What’s Best For Kids

As teachers, we are constantly trying new things with and for our students. Teaching is an evolving craft that changes from day to day and even minute by minute. We are always looking for ways to make learning the best it can possibly be for our students. Sometimes that means stepping out of the box […]

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Maker Projects

Recently, I have been posting a great deal of content via my Instagram and twitter feeds around things our students have been creating in our library. Yet, as a follower on twitter pointed out to me recently, I really have not shared the how or why with many of the projects. With that in mind, […]

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Tough Topics

Sexual assault, rape, harassment, and abuse are currently hot topics in the world and often ones we don’t like talking about. In light of recent world events, I’ve thought a great deal about these topics and their impact on our society. For many people, it is hard to fathom having to go through a situation […]

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Be More Intentional

I was recently asked what my goals are for the upcoming school year. No, I’m not talking about those goal you write during an evaluation year which have little to no bearing on your actual work with students. I’m talking about those personal goals we set for ourselves to guide our work. For me, my […]

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Stories of the Refugee

Turn on any news station and undoubtedly, you will hear stories pertaining to immigrants and/or refugees. One thing I fear most Americans are struggling with is having empathy for these people. I don’t say that as a criticism, but more a reality of the lives many of us have lived or are living. It is […]

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Questions For Your Administrators

I’ve been accused of being “anti-administration” once or twice before and have shared my thoughts on the topic previously. That’s really not true as I love working with and for effective administrators. There is nothing more uplifting and motivating than working in a building where you know the administration is supportive of your work and […]

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We Need More Honesty

We need more honesty in education and fewer platitudes and false idealism. Far too often, educators willing to call out problematic aspects of their jobs or raise criticisms are being labeled as negative or accused of bashing teachers. Yet, in reality, they want nothing more than to lift up their profession and make learning better […]

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Favorite Maker Activities 2018

This year has been one for the ages in terms of the flat-out cool stuff I’ve been able to work on with students. I wanted to share our highlight reel with everyone in hopes it will inspire some great end of the year projects or something to look forward to next year. If you have […]

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Straight White Male

When a student is struggling with their sexuality or gender, I don’t know what to tell them. When an African American student struggles with society’s treatment of people of color, I don’t have an answer. When an autistic student is easily frustrated or acts out, I don’t often know how to help them. When I […]

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