TheApple

Oh friends! My heart is literally pounding for I am angry! Irritated! Astounded! Today I am angry because I finally read the story from Sunday's New York Times (MASSIVE kitchen re-organizing took over my life this weekend....grueling and intense, but well worth it. I do heart an organized kitchen!!). Did you see this article? If you didn't, you can check it ...

In today's age of technology, it's hard to keep anything private. Technology is a great classroom tool, but this year, many teachers have found that it can also be used against them. Whether it's a comment in class, a video from a cell phone, or a social networking picture, everything seems to go viral. While most teachers err on the side ...

Throughout the school year, members of TheApple have the opportunity to win free books! Talented education authors are helping TheApple make professional development and literature more accessible. You can enter to win each month! Some months will feature professional development literature, some humorous reading about being a teacher, and others will feature books you can use in your classroom with ...

As an educator for over twenty-six years, I have always advocated that schools need to get involved in important issues like feeding the homeless, Live Aid and Band Aid, helping 9/11 victims’ families, supporting our veterans, and assisting those people hit hard by disasters like Hurricane Katrina. I have been reluctant to support schools dealing with what goes on in the home. ...

Dear Julia, I am a special education teacher and have A LOT of paperwork on and surrounding my desk. I have tried numerous ways to organize my paperwork and would really appreciate some ideas and help! Especially with managing and organizing my student's IEP's. Thanks. Amanda Hi Amanda, Your concern is one of the most common ones that teachers everywhere share. ...

There has been much written on the pros and cons of NCLB (No Child Left Behind) from an educational management perspective on the return on investment of the program, and point of view of teachers, professors and students effected by it. As educators attempt to navigate the best way forward in these challenging times, it may help to know how NCLB ...

MINNEAPOLIS, MN: Educators, parents, and book lovers can get a free, exclusive look at a brand-new middle grade novel, Finn Reeder, Flu Fighter. Starting November 17, Stone Arch Books, a children's fiction publisher, has made the book available as a free download on its website www.capstonepub.com/promo/h1n1/. The book will be released in hardcover as part of Stone Arch’s spring 2010 collection ...

When teachers intent on making a difference look at the state of affairs in education in 2008, many just shake their heads and sigh. Rightfully so, perhaps, when one considers how many students of education are changing their majors, how many fabulous but disillusioned teachers are choosing early retirement or changing careers, the challenging daily schedules confronting most teachers, their low ...

This past Tuesday, I took a day off of school. This is not normal for me, and I even had to fight my urge to go up to school and make sure things were running smoothly. I even drove up to the school and chose not to get out of the car. Why? Because I had a chance where I knew ...

The overarching goal of education is that kids LEARN the material, and let’s face it, not all kids learn at the same pace. I have a unique approach to late work. I encourage students to turn their work in early by offering extra credit incentives. I do charge a 5% penalty to work that is turned in late, but I always ...

Depending on where your school is located, finding good class volunteers may be a tough job. If you follow the tips below, you might find that volunteers can be your best asset for pulling off great class projects and making a hectic day manageable. h4. Who Wants to Volunteer? There are two types of parents who will be willing to volunteer- ...

Ask the next ten teachers you meet why they picked education as a career and the majority will tell you that the decision was all about making a difference. The ones that have remained true to this mission, positive and dedicated in spite of countless challenges, frustrations, budget cuts, and much more, are those admirable leaders known as intentional teachers. Are ...

Margaret Mead, American anthropologist said “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." Throughout history the drafting of a powerful document of intent by a small group of impassioned people has been the first step to a radical and long lasting change in the world. In 1774, ...

An ethical classroom, like a good home, is ideally a place of learning, sharing, trust, nurturing, personal and spiritual growth, and peace. Places that engender such feelings among those who thrive there are built around a consciousness and respect of ethical concepts. Beneficence (goodness), veracity (truth), autonomy (sense of self), justice (meaning fairness), and non-maleficence (the responsibility to do no harm) ...

Those who can, do…ONLY because they once had great teachers. Education in the United States has lost some of its luster over the years since the first colonial schools opened more than two hundred years ago. At one time, one room classrooms were presided over by knowledgeable men and women, carefully chosen in the hopes that they could help to develop ...

1. "Don’t assume I know anything." Dear Teacher: "As a new parent, I know nothing. Please do not assume I know when things are (events, functions, etc) or what things are (the annual silent auction or even PTA). You need to be specific and explain in detail all the little and big things I will need to know as a parent ...

The most dreaded word in school reading for students: book reports. Teachers assign them, viewing them as a necessary component of assessing reading comprehension. Book reports can be a contributing factor to 'readicide'. "Read-i-cide n: The systematic killing of the love of reading, often exacerbated by the inane, mind-numbing practices found in schools." http://stenhouse.com/html/readicide.htm. So, how can we as teachers continue ...

Your students may be cheating, but do you know how? Here's what to watch out for: • Stealing a copy of a test • Helping someone else cheat • Stealing a test key • Pretending to sharpen pencils while looking for answers instead • Passing notes during a test • Telling classmates who have not taken a test what was ...

When your students take quizzes and tests, they should not cheat and they should not disturb others who may be struggling with an answer. You can prevent both of these from invalidating an assignment by teaching and enforcing rules for your students to follow while taking a quiz or test. These rules will make it easier for you to give quizzes ...

When you suspect a student of cheating, be certain you have enough evidence before you speak to the student. Begin by speaking privately with the child. Do not be confrontational; instead, remain calm as you present your point of view. If, after talking with the student, you are still sure that cheating has taken place; you must follow your school’s guidelines ...