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No Tricks, Just Routines: A Thought on Classroom Management
While flipping through an old journal, I came across a question I once jotted down — likely something I heard at a conference: “What is your best classroom management trick?” I smiled when I read it, because I remember my answer clearly — and I stand by it: Tricks and gimmicks for class management eventually…
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More Than a Lesson: The True Impact of Teaching
Today, as I was accepting invitations to the annual professional development opportunities offered to educators at the start of each school year, I remembered a quote I heard at one of these “PD days” a few years back — and it got me thinking: “If I am not an improved version of myself by the…
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Coloring Inside the Lines… and Knowing When to Go Beyond Them
“Color inside the lines.” It’s one of the earliest rules we give children when they’re learning how to draw. And in many ways, it reflects a larger idea in how we’ve traditionally approached learning: follow directions, stay within the structure, do what’s expected. There’s a place for that. Boundaries are important. They help students develop…
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Start with the Right Question: A Reflection on School Discipline and Parental Support
It’s never easy getting called into school because of your child’s behavior. As a parent, it can feel frustrating, embarrassing, or even unfair. But in those moments, the most powerful and productive question a parent can ask is: “What can I do to help correct my child’s behavior or misconduct?” Unfortunately, that’s not always where…
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Our Shared Path, Our Individual Journey
There’s a quiet truth we all live with — one we may not often voice, but feel deeply in our moments of reflection: While we may share a path with others, our journeys are a uniquely individual experience. Life often brings us into community with others. We attend school together, grow up in the same…
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Why Inkblotz?
Yesterday, as I was reviewing notes and drafts for future blog posts, my daughter came up to me and asked, “Whatcha doin’, Dad?” I answered simply, “Reviewing posts for my blog.” She paused for a moment, then asked, “You have a blog? What’s it called?” “Inkblotz,” I replied. She wrinkled her brow. “Why Inkblotz? What…
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Solitude: Why It Matters and How It Helps
In a world that glorifies hustle, noise, and constant connection, solitude can seem countercultural—even suspect. But stepping away from the noise isn’t an escape; it’s an intentional return. Solitude is not loneliness. It’s not social withdrawal. It’s a mindful space where clarity, peace, and self-discovery live. So why choose solitude? And what does it actually…
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To Teach (and Learn) Is to Be in a Constant State of Reconnaissance
To teach—and to learn—is to be in a constant state of reconnaissance.It’s a phrase that’s been echoing in my mind lately. At first glance, it might sound a bit tactical, even militaristic. But in truth, it captures the quiet, intentional vigilance that defines the work of an educator. Teaching is not a static profession. It’s…
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Mistakes Are Moments. Growth Is the Goal.
Rethinking Discipline, Accountability, and Redemption in Our Schools In every classroom, hallway, and lunch line, students are learning much more than what’s printed in textbooks. They’re learning how to be human — how to navigate choices, face consequences, recover from missteps, and try again. And like all of us, they sometimes stumble. What matters most…
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The Line Most Beautiful
As an art student many years ago, I became captivated by portraiture—not just the structure of the face, but the subtleties that make each human being unique. Over years of observation, sketching, and painting, I came to see that every person carries a distinct line—a natural flow that defines them beyond features or symmetry. It’s…
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The Crossroads
There comes a time in every person’s life when they stand at a crossroads — a moment that demands not just any decision, but the decision. One that will alter the course of their life forever. There will be an easy way out — the path of least resistance — tempting in its comfort, but…
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We Don’t Want “Good Students”
At first, it might seem like the same thing — but there’s a big difference between being agood student and being a good learner. “Good students” know how to play the game of school. They follow directions, wait patiently, stay within the lines, and do what’s expected. But in a world that’s changing faster than ever —…
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Connection Before Correction
Respect from students doesn’t always come in the form of “please,” “thank you,” or “excuse me.” Sometimes, a student greeting you with “hey” instead of “Mr.” or “Mrs.” isn’t disrespect — it’s just their way of connecting. Get to know your students. Learn their quirks. Let go of the ego. Allow yourself to be human.…
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