It's over!! THANK the MAKER!
As a kid Christmas was an amazing part of every year. It had everything I looked forward to, from gifts, to food, to family, and entertainment. I remember doing my homework in the living room listening...
View ArticleIt's a Preschool time of year!
For those of us parents with kids older than 5, we know that January and February are cutthroat months! It's Preschool registration season or if not yet, it's coming! The intense battle for getting THE...
View Article"Fresh, Clear, Well Seasoned Perspective"
I'm a Pixar fan... Ok... A huge Pixar fan! So, often times scenes from those movies will pop in my head triggered by the words I just said or even events surrounding my everyday living. This past week...
View ArticleLessons from Diane Sawyer's interview with Sue Klebold
Last night, my wife and I watched Diane Sawyer's interview with Sue Klebold, the mother of Dylan Klebold. For those of you that recognize the name but can't place why, Dyan was one of the "Columbine...
View ArticleCall the sub! I'm staying home!
This past week was exhausting. Four out of the seven of us were sick with flu like symptoms creating a home environment that can best be described as survivalist. There was plenty of laundry done, and...
View ArticleA teacher and a tie
"I don't trust a teacher in a tie."This was spoken in my direction from a fellow teacher as I was leaving my school recently. My quick response was, "I know, right? So, untrustworthy." This teacher was...
View ArticleClik here to view.
St. Baldrick's.. because I hate cancer!
I know that I'm not alone in hating cancer. And I don't typically come out and say that I hate anything.. But I really, truly hate cancer with a passion, and how it damages a person and a family. Since...
View ArticleClik here to view.
My First Daughter - How we built our special Daddy/Daughter relationship
My favorite picture the 2 of us from years ago!Eight years ago today, my First daughter was born. As a hopeless dreamer, I was thrilled to have a daughter. I could imagine the wonderful daddy-daughter...
View ArticleMy life path connects to #Ecuador, and NOW so does Yours! We need your help!
In my lifetime, I've come to the belief that our lives have a certain path that is laid out before us. And, throughout that path, we are led to places we would have never expected, and initially don't...
View ArticleClik here to view.
You're the perfect mom for your kid(s)!
I've been blessed to have been surrounded by so many amazing mothers over the years. Obviously, my mom has been my one and only mother through every day of my life. She has shown me so much about...
View ArticleIt's not okay. The right way to accept an apology.
All day, everyday I deal with kids. Yes, this is by choice. I decided to become a teacher, and I always knew that I'd be a dad one day. So naturally, yeah, I interact with kids regularly. And, much...
View ArticleClik here to view.
They're smarter and more balanced, because state testing..?
State Testing.Just in reading those words, you're already a bit angry.. aren't-cha! Since my students took the Smarter Balanced math test in May, I've been trying to process my feelings and thoughts on...
View ArticleMy Teacher Dad Vote
I have never much been into politics. As a kid, I was always just focused on being a kid (playing sports, GI Joe, Star Wars, video games, etc.). It always surprised me when I met people my age that...
View ArticleListening Ears
My wife and I have used the phrase "put on your listening ears" with all of our kids over the years. We use it when we can see that our crew can hear that we're talking, but just aren't listening to...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Family Day - The Compassion Experience
For most people the start of November signals the beginning of the holidays. Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and then it's a straight shot to Christmas and New Years. Which, I will agree, are...
View ArticleClik here to view.
How do you life?
I gave a test to my geometry students last week. The first test since election day. And much like all test days, I asked the kiddos if they had any last minute questions, reminding them, a) Yes, they...
View ArticleFinding the positive
I'm not going to write a post highlighting the crap of 2016. I don't need to, because we all have our own pains from this year. We don't need this post to rehash more of those feelings that we can...
View ArticleClik here to view.
There is no quick-fix for public education
I'm going to come right out and say it.. yes, I'm a teacher.. I'm sure the name of the blog gave it away only subtly. But I need you to know, I'm not writing this to bash our new President's pick for...
View ArticleClik here to view.
The Teacher Dad: How to navigate the political landscape in your classroom.
The political landscape today is tough for educators to navigate. We feel restrained by the truth that public school teachers are NOT to be vessels for political messages. We are encouraged to stick to...
View ArticleClik here to view.
The Teacher Dad’s Friday Favorites
I’m excited to introduce my new weekly segment called “The Teacher Dad’s Friday Favorites.” Each Friday I’m going to feature something that I find to be a “go-to” for me as a teacher and/or as a dad....
View ArticleAmbitious... is that the right word?
It’s easy to imagine how hectic the home life of a family of 7 can be. Throw in teaching, blogging, part time work, small business ownership, and coaching and I’m sure your head is spinning. A normal...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Friday Favorites... totally sick!
By the time I posted last week’s Teacher Dad Friday Favorites, I had called out sick from work. It was aweful! I swear that I hadn’t been that sick in more than 15 years. Shaking, chills. I seriously...
View ArticleClik here to view.
This is my 40
On the eve of my 40th birthday, I was reminded of one of my favorite movies. I had stepped outside into a beautiful snow fall to do a “cart run” at my part-time job at a local grocery store. The...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Why cell phones may not be the problem
The topic of technology and cell phones in the classroom is one that cycles through conversation circles quite frequently. A recent article sparking discussion is from The Washington Post about a...
View ArticleClik here to view.
A 2018 #PBL reflection
I’ve just wrapped up my first year as a PBL teacher; thirteenth year in total. When I embarked on my journey to be an educator 14 years ago, I never could have imagined the twists and turns my life...
View Article