Mariano Velez

INKBLOTZ

  • 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… more ›

  • A Simple Reflection.

    I don’t often share personal matters or air out my issues on social media. It’s just never felt like the right space for that—and honestly, I find it inappropriate to do so publicly. I’ve always been someone who leans into… more ›

  • 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… more ›

  • 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… more ›

  • 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… more ›

  • 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… more ›

  • The Power and Purpose of School Discipline

    In today’s world, some may question why schools emphasize discipline. Why require students to wear their full uniform each day? Why insist on punctuality, preparedness, and adherence to classroom expectations? Why limit distractions like phones, and why hold students to… more ›

  • 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.  more ›

  • 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… more ›

  • 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… more ›

  • 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.… more ›

  • Every person with a smartphone is a potential broadcaster.  The world is watching….. more ›

  • Who are your favorite artists?

    Who are your favorite artists? Painters Norman Rockwell, Bob Ross, LeRoy Neiman Comic artists Michael Turner, Jim Lee, Cary Nord, Marc Silvestri Cartoonist Bill Watterson Illustrator Heinrich Kley A rather unconventional list I would say…. more ›

  • Philosophy

    Philosophy….that wonderful thing that can make us look both intelligent and absolutely out of our minds all at the same time…….. more ›

  • That’s saying something…

    There is something to be said about saying nothing at all. more ›