Posts by lfanning
What Teachers Wish Parents Knew
As my children come home from school with stories about what one teacher did or didn’t do, I’ve had to carefully consider how to filter what my child says with what I know to be true as a teacher. Here’s what I think your child’s teacher would want parents to know: 1. There are…
Read MoreTeaching Through the Pandemic -Virtual Music Teacher
Continuing our Teaching Through the Pandemic series… In March 2020, America’s teachers realized exactly how big of a deal the pandemic would become, the Friday before virtual learning started. It was hard. It was confusing. At the time, I lived alone and took advantage of online offerings galore. I found myself living for the daily…
Read MoreHow To Work as a Teaching Team
My first year of teaching, I worked on a teaching team with the two other teachers who taught 8th-grade literature. They were extremely kind, and we got along fine. But I never asked for help. In fact, I thought the meetings were a waste of time because I had so many things to do. As…
Read MoreTeaching Through the Pandemic – Jenna’s Story
We’re letting teachers tell their stories about teaching through the pandemic. With every post, we are reminded of the great love and concern that each teacher displays for their students. These beautiful testimonies of struggle and passion for learning weave a marvelous tapestry for our nation’s children. I teach special education to elementary students. Teaching…
Read MoreEarth Day Books and Activities
Lesson plans and books about Earth Day to get any grade level to celebrate the wonderful planet that we live on and discuss ways that we can keep it clean, healthy, and harmonious with all living beings. Earth Day Books for Pre-K through 3rd grade Nibi’s Water Song by Sunshine Tenascoe This is a…
Read MoreThe Teacher As Parent Dilemma
They say having a kid changes everything. They are right. Priorities change, perspectives change, and relationships change. Your core identity shifts in ways you could never imagine. Everything you thought you knew tilts on its axis, throwing you off-kilter as you navigate your new life in an unfamiliar role. As a teacher-parent, your career also…
Read MoreFree Activities for Secondary Science
We’d like to introduce you to Caitlin. She’s offered to share some of her hands-on activities for secondary science with you all for FREE. Read on to find out more… I have been teaching middle school science since 2013. I spent several years working primarily in urban middle schools, teaching physical, life, and earth sciences.…
Read MoreTax Tips for Teachers – Saving Money
Once you’re organized, teachers, you need some tax tips for categorizing your expenses to find the best deductions that will help you save money. Always check with your tax professional for how your state laws and individual situation might impact your savings. The recommendations below may not apply to every teacher. Tax Forms: W-2 vs.…
Read MoreTaxes for Teachers – Getting Organized
Taxes for teachers can be complicated, especially if teachers are holding down more than one job (as many are). Polina Mann shares her tips for getting organized and finding deductions (see part 2 on Thursday!). Please note that Polina is a teacher, not an accountant, and her recommendations are made in the spirit of helping…
Read MoreTeaching Through the Pandemic – The School Counselor
School counselor Brittany Powe-Inge provides a raw depiction of her experience teaching through the pandemic. I can still remember the day we were called into the Principal’s office. No one likes that feeling right? We were notified that we had a couple of days to prepare our students for Virtual Learning….It was scary and nerve-wracking.…
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