When “Perfect” Felt Like the Only Option I still remember the way my hands shook on my very first day of teaching. Not just a little tremble—the kind of shake
Ever Stare at Your Classroom and Think… “There has to be a better way?” Markers with no caps.Papers with no home.And somehow—always—three staplers but not one that actually works. I’ll
Introduction Ever feel like if you admit you don’t know something, the teaching gods are going to strike you with a detention slip? I’ve been there. My first year, I
You know what still cracks me up? Teacher prep had me convinced I was ready for anything. I could write a lesson plan that hit every standard. I could grade
Starting your first year of teaching can feel overwhelming. Between lesson planning, classroom management, and learning the personalities of your students, it’s easy to feel like you’re constantly playing catch-up.
Have you ever done something so impulsive—so colossally dumb—that five seconds later you’re thinking… “Welp, there goes my career?”Yeah. That was me. Day 11 of my first-year teaching. The day
If you’re a first-year teacher, you’ve probably already discovered that the real classroom is a whole different world than what your college textbooks promised. The days come fast, the expectations
I once banned a rule that made my students literally cheer. Like, no joke—round of applause, high-fives, the whole celebration. For a brief, glorious moment, I felt like the cool
I am a retired military and elementary school teacher living in Tennessee. I am an avid reader and love to write. I am very passionate about helping teachers. I hope you find my educational tips and strategies useful and enjoy hearing about my personal journey. Thanks for visiting!
Get a FREE GIFT ($15 value)
