I wrote this six part equity series to better understand the inequities surrounding the ways in which we teach and assess reading and writing skills in the United States. I wanted to know more. Not only that, I wanted to find practical solutions for the problems all teachers (not just English teachers) face, such as: A lack of understanding about how to teach reading and writing effectively and with equity in mindThe immense challenge of helping 30+ students with many differing needsStudents … [Read more...] about Rethinking Elementary and Secondary Reading Instruction and Assessment with Equity in Mind
Secondary Teachers
The Story of a Teacher Author’s Identity Crisis
I’ve learned and changed tremendously since the events of 2020-2021, you might even call what's happened an identity crisis...I want to share this story here to make sense of everything for myself but also because I know there are many teachers out there that can relate. I’ve always been a very passionate person. My enthusiasm for learning, taking what I learn, and putting it into action immediately, can be invigorating, inspiring and incredibly productive. But, over the years I’ve come to … [Read more...] about The Story of a Teacher Author’s Identity Crisis
6 Methods to Support Struggling Writers
Writing is such a critical subject to master. Students who have confidence and skills as writers have the potential to go far in education and life. But, writing is one of the toughest subjects to teach and one of the subjects most students struggle with. What’s worse is that many teachers have not even been trained to teach writing in their credential programs!The teachers who collaborated on this blog post want to help. Here you will learn ways to teach writing in order to more fully support … [Read more...] about 6 Methods to Support Struggling Writers
When you find out you’ve been teaching wrong…
What are best teaching practices? Have you ever questioned your beliefs? When you begin questioning your beliefs, it is referred to as a paradigm shift.Stephen Covey, the author of 7 Habits of Highly Effective People describes in detail what a paradigm shift is. In his book, he says...“Belief is another word for paradigm. It's a synonym. Your belief of the way things are”. -Stephen CoveyWe all have many beliefs when it comes to best teaching practices. These beliefs come from the training we’ve … [Read more...] about When you find out you’ve been teaching wrong…
13 Ways to Motivate Resistant Writers
We all have resistant writers in our classrooms. This is a fact of teaching life. In the video below learn 13 different ways that you can help resistant writers become much more motivated. Not all of these ways will work. You need to try different combinations with different students until you've found the key to unlock your students' motivation! Below the video, you will find some more resources related to this topic. Related Resources Supporting Writers At All Levels My Students Don't … [Read more...] about 13 Ways to Motivate Resistant Writers
The Truth About Programs: 4 Programs That Changed Me That I Eventually Quit
Quitting programs. I've followed and quit so many programs in my life! Diets, work out routines, parenting guides, teaching curriculum. Programs are everywhere we turn. Dictionary.com defines "program" as: a plan of action to accomplish a specified end. In this blog post I want to focus on that term "end". All programs must come to an end. Quitting programs is the natural progression of growth. After using the program for a time, we must let our intuition and creativity guide … [Read more...] about The Truth About Programs: 4 Programs That Changed Me That I Eventually Quit
5 Super Fun, Simple Games to Play with Your Class…Whenever!
Sometimes we just need to have fun with our students and what better way than with simple classroom games? Having fun is important for many reasons some of which include: it builds community, it's a stress reliever, it fosters respect for the teacher (students are much more likely to want to please a teacher they like). Below you'll find a round up of my favorite simple games to play with students any time of the year! Questions This game is so simple and super entertaining. Have two … [Read more...] about 5 Super Fun, Simple Games to Play with Your Class…Whenever!
I’m More than an English Teacher
Don't have time to read? I received an email recently (I love receiving emails from teachers who read my blog!) asking me a really interesting question... Do you do workshop all year? I immediately yelled (in my mind) NO! In this moment, it occurred to me that my website definitely gives the impression that all I do is teach workshop. I am more than an English teacher who uses workshop. Visitors to my website might assume all I teach is reading and writing … [Read more...] about I’m More than an English Teacher