As I look back over my journey as an educator, I can see how I have evolved. As I ponder my career, I cannot help but think of all the individuals who have helped shape me into the person I am today. I am sure each of us can credit certain tendencies, practices, and behaviors to other educators we have came into contact with. Whether it be a teacher or professor we had in school or a colleague we have collaborated with over time, there are individuals who have shaped us into

Summertime is a time when I find myself being most reflective. I think back to things that went really well the previous school year and try to make mental notes of why they went well so I can keep the momentum going. I also think of the things that didn’t go so well (without dwelling) and put them into two categories: Find a Solution or Chuck It In the Bucket. Most items go into the latter category. During this summer’s reflections, I found myself surprised I didn’t have a t

As teachers, we all look back at some of our previous methods of teaching and realize how far we have come. I am going into my 14th year in the classroom and have often thought what a disservice I did to my early classes. I was trying new methods and also trying to survive those first few years of teaching. One aspect of teaching that was completely missing in my early days was formative assessment. And if I did include it in a class it consisted of me asking for a show o

The year is over, and you’ve started your well deserved summer. Time to enjoy barbecues, vacation, sunshine and... planning for the next school year. Before any of the conferences, pinning, or looking for the next coolest EdTech products I recommend reflection. While learning new ideas and new strategies from your favorite PLN is valuable, it is also important to evaluate how the previous year went. The best way to become a better educator is through the practice of reflectio

Google Cardboard is one of the most innovative, yet cheapest, new technologies to hit education within the past year. Who would think that a piece of cardboard, two lenses, and a smartphone could immerse someone in a virtual environment that gives out plenty of "Ooooos", "Ahhhs", and "Wows"! Since its inception into the education world, teachers have been able to take their students on virtual field trips to faraway places such as the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Re