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
Tag: Teaching
Breaking Point
Educators. I see you and feel you. Teaching today is pushing us beyond our human limits. Protect your breaking point.
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
Lessons from People with Abilities
I have been working with and for people with disabilities for decades. I have concluded that almost everything of value that I have learned in my life is credited to individuals with disabilities. I can say without hesitation, I would be an incomplete person had I not chosen to devote my life to special education. … Continue reading Lessons from People with Abilities
The F Word
A colleague of mine was wiping out an old work computer and found a video clip from years ago. In the video, students were participating in interviews unaware that their favorite teachers were dancing in the background like fools. As I watched this clip I was filled with a warm, familiar feeling that resonated … Continue reading The F Word
Parent Overload
Caution: You will not receive any apps, websites, virtual tours, or downloadable worksheets in the contents of this message. Enough is enough already. Parents have been inundated with websites, apps, worksheets, pictures of perfect schedules, and a variety of Pinterest mommy-perfect resources. They have been given a boatload of options, yet are told to keep … Continue reading Parent Overload
I’m a Teacher not a “Homeschooler”
Confessions from a teacher who was never meant to homeschool her children… When schools across America shut down, non-educators were able to get a front row seat to the challenges involved with teaching kids. As a special educator who has taught kindergarten through 8th grade, I thought I would easily slip into my role as … Continue reading I’m a Teacher not a “Homeschooler”
To whom it may concern,
A week ago I was consumed with worry. I was worried about students getting their work completed on time. I was worried about teachers not having what they need to do their best. I was worried about numbers and spreadsheets. I was caught up with the illusive nature of time and how there was never … Continue reading To whom it may concern,
Awake & Accelerate 