TL;DR: Teaching during a pandemic began with feeling lost. Experiencing this year has led to a renewed hope for the future. Transitioning back to in-person learning after virtual learning for so long was a challenge at first. We are better after having taught during the pandemic. Lessons learned from this time are shared. My Purpose My purpose in blogging is to … Read More
Summer S.E.E.D.S.
TL;DR: Teachers are in need of a summer break. While we are good at relaxing, we may not be as good at recharging. We can recharge if we commit to follow five steps for self-care: sleep, exercise, efficacy (intentionally build capacity), diet, and social connectedness. I have heard more teachers utter this phrase in the past month than I can … Read More
Reflecting at the End of the Year
TL;DR: Teaching from home has been challenging to not be able to “see” our students. There were frustrations from the perspectives of a teacher, student, and parent in the past 180 days. It is important to reflect on the past year and a half: in-class instruction cannot be replaced by virtual, students preferred to be in class, students had diverse … Read More
It’s All a Blur: Lessons Learned From Endings & Beginnings
TL;DR: Reflect on the lessons learned from the endings and beginnings you experience. To prevent the blur, reflect on the beginning and identify what you learned at the end. Create concrete ways to apply those lessons. How often do you reflect on your life, instructional practice, or progress towards accomplishing goals? Do you wait until it’s time to create resolutions … Read More
A Professional Learning Network
TL;DR: Twenty years ago, teachers had each other’s backs. Their PLN were teachers down the hall. Now, PLNs look different. When you attend national conferences, you have the opportunity to connect with other educators across the U.S. You can learn and grow from others by asking questions. Five benefits of a PLN: learning, sharing, celebrating, reflecting, and growing. A PLN … Read More
