13. Feb 2009 
Comments
When I first started teaching, I realized that my few high school book reports were insufficient and I needed to beef up my repertoire of books. So, I trotted down to the local library and discovered the marvelous invention of the audio book. Since then I have enjoyed several books during my commutes to and [...]
11. Feb 2009 
Comments
I began teaching in an English classroom, and very quickly I realized the dilemma of books. Reading is undoubtedly one of the most important keys to a good education, but deciding what to read is perhaps one of the most difficult choices to make. Everyone has different preferences in books which can be okay. However, [...]
03. Feb 2009 Comments
My grandmother taught me this saying when I was young, and I was reminded of its truth again today.
Tests can be tricky business. Who exactly receives the praise or the rebuke when the grades come in? I hate to think that I could keep my students from achieving their best scores. But the truth is [...]
26. Jan 2009 Comments
Around the teacher’s lunch table today, we were discussing the truth that high school classes are not nearly as forgiving as middle school. Students in grades 5-8 can quickly develop very poor habits with homework, tardiness, and general irresponsibility. And, although we high school teachers seek to be kind, helpful, and loving, we do not [...]
24. Jan 2009 Comments
This book is an autobiography of Ben Carson, M. D. Dr. Carson is a successful neurosurgeon coming from a poor background. Through determination, a strong work ethic, and dependence on God, Dr. Carson moved from a temperamental teenager to a dedicated Christian, husband, father, and medical professional.
I am planning to include this in my list [...]
19. Jan 2009 Comments
It must be the kids. They are too hyper or too sluggish or too dramatic or too lazy or too demanding or too…
I can blame my attitude on a lot of different little people, but more often than not the root of my sour mood is myself. Sometimes I find myself discontented with my classroom [...]
11. Jan 2009 Comments
I found an old letter today that I had started to write and decided not to send. In it I was telling someone about some events at school that had surprised me. At the time I was teaching in a large Christian school with an open enrollment, meaning my students’ backgrounds varied widely rather than [...]
06. Jan 2009 Comments
Making a mountain out of a mole hill seems to be my specialty. I have been reminded of this several times in this first semester, and I have also found myself thinking, “You know how to teach, so just do what you know to do.” This little pep-talk has helped to clear my thinking and [...]
03. Dec 2008 Comments
Talking with a friend today reminded me of the overall challenge that keeps us motivated as teachers. She has a very small class this year, which, at first mention, sounds like an easier work load. However, her class still covers the full spectrum of learning, and as I walked away, I realized that this pattern is [...]
02. Dec 2008 Comments
I’m not sure about your students, but mine return from vacation as sluggish as ever. My first class of the day is always a little rough because they don’t drink coffee and their metabolism hasn’t picked up yet. But this Monday after Thanksgiving break, I don’t think the kids ever really woke up for the [...]
