Few 2013-2014 young adult novels have sparked the interest and minds of American teenagers more than John Green's THE FAULT IN OUR STARS. It's deeply moving, yet highly philosophical love story refuses to talk down to teenagers; rather, it develops a world in which teens are deep-thinking and ... READ the POST
New on the Blog
Teachers Pay Teachers Conference in Las Vegas
We can't believe it's here already! We're so excited to be headed to the 1st ever Teachers Pay Teachers Conference in Las Vegas! Are you going to be there? Can't wait to network with you all!!! ... READ the POST
7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Lately, I've been reading Steven Covey's classic book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. It's full of amazing wisdom and ideas, but here are a few quotes that stood out to me. ... READ the POST
End of the School Year Song
Because it's about time for a groove, slightly transformed...cause it's the summertime. Do you have a song you listen to at the end of each school year? I'll start with the confessions . . . I listen to this song at the end of every school year: DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince - ... READ the POST
Yearbook Mementos & Student Comments
This year, I bought a yearbook again because it's a pretty fun memento to have of my students. Their comments always remind me of the true reasons why we teach. I hope these comments inspire and encourage you, even if you didn't get to hear them this year. Here's to a great summer and ... READ the POST
Give a Man a Fish
Earlier this year, I updated the quote at the end of my teacher emails at school. The famous old adage used to say: "Give a man a fish, and he'll eat for a day. Teach him how to fish and he'll eat for a lifetime." But this just isn't true anymore. The business world is changing too fast. And ... READ the POST
The Giver Teaching Unit by Created for Learning
Teaching a novel can be difficult. Getting those students engaged in the events of the story, but then also taking them deeper into the world of themes and ideas about what it means to live together as humans. For year's now, we've used this 178-page/slide teaching unit on THE GIVER by Lois Lowry ... READ the POST
Leaders Are Readers
A wise man once told me that "Leaders are readers." I don't think I understood it as much the day I heard it as I do today. But it is true. Want to be a leader? Read. We've just got to read and read widely. Lots of genres, lots of books. That's the thing about wisdom and leadership...you never know ... READ the POST
