Over the years of my career so far, I’ve found a small number of posters that deserve space on my classroom walls. Like any tool, these posters act as multipliers of the skill and understanding I bring to bear in using them. If I don’t deeply understand what they mean and how to develop that […]
How to Teach Mechanics and Editing Using Mechanics Instruction that Sticks and Supplements – DSJR One Stop Shop
In 2015, I announced the publication of Doug Stark’s Mechanics Instruction that Sticks curriculum series with the following words from Doug: English teachers are, in my humble opinion, the hardest working people in public education. We have the unenviable task of trying to convince a generation of kids raised on electronic devices and nursed by […]
2023-2024 School Year in Review
Dear colleague, This was a school year of refinding my footing and figuring out what I’m here for, as a husband, dad, teacher, and writer. I’ll spare you the inner journey with all its trials and tribulations, but suffice it to say that I am grateful for the inner work my life required this year […]
Why AP Students Are Some of the Worst Motivated Students in Our High Schools (Or: The Most Comprehensive Talk I’ve Given to Date on Student Motivation)
Dear colleague, This is my penultimate blog article of the 23-24 school year, a fact I am delighted to report to you as I’m ready for some time away for reflection and recentering. On Thursday, I’ll share with you a (very lengthy) end-of-year reflection that unpacks what I’ve learned in my classroom (including an analysis […]
Value Indicator: “When Am I Ever Going to Use This?”
When a student slouches back, crosses their arms, and in the surliest tone possible says, “When am I ever going to use this?” we’re being given an indicator of a couple things. Situations like this are just what the Five Key Beliefs are for. So first of all, we need to figure out if this […]