Rethinking Education Through the Whole Child

As the school year comes to a close, classrooms often shift in energy. Routines change, academic pressure increases with testing, and students may begin to show signs of restlessness, fatigue, or emotional dysregulation. For teachers, this time of year can feel both rewarding and overwhelming. But for many children, this

Constitution Day is September 17th. Classrooms across the country should celebrate this important day because it marks the foundation of our democracy. In my state, schools are required to teach about the Constitution on this day. Unfortunately, that is not the case everywhere. Why does this matter? Because the Constitution

As a new school year begins, elementary educators across the country are preparing classrooms with fresh bulletin boards, sharpened pencils, and carefully planned lessons. But while academic readiness is a key focus, another crucial element deserves equal attention: the social-emotional well-being of students. For young children, the transition

first written June 2, 2024 Yesterday I had the opportunity to formalize my doctoral degree by participating in the hooding ceremony. I am glad I did. I wasn’t going to. You see, I defended my dissertation almost one year ago, and I felt kinda silly walking after so much

I spent four 8-hour days unpacking standards for a school district. Throughout the arduous process, I reflected on teaching some thirty years ago before ‘no child left behind’ and ‘teach the standards’ became a thing. We had learning objectives, pacing guides, and criteria that had to be met for

My mission is to empower children. Through my words and actions, children will know they are unique and worthy individuals deserving of love, respect, and dignity. They will know they matter. Every child is teachable. Every child can learn. In my class, each child will feel safe and know they