As I look back, there are so many aspects that I wish I had known as a teacher. For some reason lately, I have been reflecting a lot on my teaching career. I have been trying to go back to my toolbox and determine what made me a successful teacher to capture that same magic…
I tweeted, “Why don’t parents attend parent-teacher conferences?” It was a serious question that I have been wondering about for quite some time. It is on my mind even more as we approach our first parent-teacher conferences. In the past two weeks, we have made available sign-in sheets for parents to schedule time with their…
I get asked all the time do I enjoy being a principal. Every time I am asked, my answer comes and quick and is always the same. “I have the best job in the world.” When people hear how sure I am about enjoying being a principal, they assume it must be really easy. Let…
Dear Future Teachers, I wonder what many of you are doing. Some of you are still in high school, trying to navigate through your teenage years. I remember my time in high school. My high school was full of sports and hanging with my friends. It was in high school when I realized that I…
There is a lot of talk about what children learn while in school. During the school day, we must ensure our children receive quality instruction that pushes them academically to be critical thinkers. The curriculum during the school day must be rigorous, engaging, and culturally competent. Just as crucial as learning during the school day…
Four years ago, I was given an opportunity atypical for my age. I was 27, and I was named principal of a middle school. The appointment came just five years into my teaching career. I did not know at the time, but I had an important obligation. As a principal, you always have an obligation…
I have prided myself on being all champion for students and parents. I am all about elevating the voice of parents and giving parents power in their child’s education. I became a principal because I wanted to make sure schools focused on students, parents, and the community. Lately, I have been reminded, that as a…
In September, we recognize Suicide Prevention Month. One of the places where suicide should be taken more seriously is in schools. High school has always been a place where suicide has been a topic, but it seems nowadays, the age of children dying by suicide younger. The reason is that some school are places where…
As much as we would like to think that white privilege has come back, I always ask did it ever really go away. I believe it became out of sight out of mind during our eight years of bliss with President Barack Obama. Now that we have 45 in office, it seems that every day,…
During September, we recognize Attendance Awareness Month. Attendance Awareness Month is a national campaign to promote the value of regular school attendance. There are actions needed by schools, parents, and communities to reduce chronic absence of students. It is important to encourage regular school attendance. Regular school attendance is important to overall school success for…