Sunny Kinders

 Rating Stars System by Open Clipart-Vectors , licensed by Pixabay As 2021 draws to a close, it is time for a self-check. Blogging is supposed to help me become a better teacher. What is my reality, however? This school year doesn't really compare to previous years because of the Coronavirus. It doesn't really compare with the year I taught virtually, either. Still, I know myself. The Good I have more joy in the classroom, so my students are happier. Happier students means greater learner ownership. My students are learning the value of love. I am making more opportunities for fun. Fun increases engagement, which increases learning and motivates me, too!   The Bad I am being less systematic with instructional time and assessment. Although my lessons are sound, they are not as regular or targeted. Also, I don’t have clear metrics to address student growth. The Priorities Jo...

Binding Contract Secure Free Image by Steve Buissinne , licensed by Pixabay     I remember walking out of the title office after closing on my first home. It was just a condo, and 10% was already paid, so not a huge commitment. I had expected to feel excited and proud, and was completely blind-sided by the weighty heaviness in reality. I was super young and had led a very sheltered life at the time.       Now I know better. I don't know why I want to take on such a big project so near retirement, but I am in the business of learning. So hey, why not? My district will cover the $2000 in fees for successful completion of becoming nationally certified. Even though it's a lot of money, it's not really a determining factor. I could get more than that by just switching employers. It would, however, mean that if I started, that I would not quit -- basically it would be an all-or-nothing decision. It's a huge undertaking, requiring 3-5 years and a ton of multimedi...