Category: Observation
-
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…
-
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…
-
Digital Exile: The Silent Epidemic of Disconnection
In a time when connection is just a tap away, an invisible epidemic is growing—especially among young people in underserved communities. It’s not caused by disease or disaster, but by screens. More specifically, by what experts and educators are now calling digital exile—a quiet withdrawal from real-world connection in favor of digital simulation. The irony…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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 —…
-
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.…
-
Behavior Is Not Static
Behavior is not fixed. It’s fluid, dynamic, and shaped by a continuous exchange between individuals and their environment. At its core, behavior is interaction — a response to internal drives or external stimuli. Hunger, attention, fear, joy, the need for safety or belonging — all of these spark behavioral responses, often unconsciously. In our classrooms,…
-
Showing Up Matters: Even on Empty
For many, the day begins with a routine — a shower, a coffee, a to-do list. But for others, the day starts already behind. The alarm clock doesn’t mark a fresh start; it signals a race to catch up. Whether due to overwork, family obligations, economic hardship, health struggles, or emotional stress, some people begin…
-
A Quiet Place
In the quiet spaces of our day to day existence, life can weigh heavy, and even the strongest spirits can grow tired. It is in the quiet moments of self reflection that we often find our path back to balance.
-
Chasing Shadows
Searching for answers often feels like chasing echoes—grasping for clarity in a world that seldom offers certainty; as if chasing shadows. It’s not always about finding definitive truth, but learning to sit with the questions, letting them shape who we become. In the end, the search itself may hold more meaning than the answers we…
-
Language of Learning
Here is a little thought for us all to ponder… We are ALL instructors of language – we MUST teach our students the LANGUAGE OF LEARNING, be it in Math, Science, History, English and even in P.E. We MUST teach our kids to be effective communicators in any subject; their success, and ours depends on…
-
Rules of Engagement
In schools, they are known by many names: rules, expectations, guidelines, directions, pathways to learning, the code, the blueprint, standards, norms, recipe for success, to name just a few. They can serve a far greater purpose than simple managing behavior. In my classroom, I considered those the norms for our interactions, as they were m,…
INKBLOTZ 