Data can guide instruction. I get it. I have used data to guide instruction, and it works.
But just like anything else, too much of a good thing makes it… too much! READ MORE…
Archive for the ‘Education Issues’ Category
3 Jun
Popular Posts in May!
23 May
Why Can’t We Keep the Music Teacher?: Losing Arts in Schools.
I sat, mesmerized, as the music teacher coaxed the most beautiful songs out of 30-40 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders. This was not the first time. I have been to many of her concerts, and I am always amazed. READ MORE
6 May
When is a PLC, Not a PLC?
I wrote a post with this title in 2011.
Fast forward.
A couple of weeks ago we were handed a rubric. The purpose of the rubric was to provide feedback on our PLC. However, it should be understood that the rubric is NOT evaluative.
I think if it walks like it’s evaluative, and talks like it’s evaluative…READ MORE
31 Mar
When Learning is the Last Thing on a Student’s Mind!
I decided to fast on Fridays for Lent. I have never fasted before, so this was as big deal for me. I decided that I would eat something in the morning, and then eat at sunset.
I was hungry.
My stomach started growling a little before lunch.Food was on my mind the entire day. It was hard for me to concentrate on anything but my empty stomach.But here’s the difference between myself and some of the kids we teach. I had a meal waiting for me. I could go to the store, to a restaurant, to a friends, I could eat.READ MORE…
24 Mar
I’m Not Retiring, And You Can’t Make Me!
Are you an “old” teacher?
Are you one of those teachers people think they have the right to ask, “When are you going to retire?”
I had that conversation with a younger 20 something colleague recently.
I wanted to respond to her question by stating, “None of your business.”, but I was polite.
I said, “When my mortgage is paid, or I get really, really, tired of this job.”
She was persistent.READ MORE
18 Mar
I’m Going to Disney World!: Vacationing During School!
“Mrs.M, I’m going to Disney World!”
“Fantastic, have a wonderful time! When are you leaving?”
“The week before Spring Break,we are going for a week!”
My mouth opens, and closes, because I can not say what I want to say. One of my students reminded me years ago, “It’s not my fault.”, and he was right. I’ve learned to keep my mouth shut.READ MORE…
photo credit: Express Monorail via photopin cc
8 Mar
Do I Do That? Teachers in Public!
At the end of the day, one of my students approached me.
“Mrs.M, my mom and I went to a restaurant last night,and we were sitting by three teachers. They were talking about their students and saying mean things. They were calling them stupid, weird, and ugly.”READ MORE…
23 Feb
“I Apologize”:An Open letter to My Students!
Dear Kids,
I am sorry.
I am sorry that, yet again, I am placing another test (or assessment if you like using big words) on your desk. I am sorry that I am, again, forcing you to take another test.
Yes, I know this is the 3rd test in a week, but you don’t understand.READ MORE…
photo credit: Dave Keeshan via photopin cc
28 Jan
I’m Not That Super Teacher: When Teaching Takes Its Toll!
My eyes are burning.
My blood pressure is high for the first time in 53 years.
My doctor swears that I have mild arthritis in my knees.
“Faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, and able to leap tall buildings in a single bound”READ MORE…
