Although this is my 13th year as an educator, this is my first year as a school librarian. Most people say this is a perfect job for me since I’m an avid reader. When I was an English teacher, I did a good job of promoting literacy and a love of reading. One school year,…
As reported by NBC News, “a sixth-grader in Florida was arrested after his refusal to participate in the Pledge of Allegiance escalated into a confrontation with police and school officials, authorities said.” Unfortunately, we are having the wrong conversation about this incident. Many people are arguing about the student refusing to stand for the Pledge…
A story from West Virginia made my blood boil. Children, who were in a special education class, were mistreated by the educators that were supposed to care for them. School went from a haven to a place of terror. A mother of one of the students became concerned when her child did not want to…
I love being black, and I’m glad we have Black History Month. When Black History Month ends, it seems that our history goes off to collect dust until next February. I have observed fabulous lessons, projects, and school programs to support black history during February, but that’s not good enough. As a mother of…
Teacher compensation has been a hot topic button across the country. In some states, teachers have even gone on strike leaving parents to scramble to find childcare while teachers fought for higher compensation and better benefits. Early in my studies as an education major, a professor said, “Teachers are in this profession for the outcome…
I have five areas of certification on my teaching license, and one certification happens to be library/media. This school year, I transitioned into a new role as an elementary library/media specialist. Although I love my new role, I am fully area this job is hard to obtain. According to the Forbes article, “U.S. Public Schools…
The United States is one of over 44 countries that participate in International Book Giving Day. This initiative is crucial to improving literacy in countries across the world. Too many children lack access to books or any reading materials. Without access, it is difficult for children to become literate. Literacy is an important skill to…
The national spotlight came to Elwood, Indiana when Superintendent Casey Smitherman was charged with insurance fraud, identity deception, and official misconduct after using her son’s insurance to take a student to a clinic. She also filled a prescription using the insurance. Friday, February 1, Smitherman resigned. WTHR recently reported that “Smitherman told investigators that she…
When is the last time you read a book aloud to your child, or when was the last time a child read aloud to you? Today is World Read Aloud Day. Not only does World Read Aloud Day emphasize the importance of reading aloud, but the day, as mentioned on the website, brings attention to…
January is National Mentoring Month. I have benefited from mentors throughout childhood and in adulthood. You are never too old to have a mentor, and you don’t have to be perfect to mentor someone else. January is the perfect time for National Mentoring Month. When the new year rolls around, many people think of ways…