I’ve never been in a career other than teaching, but I imagine that there are many jobs in which, when you clock out and leave at the end of the day, you are actually done until you clock back in the next morning. In fact, I know for a fact that this is true. From… Continue reading Treading water
Today, I’d like to share my thoughts on sharing – specifically, sharing the materials I create as a teacher, and how that could and should be done. In this day and age of instant access, this issue is something that I am very conflicted about, and I’m really curious to see how others feel. Is… Continue reading Teaching in the sharing economy
“The Sun will rise and set regardless. What we choose to do with the light while it’s here is up to us.” – Alexandra Elle I try my darnedest to make the most of the 45 minutes of “light” I am given to divide among 25 or so students every day. But sometimes, unannounced interruptions… Continue reading The importance of timing
When there was no more room for error Tuesday night, I cried. I cried for myself and my guilt and my future but mostly for my children. The results of the election we held at our school were overwhelmingly in favor of Hillary Clinton, and my classes had been no exception, so I knew that… Continue reading How I’m dealing with election fallout as a classroom teacher
I would imagine that all jobs entail a series of “unwritten rules” and additional understandings and protocol not listed in the contract. I’m here to respond to complaints that I hear all too frequently from teachers who have already accepted their positions — as both a counter position and a word of caution to those… Continue reading Fault versus responsibility
There’s a growing trend to want to treat schools as businesses – from pay-for-performance evaluations and ratings systems to the redesign and restructuring of districts and central offices, teachers are the line or office workers, and principals and superintendents are the bosses and CEOs. Before this goes any further, I want to point out a… Continue reading 3 reasons we can’t treat schools as businesses
Beyond the Bubble Sheet 