Purpose of Teacher Evaluation?

This post is inspired by a training workshop designed to introduce folks to a new teacher evaluation rubric. In this training we were asked to write words that represent the purpose of teacher evaluation onto sticky notes to discuss and use to create a statement describing the purpose of teacher evaluation. Many notes were created […]

Change That Rethinks: Different or Better?

A few days ago I was asked to respond to this prompt, … interested in change that rethinks or reinvents and ultimately replaces old practice, that’s built on the more fundamental understandings that we have about how kids learn in ways that stay with them way past the assessment (assuming there is one.) So here’s the […]

The S.O.A.R. Model for Student Porfolios

I work with a group of teachers and around 90 students in what can be described as a project-based program (though it really is much more than that). Now, as we finish our second year together it seems like the right time to suggest and propose a digital portfolio template for our students – one […]

The Mathematics of Gratitude

I’m fortunate to work closely with two math teachers smart enough to realize that math is Beautiful, Everywhere, and Typically taught in a way that hides its beauty and its universal value. The three of us work with several other teachers in an interdisciplinary learning environment that, by design, forces teachers and students to often […]

Blah, Blah, Blah … Wait, What?

I work at a seven-year-old high school that was physically and academically designed as a “reform-minded” institution. Here’s our mission statement: Our mission is to transform high school learning through meaningful Relationships, Relevant learning, and a Rigorous academic environment where every Castle View student will graduate with the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful […]

The Powerful 180-Project

Last year Frank Noschese shared his idea for a blog where he would summarize each day of learning during the school year – either by capturing an image or by sharing a short statement. Today, over a year later, the blog has spawned, what I’ll call, the “180 Project,” which challenges teachers to commit to creating a blog and […]

On Teaching Style

I teach because I love helping people. I love inspiring creativity and divergent thinking in my students. Teaching is fun, dynamic, and challenging work that provides a mix of instant and prolonged feedback as I interact with students, parents, and colleagues. To inspire learning and to witness the “light bulb” moments that take place as […]

On Contributions and Drive

Have you ever watched children at play? They ask questions, observe, test, ask more questions, and, well, experiment. Children are curious and creative, yet by the time many of them reach high school they rarely identify themselves as such. As a teacher, especially as a science teacher, I feel responsible for re-introducing my students to […]