Reflection’s Reality: A Summer Series from the Project 180 Classroom “Any success or failure I have experienced in the classroom has had everything to do with relationships.” This is one of the first things I tell my young aspiring teacher candidates in my classroom management course at Eastern Washington University. I then go on to … Continue reading Reflection’s Reality: Relationships Are Not Accidents
I have chased many “betters” around the bend over the past six years with Project 180. It, as my regular readers know, has been a dizzying dance of Doing, Reflecting, and Doing Better, for just as soon I brave and build one better, I am already off after the next better around the bend. Indeed, … Continue reading Smiles and Frowns: Better’s End
It was only a dream. It was only a dream. It was only a dream. Last night I dreamt. Last night my subconscious fears broke through, haunting and taunting. Testing was over (that will be a dream come true). The kids and I were back together, relieved and ready to resume. But as we … Continue reading What Dreams May Come: Project 180, Day 145
“I hope you discover the value of community and the power of empathy. Though our learning journeys are unique, we all travel similar paths. When we come to realize that through our similar trails we share a bond, we begin to understand that we are not alone, that we can learn with others, that … Continue reading Strangers Among Us: Project 180, Day 3
“Do” is still a dilemma. Five years ago I wrote “The Dilemma of Do,” a post that dove into the “do” and “don’t (won’t) do” in the classroom through the lens of compliance v. the lens of commitment. Having purposefully placed myself in a position where I no longer had the control of compliance (I … Continue reading Plan Me: A Better Fit To Commit
Time to start. Well, I suppose it’s hard to start what never really stops. Teacher Brain. I am afflicted with this communal condition, and though I always hope the beach, home projects, etc. will keep it at bay. It’s a constant itch. I am always thinking about my classroom. And now, as we reach mid-July, … Continue reading Got an Itch: Project 180 Year Four Preview
There is nothing more important than the people in the room, so we start with the people in the room. Every day. Thirty-four years ago I learned an important lesson about teaching. Of course, I was only a student at the time, and I did not really know or truly appreciate the lesson, but all … Continue reading Time Tells the Tale: Project 180, Day 157
Today, we build community. I tend to make promises, and recently, in response to a call for more Community Circle, I promised the kids that we would have it once a month. Going a step farther, it was suggested and then agreed upon that we would have it on the first Friday of each month, … Continue reading Community: Project 180, Day 32
I’ve come to learn that there is little else in life that matters more than relationships. I’ve also come to learn that this is no less true in the classroom. When I think back on any success or failure I’ve experienced in teaching, it has had everything to do with relationships. Importantly, in school, as … Continue reading What Really Matters: Project 180, Day Three