While preparing for work on my masters degree in Leadership Development, I knew I’d need support to pass the GRE. I’d been in education for over a decade and I felt a little hesitant about taking an important entrance exam for the masters program I’d chosen. (I understand most people nowadays aren’t required to take …
My original state certification was for ages 3 through third grade. The state of Texas doesn’t allow that certification any longer. In addition, I am certified to teach grades K-8. Because my university degree and subsequent certification started with early childhood, the importance of social emotional learning in addition to academic content is clearly in …
What a great reading summit Scholastic had in Austin, Texas on July 16. Highlights for me: Jenni Holm being interviewed by John Schu. Donalyn Miller’s keynote. Yuyi Morales keynote to close out the summit. This was the highlight of the summit for me. #brilliantartist #beautifulsoul Getting to meet the 130+ educators in the breakout session …
“I wish I had known that last year,” whispered Imena. Seated between Imena and Adi in the back of their 3rd grade classroom, after listening to their teacher read Rough Face Girl, I asked what life lessons they were considering. Imena said, “The lesson I take from Rough Face Girl is to be strong in …
I love a good challenge. One of my favorites? Convincing middle grade readers that the work of reading is worth the effort. The last couple of years I’ve developed a deep appreciation for Scholastic’s classroom magazine, Storyworks. Each publication contains engaging selections in a variety of genres: fiction, nonfiction, debate, poetry and often a high-interest …
Ever visit a class or see a peer teach and have a little déjà vu moment? It happens to me a lot as an instructional coach on the PreK-6 campus where I work. It happened recently in a fifth-grade classroom during their book clubs. The teacher, Mr. Duke, reminded students that they had several options …
Did you feel a call to action as images of immigrant children were shown being separated from their families? Maybe your action manifested itself in calling politicians, writing letters, leveraging the power of social media; getting your message out based on your values and beliefs about this pressing issue. I know many who took action, …
My last year of high school I graduated early in February so I could join my parents in Great Britain. The freedom I experienced as an eighteen year old traveling around England after dad’s job took our family there for two years changed me. Even now, many decades later, I still find that I am …
I am thrilled today that Carolyn Davis is guest blogging for That Thing You Do! Carolyn and I met on social media first and then I had the pleasure of meeting her in person at a local conference. There was an immediate connection due to Carolyn’s deep love for readers and writers and her passion …
This is a repost from November 2016 that I’m so excited to share. Jill and Kim are book-pushers and this is the perfect time for anyone who loves kids to catch up on titles for next school year. It’s also time to think ahead about ways to get more titles in front of teachers and …
