We call it testing season in the education world. It’s that 6 weeks at the end of the school year where the typical Florida high school becomes not much more than a standardized testing location for the FSA, EOC, AP, … Continue reading Do not be afraid

When I press play on each new episode of #advicetomyHSself I do so without any expectation of where things will go. I do not give a fancy introduction or a guiding question. This is generally considered poor teaching practice. But … Continue reading You are not an unlikeable troll

Today I launched Episode 4 of #advicetomyHSself, spotlighing my colleague, Kindra Pinnace. After showing it to the students, they commented on Kindra’s powerful message of acceptance of self, “I am enough.” Later, we read some comedy writing from Tina Fey, a funny … Continue reading We are enough.

Some people do their best thinking in the shower. I do my best thinking on long walks. Last summer, as I trailed past a construction site where 8 men worked atop a roof in the unforgiving 98-degree Florida sun, I … Continue reading Joy in Creating

On a recent trip to our public library, my children explored a “technology” table displaying artifacts like the answering machine, a VHS tape, floppy disk, phones with cords, slide carousel projector, an Apple IIe, and of course, a typewriter. Typewriters … Continue reading As The Pendulum Swings

Two years ago I stepped out of my comfort zone and applied for a new position in our district called Teacher Leader. The position had been around for a year and I had an idea of what was involved, but … Continue reading My Classroom & Office

Every memory I have of my childhood casts pens, pencils, crayons, and paper in the lead roles. These were the implements of my dreams. I worked in words and images and stories from the moment I was able to communicate. … Continue reading My Blog Story

When students are given the opportunity to be honest and open about what really happened, I find that they actually stay true to their word. Continue reading Data Dialogue with Students

I’ve been reading about #ObserveMe since August and I’ve been thinking about how best to roll it out at my school. It took me until November to make the move. I had three months to ponder the idea. My colleagues had one week. Continue reading Reflecting on #ObserveMe

Soul-sucking. Exhausting. Weary. That’s what late October and early November feel like for teachers. I was feeling it in the English Department last week and wanted to do something small to liven spirits. I truly appreciate the work each and … Continue reading Combat DEVOLSON

I checked an item off the ol’ ubiquitous Bucket List last weekend when I happened upon one of these adorable Little Free Libraries while walking around Buckhead in Atlanta. The idea is simple–leave a book, take a book. There’s something … Continue reading Little Free Library