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.
Tag: 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 power of arts in education, episode 11
Growing a leader requires an infusion of trust in a young person and giving them the support it takes to help them trust themselves. Becoming a leader requires taking that trust and further developing it yourself. This week's discussion with Hilary Becker-Jarusinsky shows how this can be accomplished through arts education.
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in education, episode 8
There's a lot to say about this budding superstar. I knew her as a teenager - smart, observant, swimming in talent. She melted the paint off of the auditorium walls of and now she is releasing simmering Neo-Soul singles to the world. Someday soon, everybody will have Brianna Knight's name on their lips.
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.
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
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in education, episode 1
I've always felt that teaching is much more than the content in which you specialize. Arts educators have the superpower of connecting to kids in ways that they will remember forever. Take a look at my new video podcast, Changed for the Better: the power of arts in education, to see how my connections have thrived from their experience in my classroom.
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.
Geriatric Gymnastics 6
A perspective on my transition into coaching Geriatric Gymnasts. My goal is to offer a safe space where grownups get to explore their inner child. Read on to see how that is developing.
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.
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.
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.
Stacey's Headspace 