When I think about the qualities of the teachers I admire, how they share specific traits that elevate their teaching, and their students, to higher levels, I notice first and foremost their self-awareness. The best teachers know themselves best, and they use that knowledge to make sure they are plugged in, that they are…
When Your Passion Is Not Your Calling
So many wonderful teachers cross my path each and every year. There’s something remarkable about almost all of them, but when I met this teacher and heard that she sang Happy Birthday to one of her students in full-on operatic soprano, I knew I’d run across an extraordinary teacher. I got to know her over…
The Essence of Being a Teacher
Thanks to Blake (who coined the term) by Christmas break, I was “Dr. Teacher”. It took me most of the year to understand why the name stuck. “Dr. Teacher” was a simple term of respect for me as their teacher, but it was also a way of making me theirs. No other students before or…
Extraordinary Summer Reads for Extraordinary Teachers
Being Teacher is all about creating extraordinary teaching lives. Here are a few books that have greatly enhanced and influenced my teaching life. I hope they’ll provide you joy, balance, and food for thought! The Creativity Cure: How to Build Happiness with Your Own Two Hands Carrie Baron and Alton Baron Did you know that…
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Top 5 Things I Love About Summer
I know that many of you count down the days to summer and anticipate the last day of school with unbridled bliss. While I’m going to miss the early morning smiles, laughter, and hugs of my children, nothing compares to a much-needed summer break! My eyes filled with tears as my students left on the…