As a classroom teacher and a mentor, it doesn’t escape me that this job is definitely more demanding than when I began teaching. At that time, it was perfectly acceptable to follow the textbook, teach lecture style, give quizzes and tests and focus on covering the curriculum. Although those techniques never sat well with me, I have to admit, the job was more manageable than it is today.

With newly updated and modernized curriculums came more freedom, more room for teacher creativity and more stress. The use of technology, which on many levels is an incredible tool and resource, ironically is a time sucking monster. I am fortunate to have started teaching when I did. My philosophy and practice were different than most, which allowed me to scaffold my professional learning and transition pain free into this new age of teaching.

I watch beginning teachers struggle to keep up with the expectations placed on them. Some are teaching many different courses (many of which are not in their wheel house), and are often changing classrooms every block. There are few tangible resources at their disposal and they have to suddenly deal with students who have a myriad of personal and learning needs. I also see experienced teachers who feel overwhelmed while transitioning from traditional methods of teaching and assessing to current pedagogy.

This website is for YOU!