A for Effort

Rethinking Read Across America

What does it mean to "Read Across America" and why is everyone wearing red and white striped top hats?  In this episode, we discuss the history of Read Across America Day, how it has evolved over time, and its ties to the infamous Dr. Seuss. I give ALL my opinions on Dr. Seuss and the current celebration that is Read Across America Week.  Diverse Alternatives to Dr. Seuss: 1. One Love by Cedella Marlet 2. Please, Baby, Please by Spike Lee 3. So Much! by Trish Cooke 4. Peekaboo Morning by Rachel Isadora 5. Who? by Robie Harris 6. B Is for Baby by Atinuke 7. In the Small, Small Pond by Denise Fleming 8. Sweetest Kulu by Celine Kalluk 9. I Like Myself! by Karen Beaumont 10. Whoever You Are by Mem Fox 11. Round Is A Mooncake by Roseanne Thong 12. Red Is A Dragon by Roseanne Thong 13. Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty 14. Under My Hijab by Hena Khan 15. Black Is A Rainbow Color by Angela Joy 16. The Colors of Us by Karen Katz 17. Holi Colors by Rina Singh 18. Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns by Hena Khan 19. Counting on Community by Innosanto Nagara 20. Counting Ovejas by Sarah Weeks 21. Ten, Nine, Eight by Molly Bang 22. One Is A Drummer by Roseanne Thong 23. How to Two by David Soman 24. The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson 25. Let's Talk About Race by Julius Lester 26. All the Colors We Are by Katie Kissinger 27. I Am Enough by Grace Byers 28. You're Here for A Reason by Nancy Tillman 29. Like the Moon Loves the Sky by Hena Khan 30. Be You! by Peter Hamilton Books Written by Dr. Seuss that are no longer published: 1. And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street 2. If I Ran the Zoo 3. McElligot’s Pool 4. On Beyond Zebra! 5. Scrambled Eggs Super! 6. The Cat’s Quizzer

Teachers on Break

With Spring Break coming up, we're talking about all the *luxuries* that teachers enjoy while on their break, that just don't fly during the school year.

The Real MVP: The Custodian

In the wake of the passing of my school custodian, I share some personal stories about how he positively impacted my life and our school campus. This episode is a reflection of the importance of community in our schools and a tribute to our campus custodians. Let's be real, our schools would not run without them!!  If you'd like to make a donation to support his family, the link to their GoFundMe page is listed below: https://gofund.me/c06409fb

Advice for Teacher Candidates

Interested in becoming a teacher or currently in a teacher preparation program? This episode is for YOU! In this episode, I share my best advice for aspiring teachers, ranging from things I wish I had known when I was a teacher candidate and things I've learned since becoming an educator and mentor teacher for others.

Feminization of Teaching

Ever wonder why the majority of teachers are women? Well, SAME! In this episode, we look at the history of the teaching profession and discuss the process of "feminization" that occurs in many professions including education!