I’ve stayed quiet.  I have watched numerous meetings for hours on end with no real conclusion in sight, I have seen the news contradict and divide, I have seen resources my students desperately need taken from them. I have seen teachers not asked for their opinion but instead mocked for their fear of returning to …

“How has teaching online been going?” is an incredibly frequent question I have been asked by others lately, and every time, I have answered honestly.  Teaching online has been hard. It has been unprecedented and emotionally draining. Things that would take very little time in the classroom are taking hours online, but that is only …

WOW, what a week it has been. Between virtual meetings, running out of essentials at the store, and giggling at the relatable reality we currently are living in on social media, we officially have found uncharted territory. Coming back early from Guatemala and diving straight into the chaos made me feel an array of emotions- …

At our last district professional development, I had the honor of presenting one of my very favorite teaching topics, stations with intervention! For elementary school teachers, intervention might be something that is done weekly and can be handled with your eyes closed. However, with middle school and high school teachers, station groups with a teacher …

The other night, I was eating dinner with my husband when we got onto the topic of certain teaching misconceptions. While we were talking, I recognized that I involuntarily felt on edge-like I was anticipating judgment while having absolutely no reason why.  My husband is one of the most supportive people I know, I knew …

Four years ago in mid-February, I was pulled into a meeting with another teacher and a plan was laid out for all of us to switch grade levels. One teacher in 7th grade was no longer available in the classroom,  it was now our job to fill in the gaps, and I was going to …

Monday morning, I woke up giddy.  Professional development was starting and that meant the structure of my day was decided for me. Even though I adore my summer, I have always loved the start of the school year- a fresh beginning, another chance to grow.   I made my coffee, ate my breakfast, and made my …

Introduction: Raquel Mendoza Todayś post is my first guest post written by one of my very best friendś, Raquel Mendoza. Raquel teaches 5th grade in Austin and graduated with honors from the University of Texas Austin. Just recently, she lost someone very close to her, her uncle. He battled cancer for several years, and just …

About two years ago, my husband and I ventured to the Dallas area for his schooling at UT Southwestern. We were down to one income, and the struggle was real when it came to inclusive fun that didn’t break the bank during summer time. I had to be very creative about how I entertained myself …

Okay so, I would be lying if I said Teacher Appreciation Week wasn’t my favorite week of the year. My husband and I will make it our personal mission to get all of the best deals anywhere possible. I am saying we hit up Canes, Chick-Fila, AND Chipotle on the same day- Healthy Teacher who? …