by Livia Chan | 6.27.21
In the very first week of school, my students and I have a conversation about our comfort zones. I draw a circle and say, “Everything inside this circle is what’s in your comfort zone: All the things that you do without even batting an eye.”
by Ashley Washington | 8.10.20
When I was growing up, I attended a law-focused magnet school in the Dallas area. All of my classes were centered around the law, with the idea that I’d pursue law school down the road.
by Moira Mazzi | 8.9.20
I always think back-to-school planning is a great time to challenge myself and grow as a teacher – but this year, the challenges are already built in! My school community is going to start the year 100% online, and then move into a hybrid plan as soon as conditions allow – so there’s a lot to think about.
by Bob Friel | 7.21.20
Before our district moved to distance learning, they gave us one last day in class. I remember thinking: How do I make the best of this last moment we’ll have in person together?
by Jorge Valenzuela | 7.10.20
As educators, every day of teaching is an invitation to learn more about ourselves and our practice. And then summers hit, offering us a chance to step back and go even deeper – renew our energies, reflect on our goals and dig into compelling and necessary new learning.
by Keith Piccard | 10.2.19
I start off the school year by going over the scientific method with my students. I ask if they know what a hypothesis is, and they say, “A hypothesis is an educated guess, and then you collect data, and you prove it right or wrong.” And I say, “Well, it’s a little bit more than that. I’m going to tell you a fact: There has never been a hypothesis proven correct. That’s not what science is.”
by Monte Syrie | 9.16.19
As the first days and weeks of school unfold, I’m making sure my students know how much honesty matters in my classroom.
by Sarah Brown Wessling | 9.14.19
On the first day of school last year, I met Alex. It didn’t take me long to recognize he was going to be a student who always held two things at once.
by Monte Syrie | 9.12.19
My biggest back-to-school priority is building community with my students. I’m purposeful about it, because I believe that every class, every day, should start with connection.
by Amanda Holt | 7.31.19
I have my students in sixth grade – but I keep up with them all the way through middle school. Building relationships with kids is at the heart of what I do every year.
