As a teacher educator who works closely with local public schools, school leaders, teachers, and teacher candidates guess what the most frequent topics that arises from conversations on how to prepare future teachers? Yup, you got it! Classroom management comes up all the time. It is understandable why classroom management comes up so often. If a teacher doesn’t have a good understanding and command of the classroom environment and students’ behavior then teaching and learnin

In one week we will remember the events of 9/11. It is hard to believe that 17 years ago in just a few minutes our world permanently changed. With each passing year the pain may lessen just a little bit, but the trauma of that day and the aftermath that unfolded the days, months and years continue to linger in our bodies, hearts, minds, and souls. Perhaps, even changing the DNA of the America we knew. The anniversary conjures up painful memories. For many the day is about an

It’s August! Can you believe it?! For some reason every year when August rolls around it comes as a shock to me that the school year is about to resume, and I feel like I’m already behind on everything. There’s just so much to do in order to prepare for our students’ and their families arrival. Even though I’m a bit frazzled by the amount of work that needs to be completed before students arrive, I am also excited to meet my new students, set up the classroom, get new supplie

As our students move on into another phase in their lives, it gives us pause to reflect on our lives. Watching our students graduate may cau

I will share a mindful communication exercise that you can practice with friends, family members, students, parents, and colleagues. The fol

The tensions are rising as students and teachers prepare for standardized exams. I’m going to share with you four simple mindful practices t

For many of you this week is spring break. Wohooo!! I’m sure you are thrilled that this much needed break has finally arrived. For me I find that spring break is a great opportunity for me to practice the four Rs: Relax, Reflect, Recharge, and feel Refreshed for the rest of the academic year. By this time of the academic year we’ve had to overcome many challenges and are just exhausted by the daily grind. By this time of the academic year we’re running on automatic, which for

I have to be honest with you. I dislike grading. The secret is out. It is my least favorite aspect of being an educator. Don’t get me wrong I enjoy giving useful feedback to my students about the work they are doing and how to improve. Rather, I don’t enjoy grading because I’m giving a numerical value to an assignment that is not always easily evaluated with a number. Students’ reaction to the numerical value also discourages me. I’ve noticed that often students associate the

Teaching is hard work, but it’s so much harder when there is a lack of love and compassion for the people you interact with in your classroo

I started practicing yoga at the age of eighteen. I was curious about the practice and thought it would be a nice addition to my exercise routine. Never did I think it would change my life and even how I approach my teaching practice. Yoga comes from a sanskrit word, yuj, which means bind or unite. There are many forms of yoga, but in essence yoga refers to a set of poses, meditations, and breathing practices. The sequence of postures are meant to align your body and allow en