When I started talking about the decision to leave the traditional classroom and teach online, so many ears perked up, and the questions came pouring in. That makes me think: There are more people like me who want to work in their sweatpants, and to that I say AMEN. Are we finally figuring out ... » Learn More about Thinking About Teaching Online? Read This First!
DIY
Spring Is In the Air! And I Hate It.
Before you throw me beneath that mountain of snow you've repeatedly been shoveling from your walk to your yard, hear me out. With spring comes baseball season, and while I love me some baseball, and look forward to following our beloved Pittsburgh Pirates with the crazy obsessed baseball fans I call ... » Learn More about Spring Is In the Air! And I Hate It.
We’re a Cartoon!
Since they could speak, I've been keeping track of the funny things that come spilling out of my kids' mouths. Whether it's on my Facebook page or here on the blog, I've done my best to document the hilarity. When writer and cartoonist Adrienne Hedger reached out and asked to turn my Conversations ... » Learn More about We’re a Cartoon!
Pittsburgh’s Inaugural Listen To Your Mother Cast!
Most of the writers I know pour over their words like a surgeon about to open up a heart; our writing means that much to us. Which is why it's not always easy to press publish or, scarier yet, share our word babies with three strange ladies who are staring at you, probably swiping at the tears ... » Learn More about Pittsburgh’s Inaugural Listen To Your Mother Cast!
Helpful Tips to Live on Less
When I traded my traditional classroom for a virtual one, I was soooo excited! I was trendy--for the first time in my life--working from home! Oh, I was also excited to be home with the kids. Blah blah... Mostly, though, I was all what's up hipsters on your laptops at Starbucks?! Except that ... » Learn More about Helpful Tips to Live on Less
Catholics, Let’s Be Bucket Fillers
You may remember I had some beef with my priest a while back. Beef is putting it mildly. Shortly after that episode, I wanted to go to a different church, which was sad because that's the church we had been married in, had our children baptized in, and generally felt welcome in. But I tend to hold ... » Learn More about Catholics, Let’s Be Bucket Fillers
Oversharing: On Sex, Romance and Saggy Mom Boobs
Largely pregnant and about to burst with my third child, I received a phone call that made me squee, pee, and repeat. Ms. Erin MacPherson was on the other line, inquiring if I would like to be a freelance writer for We Are Teachers. As I am a teacher, also a writer, the offer was a no-brainer for ... » Learn More about Oversharing: On Sex, Romance and Saggy Mom Boobs
Raped in Arizona? Sorry About Your Luck!
I was minding my own business this afternoon, scrolling through work emails and handling my kids' ridiculous lunch requests as quickly as I could ("No, Popsicles are not fruit, therefore they are not lunch"), when I got a text message from my brother. He asked if I had heard about the teacher who ... » Learn More about Raped in Arizona? Sorry About Your Luck!
Traditional vs. Online Teaching
I feel like I've blathered on about this subject ad nauseam, but now my traditional vs. online teaching quips are being put to good use: I am writing a short series for the educational site We Are Teachers that chronicles my personal journey through the transition from brick-and-mortar buildings to ... » Learn More about Traditional vs. Online Teaching
Auditioning for Listen To Your Mother, Pittsburgh-style
Ladies and gents of Pittsburgh (and surrounding areas, of course), You asked and we answered! We've compiled a list of the most pressing questions regarding our audition process and turned them into a Q/A post on our Listen To Your Mother Pittsburgh site. For instance: Q: Should ... » Learn More about Auditioning for Listen To Your Mother, Pittsburgh-style