Last week, I wrote about my trepidations with launching a reading intervention with some 7th and 8th grade students. As is so true with many things in education, the past week did not go anything like I planned. It was already a four-day week because of Monday’s Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday. Bitter cold temperatures … [Read more…]
When it comes to planning, there are times when I am a master and times when I am a novice. As it relates to planning for this blog, I am more of a novice than I’d like to admit. I have a goal of posting each week by Sunday at 1:00 p.m. I have a … [Read more…]
The phrase, “It’s a marathon, not a sprint” has meaning in many different contexts. When it comes to instructional coaching, this phrase holds great meaning. In the systems coaching model that our district currently employs, we are assigned to teacher teams based on student data. A level of proficiency has been defined that deems instructional … [Read more…]
When I began writing this blog in January of 2021, I outlined my goals for the blog which are as follows: Document my learning journey as a teacher, coach, and student Improve my writing craft through reflection Act as a producer rather than a consumer Push my thinking Connect with others Two and a half … [Read more…]
As is usually the case, my writing today is inspired by the work of others. I’ve been a fan of George Couros for years; my “fandom” runs much deeper than admiration: I am inspired, on a nearly daily basis, by the guy. And that inspiration has led to significant changes, or habits, that I’ve developed, … [Read more…]
The purpose of scaffolding on a construction site is to support people in getting to places that are out of their reach. Without scaffolding, the job of a construction worker would be nearly impossible. Scaffolding provides the “just right” amount of support needed. It can be added to, and taken away. Supports in the Kitchen … [Read more…]
I spend a good deal of time reading about, watching, and listening to resources that address effective literacy instruction. Almost every one of these resources has a strong connection to the Science of Reading, “…a vast, interdisciplinary body of scientifically-based* research about reading and issues related to reading and writing,” as defined by The Reading … [Read more…]
I have had the good fortune of working with amazing teachers for my entire 25 teaching career. On each team that I’ve been a part of, we have worked together, laughed together, cried together, shared ideas, lesson plans, successes and failures. Teaching in a silo, without the support of others, whether self-chosen or forced on … [Read more…]