Before popping out three kiddos that shared my DNA, I referred to my English students as "my kids." Pretty fitting since my students really did prepare me for motherhood. I learned a lot of important lessons in the classroom that eventually translated into my home. Like the time I was as all ... » Learn More about 7 Ways My Students Prepared Me for Motherhood
DIY
412 Food Rescue
I went on a date with Andrew McCutchen last week. By "date," I mean I rode in a truck that he graciously and generously donated to 412 Food Rescue. When Cutch heard 412 Food Rescue was raising money to buy a refrigerated truck to safely haul and deliver fresh food to those in need all over ... » Learn More about 412 Food Rescue
Idlewild Special for Local Readers!
Idlewild Park and I go way back. I remember the ball pit as a youngin', swimming through the multi-colored plastic, just as well as I remember the first time my own kids jumped in. The picnic baskets and double stroller days have given way to We want corn dogs! chants and a single red wagon. But as ... » Learn More about Idlewild Special for Local Readers!
How I Offended Librarians Everywhere and One “Guidance Counselor”
This time of the year is hella busy for anyone in education. End of the year assessments, wrapping up graduation requirements, administrative stuff I don't pretend to understand. Students who've been statues since September suddenly come to life with concerns about their grades. Those statues' ... » Learn More about How I Offended Librarians Everywhere and One “Guidance Counselor”
Giveaway! Children’s Theater Festival in Pittsburgh
If you're lucky enough to live in or around Pittsburgh, you know the Cultural Trust is what keeps the arts alive and thriving in our great city. Pittsburgh's Cultural District is impressive in its own right, but when you learn the story of how it was transformed from a forgotten piece of downtown ... » Learn More about Giveaway! Children’s Theater Festival in Pittsburgh
Teacher-Parents: Teachers’ Worst Nightmares?
When Hannah, my editor at We Are Teachers, asked if I'd be interested in writing a funny piece about how we teacher-parents have the potential to be our kids' teachers' worst nightmare, I laughed aloud at my computer. How could I possibly relate to obsessing over my kids' grades or being in constant ... » Learn More about Teacher-Parents: Teachers’ Worst Nightmares?
5 Things I Miss About My Traditional Teaching Gig
I didn't have my own classroom at my previous brick and mortar teaching job. I hated every second of the traveling, mostly because I had cankles and could barely see my feet over my pregnant belly, but also because I don't like to share. One of my colleagues actually counted his pencils after I had ... » Learn More about 5 Things I Miss About My Traditional Teaching Gig
Chapters & Seasons
Many chapters in my life have already closed. The teenage years, college, dating, the pre-kids days. Sometimes I grow nostalgic and a little part of me yearns to reopen a chapter or two (smooth 21-year-old skin, I'm lookin' at you), but for the most part, I'm quite content to be standing in the ... » Learn More about Chapters & Seasons
6 Secrets of Successful Co-Teaching
Valley High School: my first full-time teaching gig, my first true love. My colleagues and I were passionate about our low-income school where the free and reduced lunches and special education population were twice the size of those in neighboring districts. It was an uphill battle, but varied ... » Learn More about 6 Secrets of Successful Co-Teaching
fit4Schools & a Sweepstakes for Teachers
Be honest: what's the first thing you do when you or someone you love develops a weird rash? Has a high fever? Bumps his head and may have/may not have/probably doesn't have a concussion? You take to the Internets, right?! More specifically, to WebMD. We all rely on WebMD's wealth of information, ... » Learn More about fit4Schools & a Sweepstakes for Teachers