Classroom sharing has become the norm in middle and high schools across the U.S. Teachers vacate their rooms during their planning period so that other educators can use the space to teach their classes. Here's why classroom sharing doesn't work.
My senior dog recently celebrated his tenth birthday. Here’s how I keep him healthy and happy so that he’ll be with me for many more years to come.
I've called Northern Virginia my home for the past six years. Here are ten pros and cons of living in this area.
When shopping for Christmas gifts, don't overthink it! Consider the interests and personality of each person, and find useful items at bargain prices. Here are 10 practical (and classy) gifts you can find under $20.
Whether you enjoy watching Christmas films during the holidays or year-round, here are ten uplifting and inspiring movies to watch.
This creamy and delicious guacamole dip is quick and easy to make. You only need a few ingredients, and they're all healthy. Enjoy this dip with tortilla chips or veggies during Super Bowl season or anytime!
There are many long-lasting chews and treats you can give your dog to keep him busy. This can be helpful if you have a high-energy, anxious or nervous canine and are looking for ways to calm him or keep him occupied.
This sweet and spicy dip is made with cilantro, tomato, lime juice, and other healthy ingredients. It goes especially well with corn tortilla chips but can also be enjoyed with baby carrots, celery sticks, and other veggies.
This tasty and colorful black bean salad with cilantro and lime vinaigrette has a slightly spicy kick and is packed with nutrition. Serve it with tortilla chips for a fun and tasty dish.
Empanada dough is easy to make if you follow these simple steps. You only need a few basic ingredients, and you probably already have everything you need in your kitchen.
This moist and delicious banana bread with chocolate chips also contains Greek yogurt and ginger. The recipe is easy and requires less sugar than most sweet breads, which results in a slightly lighter texture.
Empanadas are a traditional and very popular food in Argentina. They can be served as appetizers, a side dish, or as a light meal in themselves. This recipe is for baked empanadas filled with cheese.
Several years ago, I adopted a high-energy dog that seemed unable to relax. Here's what has worked to calm him down and to keep me from going bananas.
Here are ten great movies worth your time. I found them on Amazon Prime but some are also on Netflix. A mix of comedy, romance, drama, and everything in between.
I have struggled with anxiety since childhood. Here are five simple ways I manage my stress and anxiety daily.
This simple and healthy recipe is so tasty and satisfying. It requires only five ingredients and can be prepared in 10 minutes. An ideal dish for a busy person who wants a nourishing meal without the hassle.
This sweet and simple smoothie is packed with nutrition and flavor. Baby spinach, banana, mango and yogurt are the only ingredients needed. A simple smoothie with a heavenly taste.
Inclusive schools don't come about by chance. Schools that offer their English language learners an environment of inclusion have taken specific steps to bring this about. Here are 5 effective ways to create an inclusive school to help ELLs thrive.
I can never forget the "deer in headlights" look on an ELL's face his first day of school. It's a glazed expression, filled with anxiety and fear of the unknown. Offering our English learners a positive classroom environment is a significant way to alleviate their stress and help them succeed.
Research shows that when parents are actively involved in their children's education, students are more likely to experience academic success. Here are 10 effective strategies to help integrate the parents of English language learners into our schools.
Several years ago, I adopted a very high-strung dog with seemingly limitless energy. Here's what has worked to keep his energy levels manageable and maintain my sanity.
Community circles allow students to share and listen to each other's thoughts, feelings and ideas. They're a way to foster inclusion, regardless of cultural backgrounds and life experiences. Here are sample discussion topics and strategies for teachers to create an effective dialogue.
Many English language learners who enter our schools aren't welcomed into inclusive environments. Teachers of ELLs are in a key position to draw attention to inequalities they observe and to advocate for their students.
I recently moved back to a very humid climate after living in a dry state for many years. Here's what works to keep my dog cool and comfortable on hot summer days.
Every year around the Fourth of July, animal shelters across the United States take in many more dogs and cats than usual. Here are 7 easy ways you can keep your pets safe and comfortable when those fireworks go off.
This healthy and easy strawberry and spinach salad also contains sliced almonds and crumbled blue cheese, topped off with a simple balsamic vinaigrette dressing.
Every year in school districts across the U.S., English language learners take the WIDA ACCESS to measure their proficiency in the English language. Here are 8 reasons why student scores on this test may not provide accurate data.
This sweet and savory pineapple casserole is quick and easy to make. It hits the spot as a cold and refreshing summer dish but can be enjoyed warm or cold year-round.
Not only is it easy to have healthy and great looking locks, but you don’t have to break the bank to do it. Here's what keeps my hair looking its best.
This easy-to-make egg noodle, pineapple and fruit cocktail casserole is full of color and flavor. It makes for a refreshing cold summer dish, but can be enjoyed warm or cold year-round.
This sweet and simple broccoli and mandarin orange salad also contains red onions and cheddar cheese, topped with a light dressing. Packed with nutrition, it will keep you wanting second servings all summer long!
I learned how to cook sweet humita while visiting my mother in her native country of Argentina many years ago. This simple, tasty vegetarian recipe can be enjoyed as a side dish or as a light meal in itself.
This moist and tasty chocolate chip pumpkin bread is a year-round winner. Easy to make, it's the perfect comfort food at any time of the day.
This moist and sweet chocolate chip banana bread has been a family favorite for decades. The best part is it's so easy to make. Serve it for breakfast, dessert, or teatime.
Classroom sharing has become the norm in many public schools across the U.S. Here are 3 good reasons why it's ineffective. Written by somebody who shared classrooms for several years.
I've had my share of experiences in church singles groups and have decided to no longer be involved in them. Here's why.
Co-teaching has become increasingly popular in U.S. public schools. Here are five reasons why it doesn’t work and is a huge waste of resources. Written by somebody who co-taught for several years.
I've struggled with stress and anxiety since childhood. Growing up, I didn’t know there were strategies I could learn to help me cope. As an adult, practicing healthy ways to manage and reduce my stress has become a priority.
Almost losing my dad to a massive stroke helped me forgive him from past hurts I was holding onto and to focus on the valuable lessons he taught me.
Here's a look at some reasons why single people stop going to church on Sundays. I offer tips to singles who are interested in getting back into the habit of attending worship services and ways others can reach out to them in church.
Every July 4th in the United States, millions of people gather after dark in public parks to view fireworks. Although they're quite spectacular to watch, fireworks and firecrackers have many harmful effects.
We have a crisis in public education in America. These are five ways the U.S. public school system hurts our students and holds them back. As a veteran public school teacher still teaching in our schools, I offer suggestions for change.
Here are five significant yet simple ways administrators can support teachers before they return to school in the fall. Teachers will be empowered and equipped for a successful year and may never want to leave their school!
Several years ago, I suffered debilitating injuries which left me with chronic neck, shoulder and upper back pain. The pain led to depression as I discovered I was no longer able to engage in activities I had always enjoyed. These strategies gave me back my life.
Toxic people can make our lives very unpleasant if we allow them to. We sometimes feel that we are at their mercy. But we aren’t. Here are 10 healthy ways to cope with them.
Teachers are quitting their jobs due to the poor working conditions, unreasonable demands, and unrealistic expectations they face daily. These factors make the teaching profession unbearable for even the best educators.
Whether you're on a shoestring budget or simply desire to live more frugally, here are some easy and practical ways to cut expenses and save money daily.
One of the hardest things some of us will ever experience is watching a loved one—be it a family member or friend—stay in an abusive relationship. Here's a look at why adults stay in toxic relationships and various ways we can help them.
Are you thinking about moving to Colorado? Here are some challenges to be aware of before you relocate to the red rock state. Written by somebody who lived there for many years.
A teenage girl is confronted with the opportunity to escape the room she's been locked in for years. Based on my true story.