Inspiration Part I
Although my days are filled to the brim with conferences, observations, and paperwork, I have spent a great deal of time reflecting on my practice, my job, and my passions. As I was walking from classroom to classroom, I started to think of the word “inspiration.” Who inspires me? What inspires me? How does that [...]
Lead, Follow, or Get Out of the Way
As you can see, I have had very little time to blog this month. (I haven’t even posted my top 5 blog posts due to my lack of time.) So, today, I must admit I was inspired by Lisa Dabbs “Mentoring Mondays.” As a full-release mentor, I find myself put in a position often where [...]
Who is Working Harder?
Recently, I have noticed a consistent question coming up in post-conferences, usually from my perspective … Who is working harder — the teacher or the students? … How do you know? Since I desire for my feedback to be honest and practical, I have brainstormed some ways to ensure that your students are working (thinking, [...]
#RSCON3 – Reflection Part 2
It’s been almost 24 hours since the closing session, and I am still amazed at all that I have learned. So, I think this reflection is going to focus on the technology that I witnessed this weekend. A couple of months ago, a dear colleague of mine asked me to help her create, write, and [...]
#RSCON3 – Reflection Part 1
#RSCON3 was so powerful that 1 reflection post will not be enough. So here is the 1st of many. 
It’s Good to be Back!
After spending over 2 weeks on an evaluation cycle of new teachers (not my mentees), it is so good to be back as a mentor. As I reflect on my year with both responsibilities, I can see (1) why having both is important, and (2) why I was chosen to be a mentor. To be [...]
Raising Teenagers
You don’t really understand human nature unless you know why a child on a merry-go-round will wave at his parents every time around – and why his parents will always wave back. ~William D. Tammeus Many people have commented on raising teenagers throughout the ages. Lately, with the rise and fall of a focus on [...]
Feedback … Input leads to Output
Our district has adopted a new evaluation system this year. It is based on Charlotte Danielson’s Framework for Teaching. As our implementation began, our state legislature changed … and in hindsight, we can now see the wisdom of our leaders. Past In previous years, a teacher would receive – at most – two, 20-minute observations [...]
Crying at Five Guys with my Cheeseburger in my Purse
Crying at Five Guys with my Cheeseburger in my Purse Ever had one of those days? Here’s is mine in emotional terms … Fear Guilt Shame Relief Forgiven Anticipation Hurt Sadness Melancholy Appreciated Sorrow Hopeful Lonely Entertained … and that was just through to lunch! What a Day! “Crying at Five Guys …” became our [...]
Goal #24 … Support Character Development
Goal 24: Support Character Development “The unfinished character of human beings and the transformational character of reality necessitate that education be an ongoing activity.” ~Paulo Freire How often have you seen people serving others with kindness? I am reminded of the insurance commercial that shows people doing kind things for others simply because they witnessed [...]
