-
Why I Teach: Ten (Important) Reasons
Students Students Students Students Students Students Students Students Students Students Oftentimes, when I tell people I’m a high school teacher, I get this response (or a slight variation), “Oh, wow! I could never do that! Teenagers these days….” Truth is, the teenagers have been the only reason I keep coming back…
-
Helping Teens Handle Life. And Death.
Being a high school teacher affords me many opportunities to help teens handle life. And loss. It is at once: enlightening, encouraging, painful, and honest. Emotions are raw, understanding often limited, and nearly all experiences are ‘firsts.’ Sadly, some, like birth and death, become second- and third-time experiences for a few. Being there, with a shoulder,…
-
The JJ Project
“Do you know J____ (JJ) S ______?” coach asked. “No, should I?” I replied. “Probably. He’s on his way to being booted from the team* permanently.” “So, what’s the issue?” “Major attitude problem.” “Does he have (college-level) potential?” “Has been a walk-on since his freshman year.” Yikes. “Send him to my classroom…