I was a first year teacher – TWICE in the same school year. I was hired as a second grade teacher, and I taught that grade level for a...

In the 1970’s, my father started the first Christmas tree farm in South Dakota. A slotted hole was dug using a long steel spade shovel...

On my planning period, I walked down to the teacher workroom to check my school mailbox and make several Xerox copies. As I walked back...

Federal and State money flows into the Title 1 public schools. The river of money flows regardless of academic results each school year,...

“Andrew will not complete his homework.” “At least half my class does not do their homework, consistently.” “I have called the parent...

As both an elementary classroom teacher and a principal, a few parents each school year have questioned the modern need for nightly...

The choices made by students in their behavior have everything to do with their social and academic success in the classroom. Their...

You are a public school teacher. You are about half-way through your science or math lesson. The door opens and the principal walks into...

There are many industry specific words bandied about in public education that all too often, educators possess only a vague definition....

The other night I was watching the latest release of ESPN’s 30 for 30 – a remarkable and interesting documentary series highlighting...

My wife and I watched the Tom Hanks’ movie, Apollo 13 over the Holiday break. The movie has many memorable scenes of heroism and...

Educators test students throughout the school year. Students are frequently assessed via both formative and summative assessments ranging...

As an elementary principal, I would do my best to arrive at school at least 15 to 45 minutes prior to start of the opening school doors...

It is one of the primary functions of the campus administration’s job to support classroom teachers in improving core instruction and...

New teachers struggle in the classroom. We all did. When I started, I expected to be much better at teaching kids, and I was 32 years old...

I am of the belief that Title 1 academic education reformation involving high percentages of students classified as economically...

In late April of 2014, I was at central office for a meeting when I ran into another Title 1 elementary principal. The STAAR (State of...

‘Stop-Gap Resources’ are a moniker that I believe accurately describes their function when used in Title 1 schools or with students...

Mark Twain once said, “It ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble. It's what you know for sure that just ain't so.” This...

Time passes quickly. No argument there. I graduated from high school about 35 years ago, and although it does not seem like yesterday,...