Know when it’s time to put away your superhero cape and call in the reinforcements.
Teach on, everyone!
Fine art can help students develop analysis skills in quick, small doses. Ideally, those skills will transfer to literary analysis
So you’re a veteran teacher who’s thinking about leaving the classroom, but you feel stuck. Maybe you’re near the top of your district’s salary scale and it feels impossible to not only replace your salary but also find a new job that’ll fund your retirement at the same level as your state’s pension program.
You know, you’re right. You might be stuck.
Note: This is an updated repost featuring some of my favorite October lesson ideas. Since October has now become the
Shouldn’t we all aim to be a bit more like Dolly Parton? Talented, funny, smart, kind, and generous, Dolly Parton
I’m a fan of teachers using games and healthy competition to build classroom community. To that end, I built Quarter
Long ago, I dropped traditional grammar instruction for my high school classes in favor of quick hits and individualized feedback.
Thank you for your uplifting words, Laura!
My pleasure, Danielle! I love taking care of my people. 🙂
After a day like today, I can’t tell you how reassuring it is to see your friendly face and hear a much needed pep talk. Thank you. Thank you.
I’m so glad this was helpful, Nancy. We all have those days. Tonight, no school work, okay? Instead, take a nap or take a walk to the park. Tomorrow will be a better day. 🙂
Thank you for your videos and posts! I watch/read them religiously. This is my 5th year teaching, 2nd year as a full-time English teacher. The students I teach are typically below grade level in reading and academics are low on their priorities. Included in the mix are a few “criminals,” I’m sad to say. (I don’t take anything they do personally because I always tell myself, they didn’t get to where they are without a lifetime of problems.)
One problem I’m experiencing is low homework completion rates. They just won’t do it. How do you handle this element of classroom management?
Hey Ykeatonihs,
Thanks for checking in with me. I faced similar struggles when I taught one year at a Community Day School, a program for kids just released from juvenile detention. It was definitely tough. Given your population, I’d definitely rethink traditional homework policies, especially since (I’m guessing) some/many of your students might not have great at-home support.
I wrote about this topic last year when thinking about my own daughter’s homework struggles, but you might find some of these ideas useful for your classes, too: https://lrandazzo.wpcomstaging.com/2015/03/21/fighting-the-good-fight/
Hope this helps!
Laura