…go with all your heart.” This is a favorite quote of mind from the Chinese teacher and philosopher Confucius. Another favorite? “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” I could certainly share more favorites from Confucius; however, these two quotes are enough to fuel my…
Inspiration and Motivation
I Will Survive!
Have you ever thought about all the teaching experience we have between us? Lots of experienced teachers read this blog — that’s a bunch of knowledge about education all in one spot. Now, I think this graphic does a nice job explaining three things needed to survive as a teacher, but I’m sure you have…
Get Caught!
There are plenty of things you don’t want to get caught doing. Driving over the speed limit is certainly one of those things. Eating a candy bar for breakfast might be another. I’m just sayin’; not that I’ve ever done either of those! ;+) Today, I’m actually challenging you and your students to get caught…
Powerful Words
At this very moment, I feel inspired and humbled, privileged and thankful, sorrowful and hopeful. And it’s all because of the words of Eunice Akoth, the sixth grader pictured here. This 12-year-old captivated the audience at the recent Women in the World Summit with her words, a response to her life growing up in Kibera,…
Five Simple End-of-the-Year Tips
Spring break is behind you, and each day is a day closer to summer vacation. So how are you feeling? Upbeat? Thankful? Overwhelmed? Exhausted? A mishmash of these emotions and more? I’ve known teachers who cruise through the end of the school year without breaking a sweat. Trust me—I was never able to pull this…
Is the Glass Half Full?
Sometimes, as a teacher, it’s difficult to be a glass half full type of person. The natural ups and downs, the stress, and coworkers who might be complainers can really suck away anyone’s optimistic nature. I tend to see the glass as half full. I’m not saying that I’m one of those ridiculously happy “rainbows…
Are You Having Fun?
Guess what day it is? Well, yes, it is hump day. However, the day I have in mind is recognized just once a year, yet what it promotes hopefully occurs a whole lot more often. Confused? Here’s the answer: today, January 28, is…drum roll, please…National Fun at Work Day! Now this doesn’t mean you can…
Compassion, Tenderness, and Teaching
“I Don’t Think Teachers Know What They’re Doing.” That was the title of a blog I saw yesterday. When I read it, I started to get all indignant and riled up. How dare someone knock teachers! Don’t they know how exhausting it is to teach, how dedicated teachers are to children? (As you can imagine,…
First Friday Giveaway—Olé!
You know how much I love to celebrate holidays and special days, right? Well, I just learned that tomorrow, Saturday, October 4, is…drumroll please…National Taco Day! Do you know that, last year, Americans ate over 4.5 billion tacos? According to my source, this equals about 490,000 miles of tacos—a trip to the moon and back (with…
Would You Like To Win?
Did you know there’s a free eBook or a free set of eUnits up for grabs? It’s true! Follow this link; then share something unexpected that’s happened since your first day of school. Seems pretty simple, don’t you think? Just be sure to do your sharing before midnight September 14, 2014. Some of the best things…