School-Life Balance
Professional Development
Opinion
The Difficulty of the Personal and Professional Balancing Act
Overwhelmed with always feeling like I'm making the wrong choice, I realize that the sacrifices I've made to get where I am now cannot be taken back, I can only look forward and sometimes temporary decisions must be made to mitigate further damage.
Teaching Profession
Opinion
Educators: Make Every Day a Fresh Start
What I appreciate most the ability to step back after a bad day and really put things in perspective. If a student and I had a difference of opinions and I didn't show the best side of myself, I can come back to class tomorrow, with a smile on my face and treat the day as new.
Teaching Profession
Opinion
Why Do I Teach?
Ultimately, it comes down to the fact that there is no other profession that I can really see myself in. I've tried a few others out, so it's not a default and I'm certainly not doing it to have the summers off (as I'm not usually off during that time.) Teaching is both noble and challenging. It takes a long time to truly nurture and grow.
Professional Development
Opinion
Stranger in a Not So Strange Land
And I'm certain that as more time goes on, my skill set will be used more efficiently and I will be able to help more kids through more teachers.
How has listening helped you become a better member of your school community? Please share
Professional Development
Opinion
Balancing Parenting and Educator Responsibilities
My son is my absolute favorite person in the world and he deserves my love and attention more than anyone else, but I also love my career. How can I possibly be a great and present mom when my son needs me AND also be available to my school and the larger educational community when they need me?
What I struggle most with is knowing when to switch hats. When is it okay to put me first? When is it necessary to put my son first and how can I provide for both teachers and students when they need help too?
Teaching Profession
Opinion
#Clarity Is What's on Tap for 2017
After wading through many of the adventures taken, my eyes are more clearly able to see and now refining questions can be asked and secondary decisions made to continue to chart the course moving forward. It's the time for pause which is not something I'm really good at.
Student Well-Being & Movement
Opinion
Pokemon Go Helps Teachers Develop a Growth Mindset
Technology, gaming and all the new things happening in the world are great opportunities for us all to grow. We can't worry about being bad at something, we need to keep trying and practicing. That's how we grow.
What new things will you try in the new year to meet your students or children where they are?
Teaching Profession
Opinion
How I Told My Students I Have Cancer
Justin Birckbichler is a fourth grade teacher in Stafford, Virginia and a Google for Education Certified Innovator. He is currently battling testicular cancer and has a strong prognosis of being 100% cured (not just in remission). You can follow his journey and help spread awareness at aballsysenseoftumor.com and read a longer version of this story at his educational blog at blog.justinbirckbichler.com. Connect with him directly via Twitter or email.
Teaching Profession
Opinion
Risks and Rewards in 2016: A Year in Review
Although there have been countless other daily risks taken as it pertains to assessment reform and conversations had, the above were the most significant risks I took this year. Since I'm always looking to keep pushing forward, standing on the precipice of success and failure, has become a ledge I'm all too acquainted with.
And failure does happen.
And that's okay. With each unsuccessful risk comes an opportunity for reflection and continued growth.
Teaching Profession
Opinion
Gratitude for Colleagues Who Made the New Girl Feel At Home
The more comfortable I get in my new school, the luckier I feel to have such amazingly intelligent and caring people around me. Which colleagues are you most grateful for in your school building?
Teaching Profession
Opinion
Tips for Balancing School, Outside Career Ventures and Family
Changing the world is big job and no one person can do it alone. Always remember that there are people who will help if you reach out. Building those networks for work and family are huge. Who will be your go to person in a pinch if you need help with work? or someone to watch your children when you're stuck in traffic? The people we surround ourselves with are essential to a happy life, so always take time to maintain the important relationships.
Professional Development
Opinion
Focus on What Can Be Done
In education today, educators are trapped in the muck and mire of red tape that can easily lead to burn out or loss of purpose.
Teaching Profession
Opinion
It's Time to Lighten the Load and Stop Giving Traditional Homework
We need to recognize that children have very active lives both in and out of school starting at younger and younger ages now. They play travel sports which helps foster physical skills and team collaborative skills that build stamina and frustration tolerance. They play instruments which develops discipline and a love of music and additional fine motor skills. They join clubs that encourage them to dig deeper into their passions and connect them to what they are learning already in a social environment.
Teaching Profession
Opinion
Why Do I Always Feel So Guilty About Taking Care of Myself?
Starting a new job this year has added a bunch of new responsibilities and I'm always worried that I'm not doing enough. Afraid of not pleasing my new bosses and even more scared of feeling like a fraud, I overwork myself, judge myself and then run myself into the ground.
The irony is that I know what I should be doing, but sometimes I just can't get out of my own way.