Chances are, you have been on the receiving end of an email from a parent, a colleague, or someone else that is less than kind. I‘ve worked with many teachers who need help responding to these emails and I’ve devised
Read More
I Love My Career!
I often hear words or phrases such as, “I can’t believe you do that job.” Or “There’s a special place in heaven for people like you.” I hear, “Man, no way would I do that job.” Or “I used to
Read More
How I Keep Kindergartners Engaged
Keeping kindergartners engaged is a tough task for any teacher. A friend of mine, a great kindergarten teacher, just told me a story about a class of his. As he was giving extended instructions, one of his students blurted out, “Boooorrrriiiinnggg!”
Read More
Making Rainbows
Reflection is the most important thing a teacher can do if they want to improve. We were told this as preservice teachers and we’re reminded of it constantly. We all know we need to do more of it in order
Read More
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?”
Read More
Christmas in Phoenix 2019
I do not know how it happened, but somehow the Christmas Season has arrived! There are many that hold that the season has not started until after Thanksgiving. Yet, there is enough evidence in the stores, on streaming providers, and
Read More
Can I Still Teach?
This past summer, I joined one of my community’s Rotary Clubs. For years I had gone to Rotary as a teacher and requested funds for this or that project or to share this or that school update or student success.
Read More
Spreading Kindness
If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude. -Dr. Maya Angelou Think about the emails you get as part of the school staff every day. Now, think about the emails you send every
Read More
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
Read More
Saving Seeds
The weather was gorgeous over the long holiday weekend, mid-80’s, and clear with a light breeze. I finished painting our chicken enclosure, disentangled armfuls of the overgrown bermuda grass from the asparagus patch, and peered at the hopeful sprouts of
Read More