Month: March 2014
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Bringing rigor to the Underground Railroad story
The noble failure Like most Americans my age, at least those who liked American History from early in their childhood, certain understanding were simply presumed straightforward. Among these acceptances was the purpose of the 1850 Fugitive Slave Law. I didn’t like what I knew of the law, but I understood that the slave states insisted…
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A great mug of coffee
A great mug of coffee OK, technically it’s not really mental illness if it works, (or if Cthulhu* demands it be done)! In my happy quest to make the best coffee possible, I’ve gone to what the casual coffee drinker might call extensive measures. I use a French Press, filtered water, fresh, whole beans, and…
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Teaching time
Teaching time Whether you teach history or not, the effect of your instruction is always limited by an array of underlying skills. Time management is chief among these abilities needed to exceed existing potential. Like many realizations I’ve made while teaching, valuing time management strategies were emphasized in my days before becoming a teacher. Valuing…
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Turning the tables on parent-teacher conferences
Turning the tables on parent-teacher conferences In the fad-crazed world of k-12 education, there is one ubiquitous practice that remains steadfast amid a changing world. That, of course, is the problem. What if schools began each year by holding parent-teacher conferences? Taking this further, what if the parent or guardian were recognized as the expert…