Studies suggest that it's important to career success to be able to speak glowingly about one's work skills and accomplishments. In fact, a recent report indicates humility in the workplace may be a liability.   Educators, of course, are known for their humility. Theirs is a broadly accepted practice of being other-directed and of being reticent to toot their own horns and tout their accomplishments. The question is: does this practice harm teachers and the education profession?   When I posed this question in an online forum, the general consensus was that it does indeed -- but that was w

Our guests assert that to be more engaging and effective with students we need to connect to the various cultures of the students in our classes. They suggest that teaching to the culture increases engagement, comprehension, and student achievement. So what does this mean in practice?   Learn more at http://www.bamradionetwork.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=835:how-we-teacher-girls-to-have-unhealthy-self-image&catid=35:jackstreet54&Itemid=89. Then read: Culturally Responsive Teaching: Theory, Research, and Practice by Geneva Gay And check out:

In Praise of Good Mentors Everywhere and Anywhere All teachers need mentors. This relationship and process starts with student teaching and the neophyte’s professor, but in most cases, sadly ends there.  My positive experiences with mentors in my life come from a diverse group of teachers, coaches, and oddly enough, two parakeets.   I play tennis and practice against the wall of a racquetball court.  I hit for thirty minutes, starting out slow to find my concentration.  At sixty-six I take my time to warm up until I start hitting harder over an imaginary net while keeping my focus and te

One of the first steps in the CDA process is acquiring 120 clock hours of training. Choosing where to get this training can be confusing, overwhelming, a shot in the dark,or all three. This is especially true if the candidate begins to search for online CDA training.There are literally hundreds of training agencies vying for your business, with more popping up every day. Most have catchy ad campaigns and promise quick and easy completion of CDA training hours from the comfort of home. After a while, they all start looking pretty much the same to the casual browser. So then, price becomes the n

Contemplation Writing: An Alternative to Journal Writing and Mindfulness Programs Part 5: Themes from Student Contemplations The themes, plots, experiences, and stories of my students cover a wide range of everyday, real events, and also, surreal happenings that impact adolescent life.  The beauty of “Contemplation” or “Music” Writing is that it gives kids the freedom of expression that leads to self-discovery, self-motivation, and ultimately, self-education.  Their inner worlds are activated by the music and trigger the desire to write about whatever they experienced inside themselves