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Can you recession-proof your job?
Catherine Iste Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementWhether you believe that Big Macs or RV sales predict recessions, it seems at least that the continued talk of a recession is certainly on the horizon. Yet, with more of us gainfully employed and the job market so seeker-friendly, should we care? Yes; just like how it is easier to find a job when we already have one, it is easier to plan for a recession when we are not in one. Here are a few things to consider when trying to recession-proof your job.
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Could 4-day weeks catch on in schools?
Brian Stack EducationImagine having the option to schedule your school weeks as four 10-hour days instead of five eight-hour days. Earlier this summer, We Are Teachers blogger Elizabeth Mulvahill reported that 25 states are currently testing four-day school weeks. What started as a logistical solution for rural school districts is now gaining popularity in both suburban and urban areas. According to Mulvahill, "Research by the National Conference of State Legislatures estimates 560 school districts...have at least one school with a four-day schedule. Leading the charge are Colorado (55%), New Mexico (43%), Idaho (38%), and Oregon (32%)."
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Why I’m fed up with being discriminated against because of my learning…
Amy Temple EducationI am so tired of being discriminated against because I have learning disabilities. I can't help it! This is how I was made! What’s the big deal about learning disabilities anyway? It's a pretty common condition for someone to have. A lot of celebrities have come out saying that they struggle with LDs: Henry Winkler, Patrick Dempsey, and Tom Cruise... to name a few. Look at how well they are doing! I am not seeking fame and fortune, but I am simply looking for some respect!
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A queasy ride on the ‘sylla-bus’
Debra Josephson Abrams EducationAs I’ve found again and again, regardless of the program, state, or country in which I teach, the lack of comprehension and appreciation of purpose are the fundamental dilemmas students have when presented with a syllabus, or, failing a syllabus, when starting any course at any level. Even the term syllabus can be a mystery. When I studied American Sign Language, I learned a slang sign for syllabus — "silly bus" — and indeed, that certainly seems like an apt description. All students will benefit from a lesson dedicated to the syllabus. For ELLs and nontraditional students, it may be particularly useful for teachers to create a syllabus lesson designed to deconstruct what may be a flabbergasting and often hefty document but one that is elemental and critical.
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How much do teachers spend annually on school supplies?
Julie Anne Wells EducationWhen children walk into the classroom on the first day of school, they are often met with colorful posters, ample writing utensils, and nametags emblazoned on their desks. But how often do we stop to consider how these personal touches and useful tools got to the classroom? According to a study published by the National Center of Education Statistics in 2018, 94% of American public-school teachers used their own money to pay for school supplies during the 2014-15 school year. They spent $480 on average that year, and they were not reimbursed.
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Exploring common — and uncommon — aspects of the gun control debate
Michelle R. Matisons Civil & GovernmentThe Parkland, Florida, school shooting in early 2018 incident politicized gun control in a new way, and recently, mass shootings in Dayton, Ohio, and El Paso, Texas, kick-started the conversation yet again. Many people talk about their desire for stronger gun regulations, especially after mass shootings, but there is little to show from these discussions. Rumors are circulating that a gun control proposal will be available from the White House next month. Reform activists aren't waiting. But this is not such an easy issue, either.
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5 must-do’s for back to school
Aileen Miracle EducationAre you about to start the school year, but aren’t sure where to start? In this article, I'm detailing five must-do's for back to school. My first must-do is to print class lists and your schedule. Class lists are great to have for attendance, creating seating charts, figuring out small groups, and more! I love to have class lists both in paper form (for my class list and fire drill binders) and in Excel so I can easily copy and paste them into programs and apps.
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Access to K-12 computer science education grows across the country
Bambi Majumdar EducationOne recent change in education involves a multistate initiative to expand access to and diversity in K-12 computer science. 33 states have passed legislation to that effect in 2019, and about $42.5 million has been funded for this cause. Interest in computer science education is rising, as it should in the digital age. Stakeholders, from parents to policymakers, recognize the importance of this investment. Much of this success can be attributed to the Code.org Advocacy Coalition, which has worked hard at advocating the cause since 2013.
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4 critical success factors for transitioning to independent living
Anthony Milla EducationFor most young adults, leaving home and setting out on their own is inevitable, but success in this endeavor is not. Right now, your student is dependent on you for a variety of things from waking them up and keeping track of their schedule to making food for them. The goal, before they leave home to set out on their own, should be personal independence. Students with a learning difference and their parents can increase the likelihood of a successful transition to adulthood by focusing on four critical areas to prepare for the obstacles ahead.
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Maintaining student progress: Part 2
Douglas Magrath EducationThe United States is a nation of immigrants from many different countries and groups. They face many challenges, including adjusting to a new culture, learning a new language and mastering content areas. Maintaining progress is essential. Teachers need to identify problems and work to resolve them quickly. For example, reading is one vital skill that must be addressed. College students may need to read the equivalent of two or three books a week if one counts the textbook, outside readings, research on the internet, reserve books and periodicals related to their fields of study.
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