IEP Writing 101
Just to give a little background on myself. I am a graduate of James Madison University (JMU; and former student of Dr. Jen Newton)! I remember after my first day…
The Real World
What is this "real world" you speak of? Who defines it? Is it the same "real world" for everyone? I was recently in conversation with colleagues about class attendance. Now,…
Dream vs. Reality: The First Day of School
I have dreamed of this moment for seven years. A fantasy from 11th grade still replays itself in my mind with crystalline clarity: My first day of school as a…
I’m Here To Learn
A little about me in the month before my first year begins To be perfectly honest, I’m nervous about my first year of teaching. I’ve spent the summer reviewing learning…
Recess Is A Right
I posted a picture on our social media of a tweet from the 2006 MN Teacher of the Year Dr. Lee-Ann Stephens that read: Advice to a new elementary school…
Embracing Failure
I am a big fan of mistake making. Well, not the making of the mistakes part so much but of the learning from mistakes, expecting mistakes, embracing mistakes. What if…
When Social Media & Professionalism Mash Up
Scrolling through social media, as I often mindlessly do, I am repeatedly reminded of the powerful educators with whom I am in community. It is not my community. It is…
What Teachers Want: Are You Serious?
In the wake of yet another school shooting, the government and members of the media are beating a familiar drum: more guns, not less, will put a stop to our…
What Does It Mean To Be Kindergarten Ready?
When it comes to young children going to school, we talk a lot about “readiness.” But what does that even mean? I’ll just get down to it. Very broadly speaking,…
Every Classroom, Every Day: Rethinking Inclusion
What is Special Education? When I began my undergraduate studies in Elementary and Special Education, I hoped to gain a deeper understanding of how to support students with Individualized Education…