When education is hard to swallow

There are many times when education is hard to swallow. Look at education "reform" in this country. It's pathetic. But there are a lot more mundane day to day examples too. The truth is that we encounter these little things every day, sometimes so often that we fail to notice them. Sometimes when we do…

You Know You’re an Elem.Ed. Teacher When…

You get grammar songs stuck in your head. Overnight. You arrive at work in the dark, and leave in the dark, and are still taking grading home. Eating alone is a privilege. You carry your phone in your pocket as much as possible because it counts your steps and that's the most exercise you're ever…

November 24th: Kid Thanksgiving

They didn't finish and they have some interesting handwriting but...

A Bit of Perspective

It is not often that I take a step back from being disappointed with my line of work and actually appreciate what it is I'm doing. I should do that more often. But I'm more of a chronic critic than anything, and pointing out the charms doesn't come as naturally as pointing out the flaws.…

Miss R. and the Bionic Eye

I had just taken my students down the hall to the cafeteria and sneaked back into my room. The lights were mostly off so as not to alert anyone to my presence, and I sat behind a file cabinet, finally checking my phone, drinking some water, eating my lunch, and enjoying the comparative silence. Then…

My First Day of Third Grade

I survived my first day of third grade, for the second time in my life. The difference is that this time I wasn't the awkward new kid coming in in the middle of the year. This time I was the awkward new teacher coming in the day before Day 1 and pretending to be in…

Penpals

I've always loved the idea of penpals. Despite the dying art of real letter writing, I think I'd really get into it. These days I'm sure it would be easier to find someone who would write you emails than to use a pen and paper, but that's okay too. Getting to know someone entirely through…