When I began my career as a teacher I had 3 fantastic teachers as my teammates. They all grew their students like nobody’s business and excelled at their craft. Within three years, they had all left teaching. Allie, a seasoned veteran, retired at 40. Due to so much anxiety and overwhelm, she had severe health…
One More Good Teacher Bites the Dust
I opened up my email this afternoon to find a letter from my son’s favorite teacher—his reading teacher. She is accepting an instructional coach position and leaving the classroom—after the first nine weeks of school. My son loves her because she’s excited about the subject she teaches and has a great connection to the students….
It’s Fall Y’all!
What gets us out of bed every morning as teachers besides knowing that it’s our job? If you find yourself drearily drudging to school, your kids will notice and you will be miserable. Maybe it’s a good solid work ethic or because “it’s just what you do”, but I know that if I have a…
How to Teach Guided Reading that Works
Do you ever find yourself feeling uninspired or at a loss, and yet your students are right there in front of you at your small group table? I’ve been there. But I want you to know that small group (or guided) reading is a tool through which we can reach all of our students, wherever…
Ideas that Work: E and U
One of the most powerful strategies teachers can use to increase student growth is visible learning. Visible learning means that students reflect and discuss their own learning. One simple way to integrate visible learning into your classroom is through the E and U. EU does not stand for the European Union–the E and U in…