Blog

Why is this test so important?

It’s that time of the year again… The sweet smell of blossoms fills the air, wildlife meanders about, plucking grubs from the grass, and beescome out of hiding, rushing to embrace newly-bloomed flowers like long-distancrelatives. As the calendar turns, students, parents, and educators begin diligently preparing for testing season. Students review content, learn about the process of elimination, eat a well-balanced breakfast, and race to hit the pillow before their bedtimes.

Honoring Voices While Opening Doors: How Language Shapes Access and Identity

When my student, Marcus, strolled into class one morning and greeted me with a confident, “Yo, what’s good, Ms. M?” I could feel a few heads turn, the air thick with the unspoken tension of what’s deemed “proper” in a classroom.

We Don't Need to Use the Phrase 'Growth Mindset'

Years ago, when I started teaching students and teachers about neuroplasticity and 'Growth Mindset', I never actually used the phrase Growth Mindset. In fact, I had never even heard of it!

The Rising Sign of Justice and the Journey Toward Self

When asked why I chose to dedicate my life to social justice and educational equity, I often say it was a spiritual calling. For as long as I can remember, I have viewed the world through a socio political lens. During middle and high school, I often walked through halls and sat in classes, lostin deep, existential questions about life, fairness, and equity: Why are some kids rich and other kids poor? Why aren’t any of the Black or Latinx kids in AP classes? Why do kids make fun of each other for their differences? Why are all my teachers White? Why don’t I learn about anyone who looks like me in my History class? Questions like these became the foundation of my drive to challenge the systems that perpetuate inequality and to work toward meaningful change in education.

The Power of Telling Our Stories: Empowering Students to Share Learning

Storytelling has been a fundamental part of our history and personal experiences. Telling stories helps us to shape our understanding of the world, develop empathy, and connect with others. We may not realize the impact of our stories on the livesof others, so that is why we need to be open and willing to share our stories in a way that brings us comfort and builds confidence and that is beneficial to others in search of ideas or reassurance in the work we do as educators. We also need to model the power of story telling for our students.

Finding My Focus: Growing Up with ADHD and Helping Students Thrive

Growing up, I often felt like a whirlwind in a world demandingstillness. I was full of energy, a true bull causing chaos in a china shop. Asa young girl, I excelled academically but silently struggled withinattentiveness, forgetfulness, and restless energy.

Poetry: Fostering Inclusive Learning Spaces

Using writing and poetry to interact with my students became a cornerstone of my teaching practice. It inspired my love for writing and how, through admiration and exposure, students can also find joy in expressing themselves through writing. As educators, we all know the difficulties of engaging students in activities they initially resist. Especially with writing, they resist writing about themselves or sharing their personal thoughts. However, when students find ways to put their thoughts into words, it can transform their communication skills and their sense of self. Through exploring writing, I have found my purpose in the classroom– to empower students to foster an inclusive learning community that allows students to lead, persevere, and create positive change.

Choice is Good, But Not Too Much

I was an adult the first time I realized I enjoyed yogurt—a discovery that felt like a whole new world of healthy, convenient snacks had opened up for me. Excited to stock up, I headed to my local grocery store, where I stood in awe of an entire aisle dedicated to yogurt stretching as far as the eye could see. But I was quickly overwhelmed. Faced with a dizzying array of choices—different milk types, flavors, fat percentages, and textures—I suddenly had no idea what I wanted. Despite my enthusiasm and readiness to buy, I left the store empty-handed and, surprisingly, disappointed.

Equity Warrior Savior Complex

After the death of George Floyd and the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement, DEI took the American Public School System by storm.

Poetry and Its Power to Heal

Poetry has offered me a sense of belonging. I’ve always struggled with being vulnerable; however, here I am sharing my deepest passions for writing through free writing.

The Power of Interoception

When I was a school counselor several years ago, I met Timothy. He was in fifth grade. He didn’t smile much.

EdTech’s Hidden Role in Workforce Development

I once led the hiring process for a workforce development role. There was no shortage of applicants, but most weren’t making the cut.

The “Problem Student”

Throughout my tenure as an educator, I have often been asked to reflect on the concept of a “problem student”— one who is difficult to reach and subsequently difficult to teach.

The Importance of Continued Professional Learning For Educators

Professional learning in all areas of work is essential. Regardless of your line of work, continuing to build and refine your skills is important.

Less is More: The Cognitive Benefits of Simplicity in Educational Technology

I remember the first time I rolled out a learning management system (LMS).

Statistically speaking, I was not supposed to end up like this...

In the words of Langston Hughes, “Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.”

Back to School: Balancing Change & Embracing Growth

It appears out of nowhere—the end of summer. One moment, we are binge-watching shows and enjoying barbecue leftovers, and next, the school year is coming ahead.

Developing a Supportive Classroom Community

As educators, one of our most important tasks is to continue to build relationships in our classrooms and schools.

Embodied Learning

A common myth about learning is that if a person learns in ways that tailor to their learning preference, they learn and remember concepts better.