I recently found this painted rock at Cancer Survivor’s Day, hosted by the cancer institute that saved my life. “Broken crayons still color.” I love that quote because it so accurately blends my identity as a teacher with the magnitude of the enormous situation I’ve faced over the course of the past couple of years. You don’t have to have… Read More
Inspiration for the Teacher in your Life
How to Win a Teaching Grant
It’s becoming more and more common for school districts to have to rely on teachers, parents, and community members for funding. I’m incredibly thankful for those generous individuals and organizations of the world — the ones who supply teachers with the necessary materials required to successfully engage their students on a daily basis. I’ve been fortunate to have received several… Read More
How to Increase Student Achievement: Six Easy Steps
I began my teaching career with good intentions. I wanted to make a difference in my students’ lives. I vividly remember being a first-year teacher — writing lesson plans on weekends, having parent-teacher conferences before school even started, and being the last to leave the building every night. I worked hard, but my students’ test scores didn’t reflect my efforts…. Read More
Fall Reading Passages
My fondest memories of elementary school include visions of teachers decked out in their ugly Christmas sweaters, gaudy earrings, and necklaces made from string lights that actually flashed on and off. I love holidays, but I’m not as brave as they were. I recognize special occasions in my own way, though: by incorporating their rich, culturally-relevant histories within the context… Read More
Multiply for Apple Pie
Ahh, Fall. The leaves are changing colors, pumpkins are being placed on doorsteps, and festive recipes are emerging from the pages of cookbooks and coming alive. It’s the season of sugar, spice, and everything nice. Personally, I love bringing those warm, fuzzy feelings into the classroom. I created this activity to incorporate multi-digit multiplication with the changing of the seasons…. Read More
Will Teach for Chocolate
Hello, world! I’m Emily and I’m a teacher who loves teaching almost as much as I love chocolate, or is it the other way around? I don’t know. Here’s what I do know: if I had enough money to live comfortably, I’d probably be okay with getting paid by way of food in some form or fashion. I could go… Read More
