Making students who move from school to school feel welcome. A Florida newspaper reporter asked me what life is like for the student who moves three or more times a year. So I gave him this scenario, and the conversation developed from there: A Typical Scenario You are a fifth grade student. Your mom wakes
Five tips for finding teaching success in a new school. Transitioning to a new school after 10 years can be overwhelming to say the least. I know from experience. However, the transition can be smoother and less stressful with the help of friends, colleagues, administrators, and these Five Rs: 1. Re-familiarize yourself with standards, goals, and
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Comparing middle level and college instruction. Career changes often come with feelings of apprehension, excitement, and concern. At the same time, they also present an opportunity to reflect, process information, and use the change as a springboard for future and greater success. After 15 years in the public schools as a teacher and administrator, I
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Creating a balance during classroom discussions. “Fine! Don’t call on me!” My student was obviously upset. I hadn’t called on him during the entire lesson. I wasn’t trying to be mean or purposely picking on him. I was experimenting with different lesson interventions, hoping to improve students’ speaking and listening skills in my seventh grade
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Designing an orientation for, not about, incoming students. Every fall, right before the start of school, students from preschool through college attend some sort of school orientation. Orientations provide an overview of what to expect in a new school, including all the classes, programs, and services available, and offer students an opportunity to meet the
Making a comeback to teaching in the middle. I miss teaching. I’m shocked even to admit that. I’m even more shocked to admit that I’m considering a comeback. I’ve spent the past five years trying to separate myself from the teaching profession. My Arkansas Teaching License has done nothing but gather dust since 2010, used