teaching

Goodbye For Now

Today I received a graduation announcement in the mail from a student that I taught my very first year of teaching. Immediately I thought, “There is no way that the first class that I ever taught is graduating from high... Continue reading →

A lot of Reasons to Smile

As luck would have it, my first afternoon duty of February was scheduled for another rainy day.  As the clouds rolled in and spewed thousands of rain drops, I shook my head.  “Seriously?” I thought to myself.  As the wind... Continue reading →

The Defeated Looking Boy

I was very lucky to be raised in a household that promoted Christian principles through the words and actions that surrounded me.  I was even able to receive an amazing Catholic school education that openly reinforced these standards at school.  The... Continue reading →

A Very Valuable Lesson

“How has your day been today?” asks a smiling girl at the beginning of my last class of the day.  Her jeans are too small and have holes.  I have a feeling that things are rough at home for her. ... Continue reading →

The Suicide of a High School Senior

Yesterday, I posted a blog entry about the numerous issues that students face and the role that we as teachers can play in combatting them.  (Click here to read it.) Upon arriving at work this morning, I received word that... Continue reading →

That’s What It’s All About

Last May, I resigned from the 8th grade teaching position that I had held since moving to the area two years prior. The plan was for me to stay home with our daughter after she was born in July. However,... Continue reading →