Search

For me, the main activity of the first few days of 2011 has been the big “P.” Purge. Purge. Purge. Together, with my two children, we tossed “Baby Einstein” videotapes, Elmo board books and clothing for babies and for toddlers, into giant boxes destined for Goodwill. We filled an entire mini-van. And, I now feel lighter. A good cleansing can be so refreshing.

By the 171st day of school, even a dedicated and enthusiastic teacher like me is pretty sure I am immune to being moved or motivated in any sort of way. I am mechanically and somewhat maniacally moving toward the soul nurturing, patience restoring and creativity refueling station we know as “summer vacation.” My fuse is short. I have an overwhelming need for order, structure and control in the classroom. Final exams, deadlines for grades and year-end papers are due.

Writing poetry is an excellent way for students to explore identity and find meaning and value in everyday experiences.

Students’ names are an important reflection of identity and culture, as educators, we must put in the time to honor those names and pronunciation.

Each year at this time, teachers are faced with a dilemma: How to balance the holidays to create the most inclusive environment? As Hanukkah comes to a close and Christmas approaches, many teachers will decorate with candy canes, glittered Christmas trees and construction-papered dreidels. But there are more holidays being celebrated this month.

A video of a moment in a high school basketball game inspired many, but this writer had a decidedly different interpretation.

Ronjanae broke down recently. She said she felt like “the only overweight child at this school.”

Rethinking the Region: New Approaches to 9-12 U.S. Curriculum on the Middle East and North Africa—a free, online curricular resource—needs to be on your radar. Learn about this resource from two of its co-authors.