I like to know what I'm buying before shelling out cash, which is why I'm giving you this here free excerpt from my book, Schooled. The essay, "When You’re a 22-Year-Old Teacher and Your Students Are 18," is actually the first of the book, and I thought if you enjoy it, maybe you'll enjoy the ... » Learn More about Freebie from Schooled!
DIY
My First Week on NutriSystem (Also: Why I’ve Been Farting Like a Teenage Boy)
I've no complaints about dedicating the majority of recent writing to my book. But I gotta say: I've missed word vomiting over here! I've been itching to get back to sharing the meaningless and embarrassing details of my life. LET'S GET STARTED! Writing a book right after the year of Too Many ... » Learn More about My First Week on NutriSystem (Also: Why I’ve Been Farting Like a Teenage Boy)
If You’re Reconsidering the Classroom (or Just Wanna Make Extra Cash), This is for You!
Whenever someone contacts me about my writing, it's almost always because they think I'm selling sex (whencrazymeetSEXhaustion...ooopsie) or they're considering transitioning out of the traditional classroom like I did. Fortunately, spam filters work wonders. Over the years, I've written several ... » Learn More about If You’re Reconsidering the Classroom (or Just Wanna Make Extra Cash), This is for You!
People Who Said Nice Things About My Book
Since Schooled is my first book, I've had the opportunity to learn a lot in the process. Namely, when you think you're done writing, you are not. I think anyone who creates likely feels the same way: it could always be a little better. Or maybe that's just my childhood talking: it's good, ... » Learn More about People Who Said Nice Things About My Book
Tips for Tolerating Halloween, From a Former California Raisin
It all began with the clown light on the ceiling of my nursery. Even as a wee one in my crib, I vividly remember that clown's crazy eyes and light bulb nose. I eventually threw something at the light and broke it because I'm a problem-solver, that's why. But then, my mom dressed me as a clown for ... » Learn More about Tips for Tolerating Halloween, From a Former California Raisin
Peace of Mind is Priceless (and maybe free if you win!)
When we brought baby #2 home in May of 2011, there were a bunch of strange men waiting for us at the house. Guess it’s relevant to note that my husband had hired them to begin digging for a swimming pool. I never would’ve guessed my husband, who hates the water, would want to be responsible for ... » Learn More about Peace of Mind is Priceless (and maybe free if you win!)
Be the Best Gift-Giver to Ever Give (Plus a Giveaway!)
Even though it doesn’t feel like it just yet, fall is here in Pittsburgh! Don’t tell that to my kids who were swimming yesterday or to my air condition that’s pulling some serious overtime right now, but make no mistake that fall is upon us. And what’s not to love about the change of seasons in ... » Learn More about Be the Best Gift-Giver to Ever Give (Plus a Giveaway!)
Schooled by Stephanie Jankowski
Schooled by Stephanie Jankowski Actual footage of me when I saw the cover of my book, Schooled: A Love Letter to the Exhausting, Infuriating, Occasionally Excruciating Yet Somehow Completely Wonderful Profession of Teaching: via GIPHY I am so very grateful for this whole experience--I WROTE ... » Learn More about Schooled by Stephanie Jankowski
I Don’t Know Who Needs to Hear This, but We’re All F*cking Up
I'm in this weird stage of parenting where my kids physically need me less, but they're basically emotional dumpster fires that I have to manage or the whole town will be ablaze. My ten-year-old has finally submitted to the fact that the world does not revolve around him, though anxiety seems to ... » Learn More about I Don’t Know Who Needs to Hear This, but We’re All F*cking Up
Dancing in the Rain
There's no better feeling than when he looks at me and smiles that smile. His whole face lights up, his eyes sparkle, joyful. Our dance is synced, our rhythm steady. To experience the lilt in his laugh is to know the purest kind of love and in that moment, when I am his, I know it is the closest to ... » Learn More about Dancing in the Rain