He Gave Me A Melody

Of the blog posts I’ve written, the only one that keeps being read and shared more than any of the others, is Why Race Matters for This White Teacher and I hope you’ll check it out, too.  To summarize it, I had to come to terms with my own prejudice and be proactive about changingContinue reading “Courageous Conversations: Race Matters”

Not trying to brag or sound conceited in any way, but I’ve been told by administrators & colleagues that I have a “magic touch” when dealing with parents who can be a little hard to love. They’re the parents used to getting negative, weekly phone calls. They’re the ones who started screening calls & stoppedContinue reading “It’s Not Magic”

Today is a new day.  This school year is brand new.  In many ways, it can feel overwhelming because the work we do seems impossibly hard and uphill most days.  That’s the life of a teacher.  Someone who can’t sleep because tomorrow is a big testing day or a school-wide performance… someone who gets theirContinue reading “Welcome Back To School: Salty Edition”

This time of year, it’s not uncommon to find many parents of school-aged children bemoaning the school supply shuffle.  And who can blame them? Having three of my own to buy supplies for, it can really add up! So we are always appreciative of those who post where the best sales are available, and forContinue reading “On Giving Backpacks”

Dear New Teacher, Welcome to the noblest of all professions, and like all noble journeys, the burden is great and oftentimes feels too heavy.  When I think back on the night before my first day of teaching and my first night of being a new parent, my thoughts were incredibly similar, “Who thought it wasContinue reading “Dear New Teacher, WELCOME!”

Back in my college days, I loved learning about emergent literacy, or the way kids naturally learn reading skills by watching the most important adults in their lives (parents/older siblings) enjoy reading! Now, as a parent myself, who once struggled in math, I see the same can be true for a math mindset. Watching myContinue reading “Math Mindset”

This time last year I was headed off to the ISTE conference in San Antonio. It was so exciting! I was about halfway through my last pregnancy, but I felt great! The school year had ended on a high note, and everything felt bright. My Snapchat and Facebook Memories are bittersweet as I look onContinue reading “The Fire Within”

I came into work this Saturday, but all I want to do is be home with my family.  The deadlines, due dates, and all I am struggling with are keeping me from the work I am here for.  I am 100% sure I am not alone.  I’m about to leave and go home to beContinue reading “End of the Year Prayer”