The Sunrise Story

My time at NCTE in Atlanta changed me. Travel does that to me. Visiting a new place and meeting new people, seeing the world through a new lens...it's overwhelming and powerful. I've needed time to marinate about my experiences before I wrote about them. Conversations. I spent lots of time in conversations that challenged me as a teacher, as a woman, as a person...they pushed me to ask questions, to do better, to be better! One night, I had dinner at a food court in a local mall with two teacher friends. We spoke at length about the world and as we left I felt uplifted and inspired. Our experiences are so different and to get time to sit over burgers and ice cream and listen to each other...it's invaluable.   Connections. Hugs and tears. Everywhere I went, there were hugs to be given and received. Smiles exchanged and tears shed. We connected and promised to work hard to make this a world where all of our students are safe. In every session I attended, tears came fr...

I know there isn't any scientific data to support the lunar effect (The “Lunar Effect” , sometimes called the “Transylvania Effect” is the notion that the phases of the moon have a note-worthy effect on human behaviour and mental health, Neil, Colledge 2000.) but I am a teacher. Yesterday we had a Super Moon and while I understand that there's no research to support behavior changes from this, I challenge you show up in any classroom and you'll believe it's real. Students were fidgety and sillier than normal. I noticed everyone had a hard time sitting in their seats and focusing. We had lots more movement breaks. My last class of the day felt the effect, or demonstrated it, the most. They are the class that loves to ask questions, you know the class, that could ask questions during the whole block...My favorite is when a student prefaces their question with, "I have two questions." You know that student don't you? Every year, there's one or two w...

It's election day. I haven't blogged about voting or elections before. I even hesitated to do it today, but I am here. I showed up and this is what's happening in our world today. I woke up early to get to the polls before they opened. Wrapped up in my warm sweatshirt and scarf, I held my coffee while I waited in line...smiling for the privilege.    At 5:45 in the morning, there were already more than two dozen people in line. The many behind me was wrapped in a polka-dotted blanket. People were friendly and chatting. I stopped and took it all in. This moment is not promised to everyone. I'm grateful for the responsibility to be able to vote. When I got my ballot and walked to the booth, I looked at the names. I took a deep breath and voted...feeling grateful again. Every single person working at the election was smiling and kind. It felt like everyone appreciated this moment.   I got my fancy voting sticker and left. The whole process took no more than thir...

I'm grateful for... 1. my loving, crazy, amazing family 2. my brave, hard working, sometimes silly students 3. my loving, grace-filled, kind friends 4. books to read 5. notebooks to fill 6. just the right pens 7. my sweet Bella 8. peppermint coffee 9. soft, warm, cozy blankets 10. writing to soothe my soul 11. traveling to discover 12. mittens 13. sense of accomplishment 14. stickers 15. hugs 16. daily phone chats with mom 17. warm socks 18. bubble bath 19. memories of dad 20. autumn 21. faith 22. showing up Being grateful...expressing gratitude...it's contagious and powerful. It can change my mood and change my day. What's on your list?  Thank you to the Two Writing Teachers for this amazing platform to write and share writing! What a wonderful community you've created! I'm honored to be part of it. Join us at Two Writing Teachers .