Carol Dweck coined the term “growth mindset” in 2006 when she wrote her seminal work, “Mindset“. Since then, thousands of educators, schools, and districts have adopted the terminology of a growth mindset to describe the concept that intelligence is malleable. Children are learning that they can get smarter and stronger brains with effort, practice, and…
Do You Believe What I Believe?
Do you believe what I believe? Do you know your why for your life? For being in education? Your why is the foundation for the choices you make and it directs the path you follow. It’s why you do the things you do. Think about why you became a teacher. Was it to make a…
How to Do a Classroom Makeover in 3 Hours
At the beginning of my school year in 2016, I began my school year on the day all us teachers return—not one day earlier. I know, you’re probably laughing at my naiveté. But you have to remember I hadn’t been in the classroom for 3 years. I assumed that I would have time to set…
Top 3 Reasons Teaching in 2018 is Awesome
Every time I watch a movie that includes a U.S. classroom setting, I always see at least three glaring inconsistencies with real life teaching. The first thing I notice is there is ALWAYS a chalkboard—no matter what year the movie is set in! There could be some amazing learning occurring in this pretend classroom and…
Happy Birthday!
Every year on the day of my birth, I perceive my day differently than all the others. I am intentional about caring for myself, enjoying each moment, and doing what feels good. There’s not a thing that’s hedonistic about the day—I just take the time to savor it. My birthday is essentially a sacred day,…