Blog · Teaching

First week, new studio

Sometimes, you need a little jump start in your career. This year, I received a huge one. Read on to see why after 30 years, I'm still excited to go back to work.

Blog · Teaching

New Beginnings: a Dance Studio Transformed

Sometimes, life throws you something unexpected. While it may be uncomfortable at first, the unexpected can turn into something beautiful. This is a story of another evolution in my career as a dance teacher.

Blog · Teaching

Empowering English Language Learners through Performing Arts: An Educator’s Experience

High school musical season presents both challenges and victories for all involved. For the second year in a row, English language learners performed a musical show for an audience in a foreign language. And they did it syllable by syllable. This success story transcends the show itself. When you direct high school play productions, it… Continue reading Empowering English Language Learners through Performing Arts: An Educator’s Experience

Blog · Teaching

A Teaching Toolkit for Student Success

In the weeks before starting school, I had a lot of anticipatory anxiety. Three weeks in, things have gotten off to a smooth start. What helps is having a well-developed teaching toolkit. This article shares my simple and consistent protocols that create a long-lasting flow for the entire school year. After all of the end-of-summer… Continue reading A Teaching Toolkit for Student Success

Blog · Teaching

First day jitters

After 27 years in education, I still get anticipatory anxiety on the last night of summer vacation. It's even worse with a broken right foot. Here's the play by play how I worked through it.

Changed for the Better

Changed for the Better: the power of arts in education, episode 6

Hernz Laguerre, Jr. has worn many hats. Linebacker, dancing cowboy, storyteller, multimedia journalist - he has taken the lessons learned from high school and infused them into his transition to adulthood. Read on about how his performing arts experiences informed who he is today.

Teaching

Triumphant return

Thespian Troupe 721 rises like the phoenix. I love my kids.

Teaching

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.