Field Trips Can be Wonderful
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sit through a movie in a dark theater with 132 middle school students? I can explain that situation in one …
3 Reasons Why Great PD is like Great Exercise
I like spin class. Like a lot. I used to be really into running and now I’m really into not running. I actually run away from the ideas of 5ks …
Swatting to Succeed
Normal teacher tools: pencil top erasers, 3-hole punches, Ticonderoga pencils, and Excedrin migraine. Innovative teacher tools: fly swatters! Seriously. I use fly swatters in my class all the time. Not …
If You Really Knew Me: Thankfulness
I have a huge extended family. It consists of 130 7th graders. We don’t sit around a dinning room table and eat turkey together. That kind of meal makes tummy …
The New Trend in Education: Knee Scooters
Do you remember when the cool, trendy thing was getting injured so you could design your crutches? Special wash cloths wrapped around the arm pit holders, colorful duct tape with …
Veterans Day & The Evolution of Awesome
A year ago I was on a 180 day journey. It was a journey of awesome. I made a pledge to myself, to my students, and to my profession …
Why Collecting Papers Should be an Olympic Sport
Any student who has ever been in my class LOVES paper turn in day. Any teacher who has ever seen me present knows why. Because I turn paper collecting into …
My Beverage of Choice is Applesauce.
Straight up, teacher’s don’t have time to eat. Seriously. When was the last time you packed a lunch with full intentions of actually getting nutrients at noon, only to realize …
Halloween: Every Teacher’s Favorite Holiday
Halloween on a school night. Yikes. Wouldn’t it be incredibly convenient for all adults if Oct. 31st could always fall on a Friday night? Teacher dreams… You and I …
5 Ways to Professionally Wear Pants with No Buttons
Spirit Week. For students this is like the most exciting week of the year! Hat day, crazy sweater day, dress like your favorite teacher day. Nothing spices up a …
Teacher Dress Code: Grandma Sweaters
Why is it socially appropriate for teachers to wear the same sweaters that little old ladies who are 78 wear? Because they are AWESOME. Both the teacher and the sweater …
What’s In Your Wallet?
Things adults put in wallets: driver’s license with a weight 15 pounds lighter than reality, a debit card that you have forgotten the PIN number to due to the creation …