Mar 01, 2019

Journey to America

I am an ELL teacher at a public high school. Of the 1,200 students who attend, about 150 of them are refugee and immigrant students who come from more than 20 countries, including Nepal, Liberia, Iraq, Somalia, Vietnam, and Mexico. I have a mix of ninth to twelfth graders in all classes. I emphasize writing and speaking in the curriculum through an intensive writing and public speaking project called Journey to America.

Feb 22, 2019

Our Students are Watching: Embracing SEL in the Classroom

A year ago, I boarded an airplane and took my window seat next to a middle school girl and her mom. We were about to take off and travel the length of the country when I heard delighted laughter coming from my row mates. Of course, I wanted to know what was so funny, so I listened a little closer, which is not hard when you are seated on a crowded airplane.

Feb 15, 2019

Our Top Five Resources in January 2019

Each month we publish blogs and newsletters full of digital learning, funding, professional growth, social media, and STEM resources. Below are items from our blogs and newsletters that educators turned to the most in January.

Feb 08, 2019

What’s Your Why?

I've had the opportunity to speak at various colleges around my state this year. Although each campus has its own flavor, I am guaranteed to be asked one question at some point in my visit—usually from a student teacher. Although it comes in many forms, it goes something like this: “I'm student teaching. Whenever other teachers in my building find out I’m going to become a teacher they ask why. They say get out while you still can.”

Although I disagree with the statement, the question is necessary—why are you teaching? My why comes in two parts: it’s for myself and my students.

Feb 01, 2019

Push (Ups) for Growth

By the time students reach high school, they have fully embraced a particular idea of themselves as a learner. I frequently hear students say things like “I’m not good at math,” “reading is too hard,” or “I don’t do well on tests.” These comments are made by bright young people who are too young to give up. What I know for certain is that they want and need a teacher to tell them they are wrong.

Jan 25, 2019

To Teach Or Not To Teach: An Educator’s Shakespearean Struggle

I almost shortchanged Shakespeare this semester. And I love him. I love the excitement in his plays; I love his characters—especially those strong, “saucy” females! I love the pomp and illustriousness of it all. I love the linguistic rhythm and how dance-like it is.

But I am a harried English teacher returning from a yearlong sabbatical and teaching two preps I have never taught in prior years. I am rushed and frazzled in ways I haven’t experienced since I was a first-year teacher.

Jan 18, 2019

Our Top Five Resources in December 2018

Each month we publish blogs and several newsletters full of digital learning, funding, professional growth, social media, and STEM resources. Below are items from our blogs and newsletters that educators turned to the most in December.

Jan 11, 2019

Power of One

I can remember the feeling of dread resting heavy in my stomach as I sat in my first grade classroom. I remember the taste of the green medicine I had to take to combat the ulcers I developed from stress and the overwhelming feeling of not being good enough. I remember crying at home and not wanting to go to school, and lying in bed at night completely consumed with anxiety and fear. I remember my teacher lying to my parents and the principal about me and feeling completely helpless. I remember having no friends and feeling like a failure. I remember the power that first grade teacher held over me—shaping me into a nervous, anxious child who took absolutely no risks and focused solely on being perfect. Yet no matter how hard I tried, I never was. If you asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up as I finished first grade, I never would have said teacher. I didn’t think very highly of teachers at that point.

Jan 04, 2019

Fostering a Deeper Respect for Different People and Perspectives

Every year, in early August, I ask my students to bring in an item that represents them or their cultures. Some of my students bring in baby pictures, items that they use while participating in their favorite sport, or even souvenirs from a family vacation. One day, a student named Pranitha came dressed in traditional Indian attire. She talked about how it was a family tradition to make the earrings that accompanied her outfit.

Dec 28, 2018

Top 18 in 2018

Each month we publish blogs and several newsletters full of digital learning, funding, professional growth, social media, and STEM resources. Below are items from our blogs and newsletters that educators turned to the most in 2018.

Dec 21, 2018

Our Top 5 Resources in November 2018

Each month we publish blogs and several newsletters full of digital learning, funding, professional growth, social media, and STEM resources. Below are items from our blogs and newsletters that educators turned to the most in November.

Dec 14, 2018

How Constructive Connections Can Change Your Classroom

I have received more apologies from former students in the drive-through of fast food restaurants than I can count. The scene is always the same: I place my order, feel a bit embarrassed that my desire to eat local and organic food has been foiled once again, and then pull up to get my order. I roll down my window and hear, “Mrs. C!” Each time, I recognize the face—older than what I remember, but always the same smile. Almost immediately, the words start cascading out of their mouth: “I’m so sorry for how I acted in high school.”

Dec 07, 2018

Building Relationships and Empathy with EdTech

One of the most powerful moments in my 22 years of teaching occurred on the last day of the school year. 

Nov 30, 2018

Just One Hour

Next week, December 3–9, students and educators worldwide are encouraged to spend an hour during the school week to explore the concepts of coding and computational thinking through Hour of Code. Code.org provides an opportunity for all learners, young and old, to explore something new and different.

Nov 23, 2018

Can this 12-Step Program from Finland Aid U.S. Education?