We are just wrapping up state exams. As our tests were online we are able to see the results. All of us have been poring over the results and are heaping praise for those who did well and Monday-morning-quarterbacking for those who didn’t (“If only …
Read More“It’s go time!”
It’s the time of year that experienced teachers learn to loathe – state testing season. In my state, we’re about halfway done. A recent article by Nancy Bailey does a great job of reminding us just how ridiculous the whole thing is. At my last …
Read MoreI (dis)love you
In the state where I work we are approaching the end of the school year as we start in the beginning of August. Our 5th graders are heading off to middle school. Many of us staff members will breathe a sigh of relief as this …
Read More“Once in a while you get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right”
Earlier today, a kid that I’ll call Martin peeked into my office to say hello. When he left, I told my officemate how Martin and I started off on a horrible note and how things between us are far different today. Martin is one of …
Read MorePronoun Trouble
I live in a state that claims to be all about education and families but is ranked in the bottom 5 of US states in terms of teacher salaries. I moved here from a place where my values seemed to be aligned with the people …
Read MoreQuit Taking It Personally!
Teaching is by far the hardest job I’ve ever held. Before entering the classroom, I worked for major corporations as well as unscrupulous startups but nothing was as challenging as being a teacher. I’ve spent a lot of time reminding myself that, when a kid …
Read More“The best reading comprehension strategy is to be able to read the words on the page.”
I read this quote in an Instagram post whose author I cannot recall so I can’t give the appropriate credit. The quote came to me today while working in a classroom where the kids were getting ready for next week’s state exams by working on …
Read MoreThey’re not “scholars”, they are f*%&$#g children!
I’m curious to know who decided to refer to kids as “scholars”. As I wrote in my book, the word “scholar” conjures visions in my mind of bearded Renaissance gentlemen who stroke their beards as they contemplate the weighty issues of human existence. The reason …
Read MoreKids are not pawns
The state I live in has chosen to spend its resources on ensuring that kids do not ever get exposed to ideas that a small minority of people deem inappropriate such as gender identity. Recently, it was decided that an AP African-American Studies class was …
Read MoreLove don’t pay my bills
We got our first paychecks that reflect the raise that our union fought for on our behalf. Before taxes, my “raise” comes out to around $68.20. Once Uncle Sam takes his cut, there’s enough left for a couple of pizzas or maybe a tank full …
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