Category: Blog

  • My Resignation Letter

    Dear Administrators, Superintendent, et al.: This is my official resignation letter from my English teaching position. I’m sad to be leaving a place that has meant so much to me. This was my first teaching job. For eleven years I taught in these classrooms, I walked these halls, and I befriended colleagues, students, and parents alike. This…

  • You can judge me if you want to

    You can judge me if you want to, but before you do, know that I primarily stayed in my marriage because of my son. Ian has been through so much in his nine years: He battled a cancerous brain tumor at four-years-old with his father right by his side, giving Ian the strength and courage to…

  • I’m Taking a Stand

    Thursday, March 13, 2014, my children and I will be at our state capitol in Denver, Colorado protesting standardized state tests. I may be putting a lot of things at risk by taking this stand, but ethically, I cannot support a program that is damaging the profession I love. Join us in Denver at 11:30…

  • Opting Out: Why Ian Will Never Take State Tests

    I’m taking a stand this year: My son is not taking the standardized state tests that are being mandated by the government. His school will receive a zero for my opting him out, which will lower his school’s proficiency standings. On one hand, I feel bad that his school is being punished for my decision;…

  • How do I find the words

    How do I find the words to show what’s in my heart,      When the fragments are suspended in the air?           Grasping for air,                for thoughts,                     for strength… Submerged in pain, but…

  • Blessing 24: David

    I’ve been counting my blessings for over two years now; it has helped me get through some difficult circumstances. Every time I’ve felt pain beyond belief, I’ve tried to find the things in my life that make me smile—the things I’m thankful for—so I can move away from depression and towards joy. Some days it’s…

  • Part 3: The solution is right in front of us

    Robinson’s final point is that we cannot help our students thrive under the current educational system, but we do have an alternative-school model that should replace what we are doing now. I agree. I’ve transcribed his main final points in italics, and then I’ve added my own thoughts and experiences, but feel free to watch…

  • Part 2: the 2nd principle that drives human life

    In an earlier post, Part 1: Identifying the problems, I discussed how Ken Robinson’s video  is helping education by shining a light on the problems, identifying the 3 principles that drive human life, and then he offers an existing solution. The first principle is about individuality. Robinson explains the 2nd principle this way: 2nd Principle that…

  • Part 1: Identifying the problems in our current educational system

    Ken Robinson: How to escape education’s death valley I love Ken Robinson’s videos: He is entertaining and makes a lot of sense. Recently I read some criticism about him; these people thought Robinson was a lot of fluff with no substance, and some thought he was doing more harm than good because he creates a…

  • A letter to my son on his ninth birthday

    Dear Ian, Happy birthday my darling boy! Your birth nine years ago brought so much joy to my life. You were an answer to prayer then as you are now. We’ve been through so much together and have come out stronger and better because of it. You have taught me so much about life and love.…