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Teaching Students To Become Digital Citizens

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This past semester has been filled with great excitement. Currently, three high school seniors that I have taught, and been their counselor have signed to become college-athletes. Our varsity volleyball team is on their way to the state championship, and the theatre students put on an incredible production of “Hairspray.” Yes, things have been busy this school year, and we still have another six and half months left. But isn’t amazing how fast time flies? During this semester, my colleagues and I were able to present a class-wide course on digital citizenship. For those who are not aware of digital citizenship, I don’t suggest you Google it. If you do, you’ll get over a million results and all you need is just one answer. To my understanding, digital citizenship is where an individual is capable of communicating virtually, and using that platform professionally, respectfully, and for leisure. I was reviewing the materials that I presented, and going over the notes I had taken, a...
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Frustration For Both

Did you know that teachers get frustrated? It’s true. They get frustrated with students who have tremendous potential, but do not want to put in the hard work. Teachers also get frustrated, and sad, when they see their students discouraged and lack self-confidence. Yes it’s true. Teachers have feelings. Who knew it was true? I guess it might be true, when I stumbled upon a website about 50 important facts about teachers. As the 2016-2017 school year continues, I’m reminded of the late Dr. Rita Pierson , and her inspiring message about how every kid needs a champion. Every year I’m reminded that our mission as teachers goes well beyond the classroom. Every child that comes into our lives is looking for a connection. As teachers, it is our mission not only to teach but also inspire students to become well-rounded individuals for the future. About a month ago, I was reading an article about a teacher who starts off the morning greeting his students with high-fives and ...
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Hope and Healing

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Dear Readers, Sadly, we come together again in mourning an inconceivable mass shooting-this time in Orlando, Florida.   In the past 72 hours, I have tried to wrap my mind around the idea of why someone with a semi-automatic gun would want to take the lives of people who were enjoying their time together. During my almost 30 years of living, I have witnessed many horrific tragedies: The Los Angeles Riots, Oklahoma City Bombing, Columbine, and 9/11 just to name a few. In no way am I proud to have seen this as a child, as a teen, or as an adult.   I am not a parent, but as a teacher I worry just as a parent would. There is no reason for parents to be worried about their children not being safe. No parent should ever receive a text message from their son or daughter, telling them “I love you” before they are killed by a semi-automatic assault rifle. No one should take away someone’s pride and joy from them, out of rage or intolerance. Above all else, no one should los...
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Showing Love: Walking With Students

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Last week my juniors participated in their class retreat. One of the things that we as teachers hope for, is for all of our students to enjoy their time together and make everlasting friendships. One of my current roles, is being the ASB (Student Government/ Activities) Junior Class Moderator. This position allows me to connect with the entire junior class, by overseeing all of the class activities, fundraising efforts, and meetings with the (elected) junior board. I've been a class moderator for the last four years. It always gives me joy when a class unites, and understand the idea of community, and friendship. I'd like to share with all of you my welcome speech from this year's retreat. Today’s retreat is based on the Emmaus Walk, and the meaning behind the walk is for us to rediscover Christ’s presence in our lives. More importantly, it allows us to form friendships and mend broken hearts. I’ve been in education since 2006 and since then I have seen studen...
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Libraries To Learning Commons?

Libraries today are reinventing themselves to become more accessible online and their role becomes less about housing books, and more about connecting learners and constructing knowledge. While printed books still play a critical role, digital technologies offer additional pathways for learning and collaboration. Our students and teachers no longer need a library simply for access. Instead, they require a place that encourages participatory learning. The debate about the future of libraries around paper vs. eBooks or physical vs. digital is on going. Instead of looking at technology as supplanting the traditional, we can explore the ways in which it enhances the traditional library look and feeling. A school’s goal for a Learning Commons can provide a welcoming space that encourages exploration, creation, and collaboration between students, teachers, and broader majority of the school's community.    What are your thoughts? ...
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