Although today is the last day of Native American Heritage Month, it should not be the last time Native Americans are included in teachers’ lesson plans. Native Americans are still here, and it is important to learn about them. Even if teachers don’t have Native Americans in their classes, they can at least ensure that…
Several news outlets and teachers on social media have noted the increase in misbehavior this school year. The pandemic has been labeled the culprit. Although schools are mostly seen as a place for students to learn academic content, any good teacher will tell you that you cannot teach content with a room full of students…
A few weeks ago, my husband and I attended our twin sons’ parent/teacher conference on Zoom. Our boys are in fifth grade and in the same class. The teacher shared how our sons were reading 6th and 7th grade level books. This did not come as a surprise to us. Our boys have been reading…
I consider myself an education advocate and activist. It is easy to become discouraged in the work of ensuring better outcomes for all children. Some days it seems like one step forward and two steps back. That frustration and anger can consume you. It can lead to burnout, and burnout can turn into hopelessness. Today,…
It is that time of year again. It is time for some teachers somewhere to completely botch incorporating Thanksgiving and Native Americans into the curriculum. However, this does not need to occur. Teachers can take the time to research and plan to avoid being the next teacher to go viral for missteps in the classroom….
Not only is there a teacher shortage, but there is also a substitute teacher shortage. Last year, when I was a school administrator, I was troubled when I saw a text coming in from a teacher late at night or right before the school day started because many times it was because the teacher was…
Across the United States books are being banned. As a former elementary school librarian, I can tell you when students hear books are being banned students want to read them even more. Books currently being targeted include topics such as sexuality, race, or racism. The main reason for the ban is the topics inside of…
Native American history is American history. It should be covered throughout the year and not only in November during Native American Heritage Month. However, teachers must take the time to learn about the various tribes or Native nations they want to cover in their classroom. Many activities teachers used to teach about Native Americans were…
Traditional school conferences involve the parent and teacher discussing the progress of the student. Sometimes the child is not present. Not only should the child be present, it is also possible for the child to lead the conference. These conferences are known as student led conferences (SLCs). They are best suited for secondary students although…
The Indiana Reading Evaluation and Determination (IREAD-3) takes place towards the end of third grade to determine students’ reading proficiency. IDOE has released data about proficiency rates for third graders who took the assessment during the spring or summer of 2021. Only 81.2% of those third graders earned a proficient score on the exam leaving…