3 Ways to Help Kids After Quitting Classroom Teaching
One of the hardest parts of leaving teaching after five years was telling my favorite students I wouldn't be coming back. I had just "looped" with most of the class from third...
Charmaine
Journalism school + editing + university newspaper 2010-2013
Education grad school + full-time teaching internship 2013-2014
Teaching elementary grades + Substitute teaching 2014-2023
How to Show Appreciation for Your Long-Term Substitute
"Being a long-term substitute is a scam." -Reddit user. The job of a long-term substitute is never easy. These adventurous, and often naive, people can get gobsmacked with an avalanche of classroom...
Teacher Appreciation Gift Ideas for Every Type of Educator
Right before a teacher packs up his clsasroom for the summer, something glorious happens. (Or-- depending how it's celebrated-- a week of lackluster attempts at fanfare comes and goes.) However a school...
Secrets to Summer School Success
It's possible you've found your way here because you've decided to teach summer school this year. You've taken up a noble quest. You will join the ranks of myriads of other tough...
Surf’s Up: A Free Summer School Behavior Management Resource
"Hi! Come on in!" I cheerfully intoned as I swung open the door amidst the sweltering summer heat to a squiggly line of bouncy almost-Kindergarteners. My summer school students were eager to...
Should You Teach Summer School? The Ultimate List of Pros and Cons
When school's finally out for the summer, it's debateable who's more thrilled: the students or the teachers. Summer break in traditional schools can be seen as a restorative stretch of freedom, a...
The Worst to Best Side Hustles for Resigning Teachers
If you're planning on this spring being your last semester in the classroom, first: Go you! (I know it's not easy to leave this love/hate career) Come up with a strategy for...
Church and Good Food: Our Plans for Easter with a Toddler
Celebrating Easter is an occasion I always look forward to. Stuffing myself into billowing pastel church dresses and savoring Easter basket chocolates piece by piece has given way to dressing my own...
How to Leave Students Positive Notes as a Substitute Teacher
While I'm a firm believer in giving students consequences for misbehavior, it's much more fun to reward the positive behaviors. Positive behavior can be reinforced in a number of ways as a...
Substitute Teaching: How to Endure (and Maybe Even Enjoy!) the Mayhem
Substitute teaching can be a daunting task, especially if you're new to the profession. I'm a substitute with a few years of full-time teaching and subbing experience under my belt, and I'm...
5 Easy Springtime Crafts I Made as a Busy Mom
Did the groundhog see his shadow this year? I don't remember. Regardless, my home state of Florida forges ahead with spring before most places anyway. Likewise, I'm in full-force spring mode. Whether...
How to Make Your Own Mama Sweatshirt
How do you dress up a pretty standard, comfy mom uniform? Is there any pizzazz to add to around-the-house sweats? Or is there any way, aside from the obvious sight of a...