Written by Sylvia Denice My first year teaching was filled with an abundance of blessings I carry with me even still today. Frankly, the bulk of the blessings surfaced from the abundance of mistakes I made. Don’t be misled–I have not stopped making mistakes. They just look much different in year three versus year one….
Author: Blog Master
Why I Write: Barato Britt
I suppose as a writer I should contribute to this series a flowery soliloquy which paints this predestined fate of leading through written communication. I could paint a picture with my words some tale that suggests I may have known all along this form of advocacy to be my calling. But truthfully, it’s much simpler…
Why I Write: David McGuire
Eric Thomas, respectfully known as the “Hip Hop Preacher” is a person I listen to for motivation. One of my favorite motivational videos of his is “What’s Your Why?” The video reveals the story of why NBA Superstar Kevin Durant wears the number 35 and explains how the “Why” behind the number 35 motivates him…
Black Panther For Girls
By Sylvia Denice Historically, I am not a fan of the superhero movie genre. Most superhero films leave me, to my despair, bored or disengaged. In addition, the marketing of superhero movies has been geared toward more of a masculine audience. When it comes to superhero movies, I more often than not assume my time…
Classroom Playlist: National Poetry Month
By Sylvia Denice I have the honor and privilege of co-teaching with my school’s resource teacher, Mrs. Burcham: the same teacher I student taught under to earn my Special Education licensure. We have worked collaboratively for a few years now, and are fortunate to have an organically cooperative approach to teaching all students. Mrs. Burcham…
Famous Black Hoosiers: Wilma Rudolph
Written by Sylvia Denice Wilma Rudolph is one of my personal favorite Famous Hoosier Wax Museum figures. She was a runner and an elementary school teacher, so my affinity for her and her story developed almost immediately. My fourth graders are introduced to her early in the school year through our reading curriculum with a…
Champions of Hope: Celebrating Hoosier Women
I was born and raised in the Hoosier state. This is a place that I love dearly. This is home. I know what it is like to grow up with a strong woman. My mother has been my rock since day one. She has always supported me and been there for me through the good…
It’s Indy Turn Now: Teach Indy Now Launches
There is Teach 901, which is geared towards recruiting more teachers to Memphis. There is Make Your Mark in Denver, which is geared towards recruiting more teachers specifically teachers of color to Denver. Now it is Indianapolis turn. Teach Indy Now launches today! The Teach Indy Theme is “This is Why You Teach” The goal…
A Message to the Young Girls Who Sit in Our Classrooms
Every day as educators, we have the opportunity to make a lasting impression on our students. We stand at the front of the room and we teach, but at the same time, we hope to inspire. We hope our students’ dreams come true. It is our mission provide them with the roadmap to their destination….
After All of the Controversy, Indiana Will Still Use Letter Grades and ISTEP
Depending on who you ask, the A-F letter grading system is either a great way to hold schools accountable or a way for the state to penalize inner city schools. The standardized test used to give the grades, the ISTEP, is almost universally believed to be a flawed test. Either way, Indiana will be dealing…