My first Monday Musings of each month will include links to all the pieces I wrote during the previous month and my reflections about a few of those pieces.
Currently, I am a writer for two publications, Indy/Ed and The Educator’s Room.
Indy/Ed is an education blog that is part of the Citizen Education network. This network includes blogs in L.A., D.C., NOLA and Memphis.
The Educator’s Room is a publication where teachers are empowered as the experts in education.
I am humbled to be part of two great education publications.
Featured Indy/Ed blog post and my reflection
It Isn’t In My Blood to Walk Away from Education 7/17/2018
The last five years of my middle school English career, I taught in the Metropolitan School District of Wayne Township on Indy’s west side and next school year, I am returning to Wayne Township in a role I have not done yet. I possess five licenses: English/language arts 5-12, Reading P-12, English as a New Language P-12, Library/Media P-12 and Building Level Administrator P-12, so I have options in different areas as well as different levels. Although I know many people were expecting me to state I am going to be an assistant principal, I have decided to accept an elementary library/media specialist position. I decided to obtain my library/media license while I was in Wayne Township so returning to the district in this role seems fitting.
I just finished my eighth day with students today. Yes, students returned on Thursday, July 26 and no, I’m not going to dive into the conversation about school start time…maybe I will another day. I love my new job. It was the change I needed. I love reading and talking about books. There is more to my job than that, but that is my favorite part. I get paid for getting students pumped up to read. How awesome is that?
I have peace about my decision although some people do not support my choice. I’m not going to lie. It’s tough to accept when other people, especially people you thought were in your corner, tell you they don’t support your new job and think it is a bad career move. I’m glad I only worry about what is best for my family and my well-being and not the opinions of others.
Indy/Ed July blog posts
Featured article for The Educator’s Room and my reflection
This teacher says, “Your momma needs to talk to me not through you.” 7/16/2018
Believe it or not, students don’t always tell their parents the entire story. Parents jump to conclusions without all of the information and make statements based on half the story that signifies to the child it is okay to return to school and be disrespectful, out of line, and out of order. Maybe it is important for you to know that every time we are about to write as a class your child has to magically go to the restroom. Maybe it is important for you to also know that your child forgot to mention we were having a safety drill and no one could go anywhere at the time. In addition to helping children grow academically, teachers have to maintain an orderly atmosphere for all students and keep them safe. This means a student may not get his or her way, but the teacher has to do what is best to maintain an optimal learning environment.
Building strong relationships with parents is key. This relationship becomes difficult if the parent and teacher cannot get on the same page because the child is delivering messages from his/her parents to the teacher. Direct communication between the parent and teacher is the best way to foster a productive relationship.
The Educator’s Room July Article
| 7/16/2018 | This teacher says, “Your momma needs to talk to me not through you.” |
| 7/17/2018 | If You Want to Survive, Find Your Teacher Tribe |
| 7/21/2018 | Why I Took My Work Email App Off of My Cell Phone |
I appreciate your readership. If there is something you would like me to write about, let me know.