As a former English teacher, school librarian, and literacy coach, it is probably obvious that I love reading. I did not wake up one day and suddenly love reading; this love was built over time. When I hear children and adults say they hate reading, part of my soul feels shattered. I wonder what went…
Tindley Schools have been known for academic excellence, strict discipline, and its “College or Die” motto. During the upcoming school year, the motto is going away. Years ago, former Tindley principal Marlon Lwellyn shared his pride in the motto and the high number of Tindley graduates accepted into college. At the time, the focus was…
On Monday, during a speech in Alberta, Canada, the Pope apologized for the harm to Indigenous children at residential schools operated by the Catholic Church. He also promised a serious investigation into the matter. The Pope said, “In the face of this deplorable evil, the Church kneels before God and implores his forgiveness for the…
I’m probably about to date myself as an educator, but I remember when cell phones weren’t an issue in school. I didn’t have to worry about social media drama, fights being planned, TikTok dances recorded in the bathroom, or looking up answers on a cellular device. As more social media platforms entered the arena and…
Fibroids were one of the many reasons that I had a hysterectomy December 2020 (yes, during a pandemic). I had removed them multiple times, and one got as big as a golf ball. I also had my endometriosis removed multiple times. I was on continuous birth control for years as well as metformin for polycystic…
When I read Administrators Need to Differentiate Professional Development by my fellow Indy K12 writer Andrew Pillow, all I could do was nod my head to each point he made. I found myself in a ridiculous situation a few years ago. I had been a middle school English teacher for three years before I worked…
After July 4, teachers realize that summer is almost over, and the classroom call is growing louder each day. Some of those teachers entered summer break on fumes. I’m talking car broke down, wheels falling off, Jesus take the wheel type of situation. Yes, the last month of school seems like a gauntlet of every…
Last week, I headed downtown with my boys. This might be the point where you assume we went to the Indiana Black Expo. Instead, I decided to attend the EdFit Education is Power Summit. Most importantly, I was there when the 8 Black Hands kicked off their On Code tour, and I wanted my boys…
By August 4, all Indianapolis students who attend school in one of the 11 traditional public school districts will be back in school. Summer went by fast, and I feel sympathy for students whose parents are checked out and unprepared for the upcoming school year. Students should start school prepared with all the essentials, and…
One day, our neighbor told us about a virtual fundraiser her job was having to raise money for kids. My husband, kids, and I walked over. The grown-ups participated in the virtual fundraiser on Zoom which also included a trivia game. The kids had fun with each other. To make the evening feel like the…