TL;DR: Read a reflection on some pieces of Dana’s journey in K-12 education. There are many people to thank over the course of 20 years. This week, in early August, I recall it being exactly 20 years since I first came to Colorado and began my journey in K-12 education. World Traveller Context I lived in Quebec City, Canada for … Read More
See the Ability Behind a Disability
TL;DR: Understanding differing abilities help us define the obstacles and the bias about ableism. Lesson plan ideas on talking about abilities and special needs by putting the person first. Explore a growth mindset while learning about biased perspectives. Equity and Inclusion Reflection Questions: Why does the society we live in consider able-bodied individuals as having more value? Think of a … Read More
Episode #180: Will McDonough
Recently named one of the Global Forum on Education and Learning (GFEL) “Top 100 Visionaries in Education” for the year 2020, Will McDonough is an educator, author, diversity practitioner, speaker and thought leader who was raised in a one-room schoolhouse in the mountains of northern New Hampshire. As the child of a street performing juggler/storyteller and a teacher of the … Read More
Show 84: Facilitating Effective and Valuable Student Discussions
We had the pleasure of speaking with the 2022 Tennessee Teacher of the Year Morgan Rankin. She offers honest insight and reflects on her own upcoming transition from third grade to second grade. She creates an atmosphere where students feel empowered and encouraged to participate in valuable and effective conversations. Her strategies for encouraging student voice are easy to follow … Read More
Think Better: Staying Present and Leaving Shouldville Behind
TL;DR: Many teachers battle with shouldville—all of the things we should do or have done. Dwelling on all the things can cause stress, anxiety, and resentment. Make sure you are really focusing on what is most beneficial including your own personal time. As an educator, August was always the month that I quickly found myself living in shouldville. I would find … Read More