It is that time of year for teachers and students to enjoy a few days at home during the Christmas break.  These days were always appreciated by my colleagues and me.  It was a time for being with my family, especially my husband and daughter, whom I sometimes neglected because the hours of each day… Continue reading Teachers… It’s Time to Re-energize!

The past few days since the presidential election have been filled with many emotions.  I have thought about teachers in our country who may be facing students with conflicting opinions, fear about the future, and anger that brings unrest in the schools. I have been searching for stories depicting how schools are working to build… Continue reading Teaching After Election…”I Still Believe…”

I had the opportunity to participate in an educational webinar last evening.  This presentation was created by the National Education Association and various Oklahoma education organizations. Representatives from the local education association, ASCD, the Oklahoma Department of Education, a local school board, and school administration discussed how school districts in Oklahoma were developing a culture… Continue reading ESSA…Oklahoma’s Successful Story

Recently NEA, National Education Association, included an article entitled Farewell Desks, Here Come the Starbucks Classrooms on their website.  As I read the article, I thought about the various seating arrangements I had used in elementary classrooms during my teaching years. I was always the teacher who disliked desks in rows.  I felt it set a tone… Continue reading Starbucks Classrooms…Interesting Concept

I had the opportunity to watch an interview by Robin Roberts on Good Morning America this morning.  She talked with Apple CEO, Tim Cook, regarding the partnership Apple has with Connect ED. Connect ED is an educational initiative created in 2013.   According to whitehouse.gov “President Obama announced the ConnectED initiative, designed to enrich K-12 education… Continue reading Apple Computers and Connect ED

I have always believed students who are motivated to use creative thinking will be successful learners.  During the many years I taught…I discovered when we allow children and teenagers to think creatively and innovatively…and we value their ideas…the results for success are like Kodak moments…”priceless”. Here is a website that provides wonderful ideas linked with… Continue reading Creative Thinking…A Journey to Successful Learning

Schools are opening their classrooms to students throughout the country.  Some have returned to begin the new school year while others anticipate their first day. This school year I plan to show more videos linked with schools, students, and teachers.  I want to make my blog as inspirational as I can…insuring messages and information are… Continue reading What Are Our Students’ Hopes?

Please be sure to read my blog to the end.  This one reflects personal thoughts I have wanted to express for a long time… It is hard to believe another school year has ended in my neighborhood.  Students will be enjoying summer in various ways…and, as some neighbor children have said, they will be sleeping… Continue reading Teachers and Summers Off…Really???

Soon our nation will celebrate what should be the most important holiday…Memorial Day.  It will be observed on Monday, May 30. Many schools will be teaching lessons linked with why this holiday is so significant.  Families will remember their loved ones who fought for our freedom and will honor those who are still with us… Continue reading Memorial Day…Great Teaching Moment

For many teachers and students, the end of the school year is about a month away.  This final time is an opportunity to allow students to apply their learning which has developed throughout the entire year. I have always believed that I learned more about my students during the final month of school.  I understood… Continue reading End of School Year…Keeping it Interesting