I recently had the opportunity to work for a nationwide initiative called the Teaching New Teachers Project [TNTP]. TNTP has locations across the United States that help career changing adults successfully become classroom teachers in the neediest classrooms. Their locations have the title TEACH, followed by the city name. For example, I had the pleasure…

Technology has changed the way I teach. There are just some things I cannot live without. Below I have compiled the resources I use on a daily basis and that have transformed the way I teach and my students learn. (FYI: the Screen Capture button on my computer does not work, so I had to…

There are many schools of thought on how to group students. In the first few years of my teaching career, I grouped students in even pods with 50% girls and 50% boys. At the time I thought this was my best attempt at behavior management. As I grew as a teacher I realized my groupings…

My students recently had the opportunity to meet a children’s author via SKYPE! Through the blogging world, I came across Kate Messner who is a children’s author. I visited her website and found out she meets with schools regularly to talk about the writing process and all that is involved with being an author “behind-the-scenes.”…

  I have such a love for books! It started when I was a child and my parents read to me before I fell asleep each night. I had lots of favorite picture books, but as I got older my love of reading turned towards education. I read A LOT. But I cannot say I…

Happy Holidays! I am unsure why this phrase is only allowed around Christmas, but it should be used any time there is a holiday! With Halloween upon us, I say… *HAPPY HOLIDAYS* Fall is my favorite time of year. October is my favorite month of the year; not only because my birthday occurs this month,…

I recently presented for Parent University on the topic of the Common Core. Parents come to these presentations to learn more about what is happening in their child’s classroom. During my presentation, one of my fellow student’s parents shared a moving example of how he helps his child think critically during their father-daughter bonding moments.…

DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE?? I am such a visual person that in order for me to learn I have to “See” it. I know my students learn in many ways and a visual aide may help the information sink in deeper. Plus, it helps me teach a concept when I can refer to…

HOT off the press!! The 2012 election is right around the corner! Regardless of your political views, this is a great time to teach students about American freedom and democracy at its finest. As an educator I am remaining neutral in all accounts, but it is very important that I lay the foundation for what…

My school mascot is the Bobcat. In our staff lounge we have a paw board that celebrates our Bobcat staff. The instructions are really easy: grab a paw, write an encouraging word to a staff member, and pin to the board. Voila! You have a positive brag board. I think this is a great way…