Think

Direct one’s mind towards someone

or something.

A page for teachers. (If you’re not a teacher, there’s still something here for you).

Teachers are unique. Even those who are not university-trained play a role as teachers. Parent? Sports coach? Music tutor?

We plant knowledge and skills without knowing how or where they’ll sprout. We are artists, writers, musicians, psychologists, mathematicians, counsellors, coaches, linguists, designers, and moderators. We care. We give a damn. When we need to, we kick ass. Above all, we nurture. We take accountability for each child who enters our classroom.

I retired from teaching in 2019. During my almost 40-year career, I taught every primary school age group (that’s elementary school for anyone outside Australia). I spent a teacher exchange year in Canada teaching Junior High School. I rose to the level of Principal, which brought an entirely new range of issues in addition to curriculum implementation.

Now, I am off the leash as a retiree, but learning and teaching still matter. Hence, this blog. Please read, share, agree, or disagree.

While you're here, check out my stories. You can request eBook samples by clicking here. They’re pitched at middle-grade readers.

Teacher Unleashed

Featured

Have a Merry Christmas, you teacher, you

Merry Christmas, teachers.

Vigilance

The Australian Government recently passed legislation prohibiting children under 16 from accessing social media. Although it is still a year away from becoming law, it is another step towards preventing or at least limiting harm from these platforms.

Of course, the platforms themselves don’t cause harm–the end-users do a good job of that.

Unknown

Some Australian schools have embraced a technology-free day. Students research using books. OMG! They also write first drafts of essays using paper and pens. What a great idea.

There’s innovation right there. Books don’t have all the answers, nor does your favourite search engine.