How Learning Habits Changed My Life
Just as I set it to the night before, my alarm rang like a distant gong chiming its early morning call. I didn't move a muscle. "Noooo!" my brain was screaming. I...
Charmaine
Journalism school + editing + university newspaper 2010-2013
Education grad school + full-time teaching internship 2013-2014
Teaching elementary grades + Substitute teaching 2014-2023
7 Things I Love About the Early Toddler Stage
While there's (understandably) much fanfare surrounding baby milestones, like dedicated baby book pages and dedicated doctor questions, I can't help but feel like the firsts of the early toddler stage fade into...
How to Chain Stitch a Name on a Swaddle
Last spring, I embroidered our friend's name on a knit pullover for her first birthday present. After learning how to chain stitch, I'm happy that the method remains a popular and pretty...
How I Like to Help New Moms in Postpartum Recovery
I could've wept when I scooped up that warm, golden broth of love dropped off by a dear friend. I probably did weep-- I don't remember. But I vividly recall the way...
From Teacher to Comedian: Gaspare Randazzo’s Exciting Side Job
Welcome! Maybe you're here to get more behind-the-scenes info on fan favorite Gaspare from Netflix's "The Trust." I had the opportunity to ask him how he balances it all: teaching, standup and...
A List of the Best Substitute Teacher Quotes
Surely you've seen various mementos and trinkets cutely embellished with quotes like "Teaching is a work of heart" or "Teachers who love teaching teach children to love learning." Maybe you've wondered, like...
Why I Quit My Teaching Career for Pregnancy
I quit my full-time teaching job to be a stay-at-home mom to my child. Except the child wasn't even outside her amniotic bubble yet. I know to some, the route may seem...
How to Pump Breastmilk as a Substitute Teacher
In the throes of a time-bending newborn haze, among sinks full of bottles and tops and pump parts, during a remixed sleep schedule and learning all of the exciting features of your...
Is Teaching a Family-Friendly Job?– Not Really
Right now? In our current state of education and its expectations for teachers? Teaching isn't even a single human-friendly job. Here's why, my friends: Misconceptions while picking a profession I always knew...
Should You Aim to Be a Tough Substitute Teacher?
As teaching in general is pummeled with more and more challenges, the difficulties for a substitute are that much more magnified. Classroom teachers don't think their students are giving them a modicum...
How A Substitute Can Respond to “But Our Teacher…”
If you step in to take over a brand new classroom for a day, you'll likely run into the number one thing students inevitably bring up: "But our teacher lets us..." "That's...
How to Redirect Students Without Saying a Word
It's no myth that teachers often lose their voice during the school year. By October, those tired vocal folds seem to go on strike. That's why I like to use this strategy...