Friday Reflections: Communication

This week I am reminded that one of the hardest things for humans to master is effectively communicating.  This one skill impacts every nuance of our lives.  It impacts the quality of our relationships.  It impacts our ability to apply our knowledge and gifts at work.  It impacts how others perceive us. At home or … Continue reading Friday Reflections: Communication

Endurance: Feeling Lost in What’s Next

Dedicated to the many who are questioning their next steps. Have faith. Your resilience allowed you to continually bounce back from difficulty. Your endurance will push you forward with purpose. It is the muscle within the mission. It is fed by your heart, not your mind. Lead, learn, and love no matter where your journey takes you.

Guilt vs Grace

The older I get the more I realize my biggest critic in this life has been myself.  The opposition in my life has merely been an illusion of self-inflicted doubt, judgment, and criticism.  The fact is that though many can be credited with using hurtful words against me, no other person has put me down more than the voice within my very own head.  

Habits for Masterfully Handling Behavior

Now more than ever, teachers are battling to save their sanity and manage increasingly difficult classrooms.  There are many companies out there that have professional development and resources to assist us, yet behavior continues to be the Achilles’ heel for many educators. The truth is that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to classroom management woes.  … Continue reading Habits for Masterfully Handling Behavior

Habits for Masterfully Handling Behavior

Now more than ever, teachers are battling to save their sanity and manage increasingly difficult classrooms.  There are many companies out there that have professional development and resources to assist us, yet behavior continues to be the Achilles’ heel for many educators. The truth is that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to classroom management woes.  … Continue reading Habits for Masterfully Handling Behavior

The Shoulders of a Teacher

In the beginning it was our dreams and aspirations we carried on our shoulders. We also threw in some hope and optimism just because we were told the road ahead may be rocky. It did not take long for us to experience our first heartbreak. Maybe it was a student who was coming from a … Continue reading The Shoulders of a Teacher

Trust: Why I tell my students I love them every day

I begin the year as every teacher does:  In front of new students who do not know me and are cautious about the idea of ever getting to know me.  Even before the dust of our first acquaintance has settled, I make sure to call each of them by name and say the most important … Continue reading Trust: Why I tell my students I love them every day

First Day of School

I just wrapped up my first week of my 18th year of teaching.  It is kind of crazy because I keep waiting for my “burn out”, but here I am.  I can admit that I am in a state of dread for the days leading up to that first day, but it never fails...Once the … Continue reading First Day of School