Standing on the Shoulders of Giants

At some point this coming academic year, most teachers will be teaching virtually, or within a hybrid model.  Even those that are teaching completely in person will likely need to adjust the way they deliver instruction and perform in-class activities because of mask mandates and social distancing rules.  Honestly, I feel that we're all going to be virtual as the country shuts down again (at this point, I'm so over the selfish idiots that won't wear masks - I'm not talking about it anymore). As would be expected, social media teacher groups and Professional Learning Networks are replete with educational technology ideas.  From Bitmoji classrooms to PearDeck and Nearpod, teachers are inundated with slick technology to engage students and facilitate instruction.  The problem is, I see very few teachers really thinking about how to use the technology.  Rather, they are excited to "try that out" with grand thoughts of magically creating a perfect virtual classroom...

At the time of this writing, many schools in my area have decided to open virtually for the start of the year, including the school at which I work. However, many locations around the country are choosing to open in person to some extent, even in the face of rising numbers of COVID cases and urging by the CDC and health professionals that this is not safe. The current state of education in this country is a true test of teachers' agility with change. Regardless of some of the ridiculous policies being discussed / implemented; regardless of the completely botched response by the federal government; regardless of the lack of consideration and compassion for the ADULTS involved in school, we will see the departure of many talented teachers who are either unable or unwilling to adapt to an ever-changing academic landscape. There is no easy solution. There is no magic bullet. No proposed solution is ideal - either we're putting teacher and student lives at risk by going back in...

Social media has become such an integral part of our lives. Nearly everyone is on Facebook or Twitter, so much so that we often regard those that aren't with some form of skepticism or wariness. Even my parents have Facebook accounts, and what might have seemed strange a few years ago is now the norm. We crave connections to others, and social media has made that easier than ever. For some, Facebook and Twitter are a voyeuristic paradise. Checking in on old flames or former cohorts often helps to define our own status in life ("Well, at least I haven't gained as much weight as so-and-so!", or "Boy, she sure parties a lot! And at HER age too!"). Sometimes, we live vicariously through our Facebook friends who seem to have more interesting lives. I have a friend whose job involves a great deal of international travel, and I often check his posts to see where he's off to this week. I know I may never get to see the places he visits - my chosen l...

First, let me tell you a story. Once, there was a great king who was very powerful. He held sway over many thousands of subjects, and his every wish was granted in the instant that he wished it. His many subjects loved and respected him, and no one would dare to disobey him. One day, the king summoned his wisest and most trusted advisers and charged them thus: "Go out into my kingdom, and find me someone who can make me a ring that will transform great sadness into great happiness." The advisers were puzzled, but immediately did as the king had instructed and began their search. After days of fruitless searching, they had still not succeeded in finding such a talisman. They asked healers, and magicians, and jewelry makers, but none had ever heard of such a ring. "This must be very powerful magic indeed!" they mused. On the fifth day of their search, in the very farthest reaches of the kingdom, they came to the hut of the kingdom's oldest resident. The...

Each year at this time, I write a little note to all those lovely kids out trick-or-treating about how to enjoy the holiday while still having common decency. As Halloween creeps upon us once again, it is important to remember certain things when we go out into our neighborhoods to trick-or-treat. We want to fully enjoy the holiday, but at the same time, we should maintain a level of respect and kindness toward others. Here now, is a list of Halloween Do's and Don'ts for your reading pleasure. 1) DO Have an Actual Halloween Costume! How many times do we have to put up with these lazy adolescents with their attitude of entitlement. I'm sorry, but a one-dollar mask and a hoodie is just lame. Put some effort into your costume. I don't care if you're 25 years old, if you have a decent costume, I'm giving you candy. But show up at my door in a little white makeup and your "normal" clothes, claiming to be a zombie, and you get the crap candy (maybe ev...

OK, for all those of you who wanted to check your answers to the 80's Toy Quiz, here they are: 1. Lite-Brite 2. Operation 3. Cabbage Patch Kids 4. My Buddy 5. Castle Greyskull (He-Man) 6. Transformers 7. Spirograph 8. Teddy Ruxpin 9. Shrinky-Dinks 10. Big Wheels 11. Care Bears 12. Micro Machines 13. My Little Pony 14. Rainbow Brite 15. Merlin 16. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 17. G.I. Joe 18. Monchichi 19. Mouse Trap 20. Mr. Microphone 21. Barbie Dream House 22. Simon 23. Slip - N - Slide 24. Robotix 25. Laser Tag So, how'd you do?