Truth, Tech, and Teaching

When I'm asked, "Where were you on 9/11?" I find my story is very mundane and boring, at least on the surface. I was in 8th grade on September 11, 2001, going about my business like any other Tuesday that school year. Sixteen years later, as a teacher, I find myself imagining what it was like for my own teachers that day. What did it feel like to know the world as we knew it was changing and yet carry on with the business of teaching and learning as usual? What did it feel like to be the trusted adult face in front of a class of 13-year-olds, all looking to you as a source of facts, calm, comfort, and wisdom in the face of fear and confusion? The fact that my 9/11 story is boring to tell (although it was definitely not a boring day for me), means my teachers and administrators at Novi Middle School did their job well that day. And for that I'm forever grateful. So here is my "boring" story and what I learned about how to be a good teacher in the face of...

I started back to school last Monday, August 28. (And I've neglected by blog for a while since I've been caught in the whirlwind of school preparations.) After 6 years of teaching I've noticed a pattern of workflow and emotions that takes place in the month leading up to a new school year. So here's my explanation of how I get ready for the school year, with some humor. (At least I hope you think it's funny.) Step 1: Get the back-to-school reminder email from the principal and start thinking, "Oh man. Summer is winding down. The new school year is getting real again." This year that email came on July 31st, exactly 4 weeks from the start of school. It mostly contained the staff orientation schedule and info on when we were allowed back in our classrooms. Step 2: Get a slew of other emails from co-workers making plans for the start of the year, asking opinions, and giving other news. It's as if everyone was waiting for the principal to break the i...