TL;DR: The new school year is usually full of different thoughts and emotions because of the change. It’s like switching teams every year with different learners. This post shares a number of tips for the beginning of the school year. Set up a reflection bench to allow students to talk in the corridors. Set up recharge zones filled with books, … Read More
Have Courageous Conversations
TL;DR: Advocate for equity and inclusion by being brave and honest. Know you can’t control the reaction of others, but you can control your actions to create positive spaces. Don’t let the voice of someone be silenced. It’s not ok, so speak up. This post shares 4 steps to having courageous conversations. Journaling/Reflection Questions for Courageous Conversations: Can you plan … Read More
To Work or Not to Work
TL;DR: To think better, we have to be willing to think differently. Consider the questions we ask ourselves. Perhaps rather than asking a question, make a statement. Be mindful of the language you use. Shift your mindset to be present every day. This changes your thinking so instead of thinking ahead, you can focus on now. 3 ways to get … Read More
Creating & Nurturing Linguistically Inclusive Spaces
TL;DR: Dig into your own language identity and reflect on the ways in which language is weaponized. This post shares a number of ways we can create and nurture linguistically inclusive and linguistically safe spaces in our classrooms, schools, and communities. Consider your instructional materials, start a campaign, and engage with your local agencies or businesses. “You’re in America. Speak … Read More
Just a Teacher
TL;DR: In education, there can be a lot of pressure to take roles outside of the classroom. But it is okay to be “just a teacher.” Trust your feelings and follow a path that you desire, not what you think other people want you to do. The first memory I have of wanting to be a teacher was probably in … Read More