I recently read a school started a new policy: kids who arrived late spent much of the day sitting in the auditorium as a punishment for the tardiness. My reaction to the article was one of sadness. The past four…
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Distressed students deserve respect
As students and teachers are returning to in-person learning 5 days a week, it is clear the past 18 months have left an enduring impact on the souls of kids and adults. Emotional needs are higher than ever as teachers balance…
Vocabulary is life
I would probably cringe at the number of different methods taught for vocabulary exposure over my 17-year career. From rote memorization (yes… I did this in early years!) to word walls that looked great, but didn’t really have an impact.…
What Are We Teaching Our Kids?
Today’s society promotes the happiest person is one who is fit, eats healthy food, has plenty of friends and family, a great job and perfect Instagram pictures. How many of us can say “I am just killing it!” regarding aspects…
Fresh start for every kid, every day
Tonight I read an Edutopia article, “Fresh Starts for Hard-to-Like Students” by Dr. Allen Mendler and the main points really spoke to me in my current position. My day entails interacting with students and problem-solving issues. As adults, we have…
The L Word
I recently read an article by Dr. Devon Price titled Laziness Does Not Exist But Unseen Barriers Do and it resonated with me, both as an educator and a parent. Dr. Price suggests we ask ourselves the following questions: What…
Mix things up! Celebrity guests in the classroom
Time. It is arguably the #1 constraint of secondary classroom teachers. The pressure of Regents Exams (NYS) and graduation goals are internal pressure points and what is typically (thanks to APPR) used to gauge success. Research clearly shows more learning occurs…
Lessons for 2019
A year ago last week my Grandmother died. She was 96 years old and healthy up to a few weeks before her passing. It was a complete shock to me at the time. I know, it shouldn’t have been. I…
What I learned this year
Today is my least favorite day of the school year – when I have to say goodbye to my kids. We will still be in the same building next year to chat and say hello in the hallway, but it…
Outward appearances can be deceiving: Who defines parent involvement?
How do educators define parent involvement? Do we judge based on the amount of participation at sporting events, parent conferences and in responses (or lack thereof) in communications from the school? I know a Dad who didn’t attend the vast…