When I left the no-excuses charter school that I wrote about, I promised myself that I would never again work in a school setting where the students are referred to as “scholars”. Sure enough, in the district I work at, it’s all “scholar this” and …
Read MoreThe girls of summer
Today was the last day of summer school. When I woke up at 5:15 AM, my tired bones let me know that I was ready for my actual summer break. Overall, it was a rather easy time. The “worst” of the behavior issues were from …
Read MoreWhen it’s time to change
I’ve been chatting a bit with my summer school partner-in-crime about next career steps. She is ready to go and has been rather open about this. I’m of the generation that plays ’em close to the chest but she’s been pretty transparent about her plans. …
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 MoreSisyphus of the Classroom
As a special ed teacher, part of my job is to “push into” classrooms and assist my kids as they do their class work. The law is specific about the distinction between “pushing in” vs “pulling out”. The latter refers to taking kids out of …
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