and Apathy: The Dysart Override/Bond Election
Our bond and override election didn’t pass. Initially, I didn’t know what to say when everyone asked me in an incredulous tone “So…what happened there?” I’m trying not to be bitter about my hours of door-knocking. I’m trying to ignore
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Chaos or Calm? You Have Control
There’s a funny teacher shirt that always makes me smile. It has the words “Chaos Coordinator” blazon across the front in fancy glitter writing. Being a teacher sure feels like that, right? (especially if you teach preschool or kindergarten!) But
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