It matters.

Categories: being a better colleague · Being a better teacher · Big Questions · More to life · Motivation · Science ROCKS!Tags: · · Leave a comment

Since last summer I’ve participated in the WABS/STEM Fellowship program (Washington Alliance for Better Schools). On May 22 the cohorts presented their Problem-based learning units, and we enjoyed delicious food and riveting speakers. My cohort consisted of one other man, Steve, from my district, a sixth-grade teacher (who’s amazing), a teacher, Gaylynn, from Northshore (also–amazing), a young University of Washington professor (who couldn’t attend the event) and a man, Jim, from Boeing. Steve and I invited our principals, but they didn’t make it. I wish they had because if there was ever an evening to see how much representation matters,…

Internal drive.

Categories: Being a better teacher · Big Questions · Motivation · New News · PBISTags: · Leave a comment

What makes us go? Pernille Ripp from Blogging Through the Fourth Dimension provides some challenging and mindful questions about rewards. I am a skeptic of Alfie Kohn, but after what I’ve seen the past two years with PBIS am experiencing my own ‘growth mindset,’ too. PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports), according to the mission statement on their website:  PBIS is a framework or approach for assisting school personnel in adopting and organizing evidence-based behavioral interventions into an integrated continuum that enhances academic and social behavior outcomes for all students.  PBIS IS NOT a packaged curriculum, scripted intervention, or manualized…