I spent thirty years as a high school teacher, and I learned something important about shame from watching my students. When I had to correct poor classroom behavior, the kids who actually needed it most—the ones I privately called the “Future Felons of America”—barely flinched. My words bounced off them like an errant skeeball headed…
Note to Readers: These words were written after Hurricane Harvey devastated Houston’s Bay Area. I didn’t lose everything like some neighbors did, but I’ve weathered enough personal storms to recognize grief’s strange familiarity. In the Days After the Water Came I returned to school today for a couple of days of work before the students…
Like almost every senior, teachers are looking forward to May 25th with great anticipation. Yes, it is graduation day for the Clear Falls class of 2023, but for most teachers, it is also their last full work day of the year. I know what you’re thinking. You imagine teachers running to their cars shouting a…
As I near the end of my 27th year in teaching, I have observed a recurring trend in the past several years of my career: Every April for the past 7 or 8 years, I have experienced an inner tug urging me to explore career opportunities beyond the realm of teaching. I’ve discovered that many…
August: I’ll be so happy when football returns and dozens of games are on TV each week. September: I wish a real cold front would come through and rid us of this miserable heat and humidity. October: I can’t wait until Thanksgiving week, when we get a 9-day break from the grind. December: Can’t we…
My wife and I lead what we consider to be simple, unassuming lives. We still live in the same modest house we bought over 30 years ago when we were in our mid-20s. That’s a time in life when many couples buy their “starter” homes. Fast forward 30 years and most starter homes in our…
Do you remember the toughest teachers you ever had? I do not mean the ones that held you to high standards in your field of study. Tough graders make accomplished writers, mathematicians, and economists. The tough ones I remember tended to be generally disagreeable people. Some were cold and acerbic; others were more brash and…
The First Hour, Days and Years Tomorrow marks the beginning of my 24th year of teaching, and despite the many years that have passed, I remember well my first day as a teacher. In truth, my clearest memory is of the first hour of my first day as a teacher. Incoming students had to locate…
Imagine you’re attending the biggest social event of the decade, and everyone who is anyone received an invitation. Famous actors, politicians, religious leaders, business titans and a who’s who from the world of sports will be there, but unfortunately for them, so will you. Yes, you received an invitation weeks ago, but you felt yours…
We survived the year and have grown as individuals During the summer of 1979, a torrential downpour fell on my hometown. In what seemed like no time, flood waters engorged most of the surrounding streets. Instead of staying in the safe, relatively high place I was, I unwisely decided to drive home. Being an inexperienced…