The Changing Face of STEM
The Changing Face of STEM In 2011, I was invited, along with other K-12 STEM educators, to a symposium of the Washington State Academy of Sciences (WSAS). From the mountains of data presented, two bits of information stuck with me: in the coming years, 80% of all new US jobs would be in computer science…
NBCT Among Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Winners
Bob Kilmer, NBCT, who teaches woodworking, computer-aided design and architecture and construction at Enumclaw High School in King County, Washington, was recently named a winner of the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence, which recognizes outstanding instruction in the skilled trades in U.S. public high schools. Kilmer and his school won $100,000, of which $70,000…
Fast Forward to Board Certification
Where has the time gone? It seems like yesterday that I was sitting at the computer waiting to hear the news whether or not I had become a National Board Certified Teacher. I remember that moment so vividly and how proud I felt when I saw the word “Congratulations!” appear on the screen. All of…
Move. Listen. Breathe.
On the side of my notebook where I attempt to keep my whole world organized, I have written three reminders: Move. Breathe. Listen. MOVE My 9th graders were at their computers hammering away at their literary analysis essay of bildungsroman in To Kill a Mockingbird when I started to notice that the thunder of fingers…
Welcome to Teaching
In late November 1985, I was interviewed by a young principal who seemed like a cool guy and a verging-on-elderly woman who was the social studies department chair. I was talking with the principal and the rapport was fine, we were connecting, the interview was going well. You know when you’re killing it, and I…
Podcast: Hear How This PE Teacher is Making an Impact
Health and fitness teacher Shannon Cotton teaches in Camas, Washington. She believes that Board certification opened doors to her as a teacher leader. Listen to Shannon’s podcast to learn how — and to learn insider tips on the Portland area! Download Episode
Institute Formed to Support Nevada Teachers
The Nevada Department of Education recently funded a new program to support National Board Certification and teacher leadership. The funding, which provides more than $700,000 over two years, will be used as part of the Nevada National Board Professional Learning Institute: Empowering Teachers as Leaders and Learners, a newly developed program intended to create a…
Perspective on Global Citizenship from International Teacher
The 2016-17 school year had not been my best year of international teaching. After a difficult summer, I had returned to work stressed and this had an impact on how my year unfolded. So at 1:30 on June 10 there was a sense of relief that the school year was over but also doubt about…
