This week marks the beginning of the holiday festivities.  For me, it used to mean the end of trimester one and the beginning of my fall break (I worked at a year-round school). To end the trimester, I would often write a letter to each class.  After reading the letter together, I asked them to respond by answering some questions which I had written down.   Continue Reading...

Bentonville, Arkansas. Whole Hog Café. Differentiated Instruction. Three of my favorites. And three entities worth checking out. Of course, since this is a blog about professional development, I will refrain (mostly) from talking about the two former items and focus on the latter.   Continue Reading...

When my students would ask me why I became I teacher, I responded with the same explanation every time. "Isn't it obvious? I want to be an actress. Here in Los Angeles being a teacher is the best kind of acting because I hold a captive audience for an hour five times a day. I make you laugh in disbelief and cry in agony all by a simple statement like 'Pop quiz.'" (I know, I know I'm hilarious—don't worry folks, I'll be here all week.)   Continue Reading...

What is my first memory of the democratic process in action? 1984 and Reagan's reelection. I knew he won, but that was the extent of my interest. Honestly, the reason I remember that event is because it conflicted with my birthday party.   Continue Reading...

Lurking in teachers' file cabinets for an entire year, the Halloween lesson plan only emerges for one or two classes each October–and yet, these lessons are often some of the most beloved lessons of the school year.   Continue Reading...

Question: What do People magazine and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan have in common?  Continue Reading...

In the wake of two recent suicides in connection to bullying, school systems across the country are reevaluating their policies relating to school discipline and harassment. Students can be overloaded with academic studies and family pressures; no adolescent needs incessant taunting and harassment by the school bully.   Continue Reading...

I am a teacher. I love Facebook. And I'm not alone. The combination has prompted the writing of many articles which advise teachers about how they should handle Facebook in their professional life. In fact, my colleague posted an article about this issue in July. However, few articles have spoken to administrators and solid school policy.   Continue Reading...

I have been so excited reading this email chain from my friend regarding classroom management. She is in the midst of her first year of teaching high school. (Though she's a seasoned educator at the community college, the change to high school has been an adjustment. No surprise.)   Continue Reading...

Teachers, you have so many good ideas for your classroom. Well, here is something that will make those ideas a reality—winning a $500 teacher scholarship or classroom grant. It is worth taking time to apply.

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I recently mentioned the need for emergency lesson plans. And whether or not you already have these in place, take a gander at this post and then make a quick assessment of where you stand. Not that my method is the "gold standard" but see if (1) there is something you can improve about yours and (2) if there is something that you should share with us about yours. There's nothing wrong with taking a little inventory of our work.

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“Miss! My mom got the postcard you sent! ” exclaims Andrea through a genuine grin of pleasure. Searching for more positive reinforcement ideas?  Postcards.  All discipline plans need to address the consequences of student behavior.   And remember, consequences can also be positive.  Sending postcards was one of my positive reinforcement techniques.  Continue Reading...

Are you prepared for your first substitute of the year?  Maybe you’ll be able to plan for your inevitable absence from school, but maybe not.  Either way—contemplate creating a binder or improving the one you have created already. I could have used a substitute binder my first year of teaching when a sledding accident grounded me to my bed for two weeks.  Creating lesson plans while flat on my back was horrible.  Even worse was writing down my rules and procedures for the classroom.  I was on pain killers, need I say more?  Continue Reading...

Classroom procedures are basically sacrosanct in my classroom; I cannot run it without them. In fact, one of my favorite aspects of the new school year is sitting down to assess my classroom procedures. I question, “What worked last year?” “What didn’t work out?” “What did other teachers do well?’ “What should I avoid?” And the overarching question is always “How do I want my classroom to run?” Like clockwork.  Continue Reading...

The joys and jitters of back-to-school are in the hearts of all teachers.  Whether you’re in the classroom teaching already or you’re not starting back until after Labor Day take a few minutes and peruse my list of back-to-school tips.  They may not all apply to your situation, but just as with teaching take the ideas that that work for you and make them your own.  Enjoy!  Continue Reading...