Structure in the Classroom is Where SEL Begins
Growing up in a chaotic home environment full of uncertainty and insecurity made me crave structure in my daily life. The structure I craved was honestly a structure that I did not know I needed but...
The Healing Power of Listening to Ourselves and Our Students
This school year, I am participating in a cohort designed to help educational stakeholders take a deep dive in the education system and the policy related factors that prohibit students from being...
Creating Radical Healing Spaces for Students
After a long winter break, teachers everywhere are preparing to welcome their students back into the classroom if they haven’t returned yet. But re-engaging with the educational process can be...
The Best Thing You Can Do is Reflect
As an educator, you are always looking for ways to improve your teaching. But what is the best way to get better? The answer may surprise you: reflection. That’s right, the best thing you can...
Self Care Ain’t Enough!
Educators Need to Use the Winter Break to Move Towards Healing The hope needed to remain in urban education is on the other side of educators healing themselves. This healing must start with us...
Creating Space to See It and Own It
The power of visualization in the classroom I am a daydreamer by nature. I remember the days when I would stare off into space during 11th grade English. Heck, the walls were bland like my...
Using What Students Have to Get What You (and Them) Want
Have you ever heard the saying, “you gotta use what you got to get what you want?” I heard this saying during my adolescent years and I swear you might look at me a little different if y’all...
The Reflections of a Mom Processing Uvalde
As I watched my 3rd grader take the stage with his friend, to accept his end-of-the year awards, it hit me. It hit me that just a day before, 19 moms like me got their kids up, dressed them for...
It’s Time to Be Mindful About the “U” in Educator
This year, educators across America have been running on auto-pilot and fueled by coffee, Dr. Peppers, and Red Bulls. Now, it’s time to turn the auto-pilot off and regain control of our minds. Why,...
Why Your Students Social Lives Matter to Your Classroom and School
Everything happening in your students' social lives can be connected back to a lesson in your classroom. But, this is going to require you to step outside your comfort zones, create space for...