If Taylor Swift did it, why can’t I? Turning 30 is weird for me, mainly because everyone says it’s great, but I loved my 20s SO much that it’s hard to imagine better! It’s the time I got my dream job…and in that same decade have been referred to as a veteran teacher. I’ve worked with many students in so … Read More
Creating Impactful PD for Teachers
In This Post: Developing impactful professional development takes careful and purposeful planning. Planning your PD sessions to encourage having fun, meet educators where they are, and start and end on time are key to success. Remember that being a learner can be stressful, don’t over plan, and utilize the expertise and experiences of those attending. Developing impactful professional development can … Read More
Lose The Levels – Reconsidering Leveled Libraries
In This Post: Leveled libraries in classrooms is a good idea taken way too far. The level system was created to match readers to texts that best met their reading levels. It has become a rigid system that hinders text choice. The level system is often applied to inappropriate instructional times. The text level-creators themselves – Fountas and Pinnell – … Read More
How to Fight Mental Illness Through Authenticity
In This Post: Authenticity is a growing necessity in education, for both teachers and students. A job may be just a job, but teaching is more than that; it’s a work of love and sacrifice. Although there are certain things we must temper when we are in front of our students, the inherent qualities that define who we are must … Read More
Getting the Most Out of Collaboration Time
In This Post: Time to collaborate with colleagues is limited. We need to take advantage of it. Working together towards a common goal takes flexibility, dedication, vision, a good sense of humor, and a positive mindset. Collaboration time and meetings are not a single event on a single random day. Meetings need to have a plan and protocols. If you … Read More