There is a moment I can feel in my body, right after someone says, “We are going to honor your time today,” and right before the 47-slide deck begins. In that instant, I decide whether to brace myself or take a 47-minute bathroom break. More than once, teachers have told me they planned to call out sick on a PD … Read More
5 Transformations That Revitalized My Teaching Career
Teaching is a journey filled with highs and lows. There was a time when I felt my passion for education waning, and my classroom management was slipping. It was a challenging period, and I even considered quitting. I realized that to reignite my enthusiasm and enhance my students’ learning experiences, I needed to make some significant changes. Making changes is … Read More
Planning An Inclusive Thanksgiving for K–12 Classrooms
Rethinking the story we tell Thanksgiving, as it is commonly celebrated in the United States, carries a complex and often misunderstood history. Traditionally portrayed as a harmonious feast between Pilgrims and Native Americans, this narrative simplifies a much deeper story—one that reflects broader themes of colonization, resilience, and cultural misunderstanding. The Wampanoag people, who aided the English settlers, had already … Read More
Why Students Act Out and 4 Ways to Create a Calmer Classroom
Managing behavior in the classroom can be one of the biggest challenges we face as educators. The reality is, no one walks into their classroom hoping for a day filled with disruptions and discipline issues. Yet, despite our best intentions, students still act out. Why does this happen, and more importantly, how can we address it in a way that … Read More
3 Things School Leaders Need to STOP Doing.
I’m going to be honest here, because leaders deserve honesty, too. Being a school leader today is no joke. You’re juggling expectations from the district, the community, your staff, and your own desire to make a difference. It’s a high-stakes balancing act, and the pressure is real. But in the pursuit of doing more and being everything to everyone, many … Read More