The Terrible Mrs. Rinsky

Several years ago, I had a foreign exchange student from Brazil volunteer in my classroom. I once asked him, “What are some differences between schools in the United States and schools in Brazil?” Without hesitating he replied, “In Brazil, the teacher is always right.” Not sure what he meant, I asked him to clarify. He [...]



Drowning in Alphabet Soup

Today after school, I attended the last hour-long weekly PLT meeting (formerly known as the PLC meeting) of my 28-year public education career. We discussed the AYP target goals for the EOGs.  We were reminded that before you request an SST meeting for a student you need to have a PEP which would help facilitate the [...]



What I’ll Miss about Teaching

This Friday is my last day in a public school classroom after 28 years. As it fast approaches, my thoughts turn to all the wonderful things I will miss. I am going to miss the kindergartners. Many technology teachers find it challenging to instruct five-year-olds in the computer lab. I love working with this age, [...]



Burning the Candle

Last Tuesday, I attended a school improvement committee meeting after work. We met around a set of tables arranged in a circle and spent 45 minutes discussing progress of our school’s improvement goals. The principal always has little gifts set out for those teachers and others who participate in these regular gatherings. I am sure [...]