My first year of teaching was exhausting. Literally and figuratively. There were multiple times when I took a nap Friday afternoon and woke up the next morning. But I survived my first year and was proud of what I had done. Yet, when I […]
“Mom, they’re driving me crazy! They used to be so much better behaved. WHY did I go into teaching? Ugh.” I was complaining to my mother about my students. You know, as one does. “Well, I can tell it’s May,” she replied. “You always complain […]
I had assigned a writing project to my US History students; when they were turned in I had 1 extra. That’s right. One extra. In addition to his graded assignment, a student actually created a SECOND project and turned it in. For funsies. That’s when […]
“So, I’m going to take 7 IB classes next year, Ms. P”. Josh was a junior, getting ready to apply to competitive schools the next fall. There was NO need to take all IB classes, but he insisted. I’d taught Josh when he was […]
Let’s face it – it’s been a rough political year. Really rough. I don’t drink and I really want a drink. However, the 2018 State of the Union speech is upon us again. So, let’s make the best of it! When I taught US Government, […]
Looking at my older brother’s yearbook pictures from the 1980s are a treat. (Sadly, he would not let me actually share them with you.) In 7th grade, he was clearly listening to hip-hop. In 8th grade, he was watching Miami Vice. Think turquoise t-shirt under […]
Teens don’t read for class. I came to this conclusion within my first year of teaching and I have never been proven wrong. Many students, even seniors in AP US Government, simply refuse to read textbooks. Drives.me.crazy. No AP teacher, no matter how fast he […]
It was the end of a very long day. Sassy students, technology fails, and (joy!) a staff meeting after school. I was working at home, writing a lesson plan for the next day. Needing a file from a co-worker, I checked my e-mail. And there […]
I love podcasts. Like really love podcasts. I probably listen to 10 hours of podcasts a week while walking outside, cooking, driving, working on the computer . . . you get the point. I listen to a variety of podcasts, but most fall under a typical […]
The last week was ROUGH. Like “Where is the chocolate? I need it in my mouth right now before I end up crying in the fetal position” kind of rough. Even more than a week later, I am still processing what happened in Charlottesville and […]
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