Now that school’s back in swing and I’m feeling that familiar old routine settling in, I’ve noticed my mind has started to wander during the school day the way it’s wont to do. Sure, I’m always thinking about the lesson at hand and surveying the room to see who has a question […]
Education
Teachers’ Guide to Surviving Data Analysis
If you’re employed as a K-12 educator in the United States of America (and possibly elsewhere), you know all too well the unpleasantness that is data analysis. (And if you don’t know anything about that of which I speak, you’re either not paying one bit of attention to what’s happening […]
Don’t Be THAT Parent at Open House
The new school year is here, y’all, and that means open house or parent night is just around the corner. Here’s the thing about that, though. We teachers dread it. We don’t really want to be there. Like, at all. Especially if we’ve already been at school since 7 am, keeping children […]
Should Teachers Monetize Their Classrooms?
Like many teachers, I have been busily investigating best practices for reaching my students this coming school year. Inevitably, in the before-school rush that precedes each new school year, this includes heading to Walmart and the dollar store in a frenzy to purchase items I either don’t have or ran […]
How to Beat the Back to School Blues
It’s almost that time of year again: Time to head back to school. I know, I know. Teachers and students across the country collectively want to punch me in the face right now (while parents likely want to French kiss me). Hey, don’t shoot (or tongue) the messenger, m’kay? It’s officially August […]
I’m Slightly Insulted By Homeschooling
Preface: Some people are going to find this post offensive. Believe me when I say I considered not even writing it before reminding myself that the therapeutic value I gain from writing about things — silly things, dirty things, controversial things — was the whole reason I started this blog in […]
The Teacher’s Child
The teacher’s child sits alone, doodling on a scrap of paper with worn crayons and pens found in couch cushions. “Look at my drawing, Mommy,” he says, proudly thrusting his sketch between her and the stack of papers on her lap. “It’s you.” “That’s great,” the teacher praises, briefly glancing up from […]
I Have a Master’s Degree and I Can’t Afford Health Care
I have a Master’s degree, yet I can’t afford my family’s health care expenses. You may be thinking, So what? Big deal — you have a Master’s degree. Having a Master’s degree doesn’t entitle you to free health care. You’re right. It doesn’t entitle me to anything, really. Except when it […]