Professional Development
GTD in the Classroom
In the past couple years I can compliment one author with almost single-handedly helping me become the organized and (relatively) productive person that I am today. Anybody who has spent more than an hour on the internet is probably familiar with the Getting Things Done system developed and written by David Allen. In a nutshell, [...]
The Importance of Being a Well-Rounded Individual
In the short amount of time that I have been teaching, first through student teaching and now through subbing, I have become very grateful for my wide range of interests and experiences. Growing up I was never really part of one specific clique. I played high level hockey so I fit in comfortably with [...]
Weekend Self-Improvement #2
This weekend was all about making connections for me. After our hockey game (I’m assistant coaching my former high school’s hockey team) I talked with my former vice principal. We chatted about my job prospects and teaching in general for a few minutes before he introduced me to somebody from the opposing school who is [...]
Thanksgiving is Awkward
As a student of history and a teacher, Thanksgiving is awkward.
The “story of Thanksgiving” has basically become a fairy-tale. The starving Pilgrims at the Plymouth Colony learn new farming techniques and receive advice from the local Native Americans. The crop is bountiful and everybody, starving Pilgrims and helpful Native Americans, sit down for a big [...]
In Defense of Lecturing in the Social Studies Classroom
In the latest issue of Social Education there was an excellent article titled, “The Guide on the Stage: In Defense of Good Lecturing in the History Classroom” by Jason Stacy. It touched on an idea that I have been struggling with a long time, namely, does lecturing have a place in the history classroom, and, if [...]