Has being kind to others become unfashionable, unhip, or uncool? Sometimes it feels that way, doesn’t it? It’s easy to get so wrapped up in the pressures of daily life that being kind to others slips through the cracks. However, when kindness becomes a habit, it doesn’t slip. It becomes something you do without even…
April is National Volunteer Month. Who knew, right? Even if you’re not prepared to formally recognize your school’s volunteers (which often occurs as the school year is wrapping up), it’s a great opportunity to give a shout-out to the folks who offer their gifts of time. Verbal acknowledgments and handwritten notes are quick and easy….
Have you heard of New York City’s Comfort Dog Program? The program, launched in 2016 by the Department of Education, pairs carefully screened rescue dogs with participating New York City Schools. The dogs are welcomed into the schools to work with students and staff to improve school climate and facilitate social-emotional learning. Seven schools participated…
You’ll agree that smiling is contagious, right? I mean, didn’t you smile when you saw this photo? I sure did. I discovered lots of smiling photos on a fellow teacher’s Pinterest board. She maintains a board of smiles: smiling kids, smiling adults, and even smiling animals. I love this idea and intend to create my…
Last week I was the recipient of an act of kindness from a total stranger. I was totally taken by surprise and even now, days after the experience, I smile. Isn’t that wonderful? In a nutshell, I was waiting in a drive-thru lane. When I arrived at the window to pay and pick up my…
Some folks are insulted by a dress code. Some folks couldn’t care less. I, for one, am not insulted by a reasonable dress code—the kind that protects me from seeing body parts that should only be viewed by a chosen few. I never taught for a principal or school district that enforced a formal…
I confess. I began my teaching career using hand-drawn smiley faces. When email prohibited me from including a smiley face in my communications, I keyed in my own :+). Since emojis rolled onto the scene, I can express a wide range of emotions in my messaging—yet what if I choose an emoji that I think…
I’m guessing here, but I suspect there are plenty of good vibes in Nicholas County Schools in West Virginia thanks to Keith Butcher, the current superintendent. Come to find out that Butcher, a former teacher and principal, is also an avid musician. I suspect he has a great sense of humor too. On Tuesday, January…
Y’all know that, even though I’m no longer in the classroom, I am connected—in a good way! I have several friends who teach in our local school district, which by my standards seems huge: 67 elementary schools, 22 middle schools, and 26 high schools. Anyhoo, this past week, one of my best buddies and with…
This week is American Education Week. The weeklong celebration spotlights public education and the village of individuals who work tirelessly to make sure all children receive a quality education. Events are slated for each day of the week. Tomorrow, parents are invited into classrooms to experience what a school day is like for children. On…