This is the teacher’s burden: starting from square one every September. We are the alchemists that blend old and new, learning and knowledge, excitement and neuroses, and doing it all equitably with limited resources, so that the recipients of our magic leave transmuted in ten months time. This is why summer vacation is so highly coveted by educators. It is exhausting work.
Category: Teaching
The Inaugural (Post-Covid) Dance Concert
The first Friday of June is dance concert day, and that week was all about making the transition from the classroom to the stage. What was once a foreign, faraway concept for my students was now hitting closer to home for everyone. This week, they will all be forever changed (for the better).
Changed for the Better: the value of arts in education
We hear the cries all the time - budgets are getting squeezed, cuts have to be made, and things wind up on the chopping block. What is often the first to be sacrificed? The arts. This is one arts educator's perspective as to why that should never, ever happen.
Like a kid in a candy store
On Monday, when I returned to my classroom from a great spring break week, I received a gift. It could only have been better if it was wrapped in a bow. Read on to share in my excitement!
Anticipation
Some pre-spring break thoughts from a tired teacher.
Triumphant return
Thespian Troupe 721 rises like the phoenix. I love my kids.
I’m tired
A snapshot of a moment in the life of a teacher. Maybe it’s the overcast, rainy day. Maybe it’s the work schedule that is revving up as I move into the last 2 weeks of production in our school’s spring musical. Or the fact that we are mid-March with nary a day off in sight.… Continue reading I’m tired
Developing a new idea
I've decided to start a new creative project. Simply put, I'm calling it "10 Questions for my Beloved Students." The idea is to interview former students of mine, those who spent significant time in my dance studio at school, and find out the most salient lessons they learned and carry with them to this day.
Back in business
After a long hiatus away from our home stage, Thespians is finally back in business. Here's a little overview of our first few weeks in prime theater-geek season.
Highs and Lows
Weathering the storm as a teacher is tough. Doing so in the pandemic adds so many layers of challenge to education. Trying to make theater happen in that situation is a whole different ballgame. It's been one of the greatest challenges of my teaching career.
What high school students need
In the sea of revolving educational philosophy, the same themes always hold true: them feel safe, make them feel like they matter, and teach them how to lead. This blog post looks at how Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs informs my approach to teaching.
My Latin heart
Sometimes, when you are teaching, you have lovely little moments that happen. Random surprises that come your way that make your heart smile. Read on to know why I smiled big on this day.
Teaching ELLs
Maintaining effective teaching relationships with students who don't speak your language is a special challenge. These are some of my perspectives on developing strategies that help.
Education’s worst nightmare
Once again, we are back to remote education. This time, it's not COVID.
Shifting back to remote
As I left the school building on Tuesday afternoon, I noticed an ambulance and several first responders milling about the entrance. They didn't seem particularly "activated" so I figured they were responding to something routine. I got in my car, went home, and didn't think too much about it. When I got home, messages started… Continue reading Shifting back to remote
I’m a teacher. I have to do better.
I know I can’t be everything to everyone, but I work in a school. The students, whether enrolled in my class or not, drama kid, gamer or jock, are my kids. When kids are in need - confused, misinformed, lost, sad, out of sorts or otherwise require assistance - it is my duty to be… Continue reading I’m a teacher. I have to do better.
How about those floor spots?
Some fall musings of a public school teacher.
First day tremors
Returning to teaching in a pandemic is enough to give anyone the jitters. Here's how my first day back went.
Teaching Mindfulness
In February, 2021, I reached out to the good people at Erika's Lighthouse, a website whose mission is "promoting inclusive school cultures through mental health education." It is a topic that is close to my heart. I had done a series of lessons with my students on developing a more mindful approach to their thought processes and I wanted to share my experience with a broader audience. What better way to do that than a website geared towards educating students and their families about mental health?
This is how I hope to help.
Image courtesy of Lauren Brill Unsealed Letters On July 15, 2020, journalist and founder of The Unsealed Lauren Brill reached out to me to have a conversation about what it was like to teach during a pandemic lockdown. We had a long talk about the trials and tribulations of virtual education, not seeing my students,… Continue reading This is how I hope to help.
Stacey's Headspace 