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There's a quiet myth in education that the best teachers start young — that you have to catch the calling at twenty-two, straight out of college, or you've somehow missed your window. After thirty-one years in schools, I want to say it plainly: that myth is wrong. My daughter-in-law is beginning her first year in the classroom at forty, and she isn't behind. She's arriving exactly on time. Here's what I've learned watching hundreds of new teachers walk through the doors — and

There is a particular kind of quiet in a classroom in early August. The chairs are still stacked. The walls are bare. The roster is a list of names you cannot yet attach to faces. That quiet can feel like pressure and it can feel like possibility. In thirty-one years, I learned it is both. If you are about to walk into your first classroom, you are probably being handed a lot of advice right now. Some of it is good. Some of it is noise. What follows is the short list I would

The first ten days of school aren't stolen from academics—they're the foundation. A practical, research-grounded guide to building your learning community, with a ready-to-use ten-day plan (and why you'll keep reteaching it all year). Every August, teachers open their planning binders and feel the pull to start. The pacing guide is waiting. The curriculum map has September boxes that need filling. There's an understandable urge to dive into fractions and phonics on day one so

What I Learned in a Principal's Office About the Courage This Moment Demands What I Learned in a Principal's Office About the Courage This Moment Demands I spent years walking into schools before the first bell — when the hallways were still quiet and the day hadn't yet made its demands. In those early morning moments, I learned something that no leadership manual ever quite captured: that the hardest part of leading a school isn't the curriculum, the data, or even the budget

Extended snow days can feel like an unexpected gift: slower mornings, canceled commutes, a pause from the relentless pace of school. But when students return—especially our youngest learners—the reality often looks very different from where we left off. For students in Kindergarten through Grade 3 , school is not just a place to learn reading and math. It’s where they are actively learning how to be students : how to transition, regulate emotions, work with peers, and engage

For decades, elementary teachers have relied on smiley face and frowny face behavior management systems to guide children's behavior....

“This year, more than ever, our classrooms are the heartbeat of community resilience." Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year! The notebooks are fresh, the routines are forming, and the energy in our schools is that unique mix of nervousness, hope, and inspiration. If you've noticed a pause in my blog posts-thank you for your patience. Over the past several months, I’ve been navigating the dual responsibilities of being a caregiver and stepping into a more public role as a voca

It is not to late to start preparing for your conferences. Parent-teacher conferences have long been a staple of communication between...

Today is Wednesday, September 4, 2024. I am saddened to hear of yet another school shooting in our country. My heartfelt condolences to...

When you think about what gets kids excited to go to school, what comes to mind? Friends, fun activities, maybe even lunch? For many...

Welcome to the world of teaching! As a new teacher, you're stepping into a role that is both challenging and incredibly rewarding. To...

Greetings on the commencement of a fresh academic year! As you and your school community begin this new chapter, it is crucial to kick...

Transitioning into the role of a school principal is a formidable challenge. For many first-year principals, this journey is marked by a...

It’s the last few weeks of school, the long days of summer approaching are upon us and the scent of honeysuckle in the air is calling to...

As educators, administrators, policymakers, and parents strive to enhance the quality of education, understanding the needs and...

Thank you for your emails this past month. As many of you know, I am part of what is loosely thought of as the "Sandwich" generation. ...

In the rapidly evolving landscape of education, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for educators, students, and parents alike. As...

Hey there, welcome to 2024 – a year pulsating with optimism and brimming with possibilities in the world of education! Let's dive right...

...while improving attendance and student motivation. In our previous post, we talked about staying the course, we know the...

Introduction: As we step into the festive month of December, filled with the spirit of the holiday season, it becomes a moment for...