Great teachers don’t teach the same year twenty-eight times. They teach twenty-eight years once. I may reuse activities or revisit lessons that worked well before, but I never reuse the same plans year after year. Why? Because students change. Every class brings different strengths, different challenges, and different needs. Teaching isn’t about repeating what worked before—it’s about responding to the … Read More
When Votes Don’t Matter
In Kentucky, voters in all 120 counties rejected a constitutional amendment that would have allowed tax dollars to be sent to private, charter, or religious schools. Every county. Rural and urban. Red and blue. That wasn’t confusion or coincidence — it was a statewide decision to protect public education. Kentuckians said they want public money to stay in public schools. … Read More
Bloom Where You’re Planted
Bloom where you’re planted It means flourishing regardless of circumstances and growing despite your environment. Such sage advice. And yet, so many of us waste precious time thinking, “… if I had a better job/found someone who loved me/made more money/had a bigger house/ etc., I’d be happy.” Or the “I’ll wait to decorate when I get a bigger house/apartment” … Read More
Stay in your lane
I have strong opinions about what’s happening in the world—and that shouldn’t be surprising. My day job is teaching at-risk students, many of whom were born outside this country. I see their fear and am touched by their humanity. This summer, I’ve started stocking a food pantry for my classroom for the fall, because I know some of my students … Read More
The Age of Accountability
Traditionally, the age of eighteen marks the threshold of adulthood. It’s a time when the reins of childhood are loosened, and responsibility shifts entirely, giving young adults the freedom to carve their own paths. It’s when we stand and face the weight of our choices–when we realize that every action and every decision can become a burden we alone bear. … Read More
In a Forgotten World
It’s suicide prevention week. I know, it’s a tough subject. One that most people would rather not discuss. But it’s becoming an epidemic in this country. As a teacher, my heart breaks when I hear that a former student has taken their life. And it’s happening more often. The question is, why? Numerous studies correlate excess social media exposure and … Read More
Understanding Accountability
The dark events of this past week were so horrific that most people I know shy away from even discussing it. But I can’t ignore what happened–it feels disingenuous and wrong. Like most Americans, my heart broke as I watched an animalistic mob invade the seat of our democracy, the very symbol that countless brave men and women have died … Read More
Practicing Gratitude
Every morning I wake with my brain already running full tilt. Thoughts race with everything from creating grocery lists to subplots I should add in the latest work in progress. It’s like my subconscious keeps working while I go to sleep. In college, I’d listen to whatever song I had to memorize before going to bed. In the morning, I’d … Read More
An Art’s Intent
For those that haven’t read the Kailmeyra series, in book two, The Secret of the Keepers, Nora, the protagonist in the series, develops the ability to feel an artist’s intent simply by touching their work. She sees their memories, hears their thoughts. She understands their heart, their passion, and their inspiration. It’s a trait I’ve always dreamed of having. Historically, … Read More
Enough
Enough I’m so tired of hate. I’m tired of people excusing hate. I’m tired of people giving their loyalty to politicians that never earned their trust. I’m tired of lies. And conspiracy theories. And alternative facts. And willful ignorance. I’m tired of this damn virus stealing bright souls that served as beacons in this dark world. I’m tired of greed. … Read More