Last June, I wrote a post titled "Glow Up." It was the idea of doing things that you like without holding on to what people or society expect you to be. And while that was the phrase and the phase I needed to go through last summer, this year is different. See, I know who … Continue reading Check In
Stories
The History of Memorial Day
I haven't done a history lesson in a while, so I figured we're overdue. Yesterday was Memorial Day here in the United States. Most people I know treat it as a free 3-day weekend. Others think of it as the unofficial start of summer. And others still think of it as a way to honor … Continue reading The History of Memorial Day
The End of Year 2
Today was the last day of school for my students. This means that my second year of teaching has come to an end! I wanted to use today's post as a chance to reflect on what all went down this year, and maybe provide some insight to some of you as well. I should have … Continue reading The End of Year 2
Put Forth Effort
I have a hard and fast rule in my classroom. Any student who tries and shows any effort in class will not fail. I will make sure of that. I don't expect perfection. I recognize the district I teach in. And even if I don't know all of my students' stories, I can recognize that … Continue reading Put Forth Effort
Where are You Going?
It's no secret that everyone has been through hardships in life. Every life has issues and challenges. It's also not much of a secret that this year has been a lot for me. I've had a lot of new challenges I've had to face as a teacher, and I've done a lot of learning, growing, … Continue reading Where are You Going?
How to Trick your Brain
I've talked a lot about mental health the past couple of years, but I recognize that it is important in my life and other people's lives as well. I've also learned that you can't force your brain to do things well, but you can trick your brain every now and then. First things first, I'm … Continue reading How to Trick your Brain
Taking Care of Yourself
I can't tell you how good it feels to be on Spring Break this week. To be 100% honest, I think I was more excited for spring break than some of my students. And it's not even that I have plans this week. In fact, I don't really have any plans at all this week. … Continue reading Taking Care of Yourself
Do Nothing Days
To be completely honest, everything has been a lot lately. It seems as if it's all coming at once. I've talked about spoons and burnout and just how everything happens at once. But the other day? I woke up, got a couple things done, realized I had depleted most of my spoons and laid back … Continue reading Do Nothing Days
Processing Time
As a teacher, you're taught to provide students with "wait time." Wait time is the space of time between when you ask a question and when students are supposed to provide an answer. This way, students have a chance to think and process. This is how real life should work as well I know, for … Continue reading Processing Time
System of Support
One if the really cool things about where I teach is that we've realized we're not alone. I know it can be toxic when a workplace mentions that they're like a "family," but I truly am grateful for my coworkers. This year of teaching has been hard on all of us, and knowing we aren't … Continue reading System of Support
Battle Kim of the Republic 