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
DIY
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
How I Ruin Pictures
Ever since I can remember, I've worn my feelings on my face. I'm an expert eye roller, nose scruncher, and lip curler. If I'm feeling any type of emotion, you'll see it all up on my grill before you'll hear it in my voice. This makes it difficult for me to live life without appearing painfully ... » Learn More about How I Ruin Pictures
Our Master Bedroom: 10 Years in the Making
We were incredibly fortunate to purchase a new-build as our family home. Being the first and only owners wasn't only exciting, but it gave us confidence that we wouldn't need to Google "plumbing in Pittsburgh" for at least a couple of years! Friends of ours had moved into their new digs only to ... » Learn More about Our Master Bedroom: 10 Years in the Making
Calling All Girls: Let’s Get STEM-Y!
When my husband and I first started dating, his sweet mother made an earnest attempt to get to know me. We shared many a'conversation over yummy dinners and hung out in the stands of countless baseball games. After an abundance of time together, she eventually smiled at me and said, "You're one of ... » Learn More about Calling All Girls: Let’s Get STEM-Y!
On the Eve of My Husband’s Vasectomy
My husband has decided to get the ol' snip-snip. I have thoughts about this. Many, many thoughts. I try to articulate them to him, but because I have the gift of never finding the right words when speaking, I figured I'd write them down instead. Here goes. Dear Husband, I understand you ... » Learn More about On the Eve of My Husband’s Vasectomy
The Best Baby Shower Invitations are Paperless
Seems like a million years ago my swollen ankles and I were perusing the aisles of a stationary store in search of the BEST baby shower invitations EVER. Given that we didn't know if we were having a boy or girl, the sparse selection between yellow ducks or green umbrellas didn't give us much of a ... » Learn More about The Best Baby Shower Invitations are Paperless
Betsy DeVos: Lots of money + zero experience = hot mess
If, like president-elect Trump (I have one more day to say that don't ruin it), I had $20 billion to throw at education reform, I'd slip education secretary nominee Betsy DeVos a few dollars so she could buy herself a friggin' clue. If Ms. DeVos thinks she'll be saving the American education system ... » Learn More about Betsy DeVos: Lots of money + zero experience = hot mess