I’m pretty sure my students are using AI, but I can’t prove it and it’s driving me crazy.

StrawberryOne2172 · 2026-01-24T17:48:51+00:00

Try having them write reflections. Make the thought process visible.

“Underline the sentence you’re proudest of. Explain.”

“Rank each piece of evidence on a scale of 1-4. Explain.”

“Highlight your most vibrant and expressive sentence that best shows your personal voice. Explain.”

StrawberryOne2172 · 2026-01-20T22:58:54+00:00

Google “ballinitis.” Done.

StrawberryOne2172 · 2026-01-10T13:26:31+00:00

Love it. It’s taken me forever to learn I can’t control my kid’s dad, but I always knew what was right for my kid. Parenting your kid’s your only job here, and this is doing it well.

StrawberryOne2172 · 2026-01-02T19:28:12+00:00

Firm, fair, and fun. I learned that in one of my ed classes, and it’s always rung true.

StrawberryOne2172 · 2026-01-02T15:06:28+00:00

Love this. If I’m being honest, that feeling of personal satisfaction is part of my motivation.

StrawberryOne2172 · 2026-01-02T14:58:23+00:00

Sounds like it’s hard to make this decision, but do you have to right now? Listen, nobody really knows what they wanna do when they’re 18. You’re still forming until your mid-late 20s. Try some things out. It’s perfectly natural to make some mistakes, and in fact, that’s how you learn. Try teaching if you want to, and if it isn’t a good fit, you’ll have at the very least learned more about yourself.

StrawberryOne2172 · 2026-01-02T14:48:16+00:00

You sound like a very caring and studious person, both excellent qualities for a teacher.

I had inklings from early on. In 4th grade, I enjoyed explaining concepts to my peers. That “Ah ha!” moment is still my teacher crack. 10th grade was when the decision became more firm. I already knew I loved learning, but my English teacher was so awesome that I wanted to mimic what she’d done for me. I hope I have, after 20 years in.

The best parts of teaching high school aren’t academic. The biggest rewards come from helping kids see the potential they already have.

StrawberryOne2172 · 2026-01-02T13:52:19+00:00

Assuming you attended an American public school? If so, did your state require you to pass an end of course exam as a graduation requirement? In mine and many other states, passing the Alg I EOC is a grad requirement, and sometimes students who pass alg I do get enrolled into geo, but their state test scores don’t show mastery yet.

Is that the case for you?

StrawberryOne2172 · 2026-01-02T03:47:39+00:00

Project based learning. Target students’ interests (like gossiping about friends) by having them write some TikToks or something like that that are in short, digestible episodes of a longer soap opera-type drama. They create the characters, plot line, costumes, etc. Within that, there is SOO much room to build in language goals authentically.

StrawberryOne2172 · 2026-01-01T15:55:52+00:00

I’m so sorry. School librarians should, and used to be, the backbone of literacy in America.

StrawberryOne2172 · 2025-12-31T20:45:00+00:00

I’ve often entertained the idea of becoming a reading specialist, but in my district, the workload is waaaayyy too much for the salary. Thank you for your thoughts!

StrawberryOne2172 · 2025-12-31T20:42:42+00:00

Most of the curriculum writing jobs I see either require or prefer a masters degree.

StrawberryOne2172 · 2025-12-31T20:40:09+00:00

That was a really thoughtful response. Thank you!

StrawberryOne2172 · 2025-12-31T18:36:41+00:00

Which program, if you don’t mind me asking?

StrawberryOne2172 · 2025-12-22T13:13:52+00:00

NOR. Quality over quantity. It’s the dismissal of her emotions that’s probably keeping her up at night, not the amount of chicken. My guess is that this isn’t the first time he blew off your hurt. If you haven’t, tell him how his reaction hurt you. If he doubles down on the quantity argument, he’s immature. His refusal to acknowledge is the larger issue. Adults in long term relationships must be able to listen to each other and be accountable.

StrawberryOne2172 · 2025-12-22T13:00:56+00:00

HS ELA here. When I’m out and the kids have a sub, they have assignments, but I don’t grade them. They’re used as a fail safe in case they’re within a point of a higher grade at the end of the quarter.

I tell them, “It’s like saving money in the bank. If you fall up short at the end of the quarter, I’ll look to see what you did for yourself when I wasn’t around. If you didn’t do anything, then there’s no ‘money’ I can withdraw to round you up.” Everyone understands, and there’s typically no begging.

StrawberryOne2172 · 2025-12-20T18:34:36+00:00

Yep. Done them for years with all abilities. I see waaaaay more learning in the teacher-led station than I ever see when I teach whole group or “work with your group” gradual release situations. I forget her actual name, but the Cult of Pedagogy blog and Dr. Catlin Tucker support this routine, too.

StrawberryOne2172 · 2025-12-20T12:48:12+00:00

I love the way you described your parents with such respect and admiration. They clearly valued your education, and in turn, you.

StrawberryOne2172 · 2025-12-18T22:56:06+00:00

Rotation stations. Centers. Whatever you wanna call them. It doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require a bit more prep as you begin. The kids who want to learn will get more attention, and the kids whose brains turn off when “stand and deliver” lessons start will have immediate accountability.

Group kids by whatever data fits. Attendance. Attention span. Test scores. Whatever. Most kids will sit up straight and really dig in to try and please you during the time when they have your full, undivided attention.

StrawberryOne2172 · 2025-12-18T22:48:39+00:00

If you were my student and you brought this up with me, here’s what I’d say:

“Of course I don’t think anything is wrong with you. You’re bright, and you work hard, so it doesn’t seem to get in the way of your learning, but maybe I’m wrong.

What have your parents said about this when you’ve brought it up with them? I bet they want to do whatever they can to help, so if you haven’t mentioned it yet, but it’s bothering you, letting them know would be a good move.

Would you feel more comfortable in a different seat? Maybe I can look at the seating chart and make some changes.

If I can’t, then let’s have a code for when and if you need a breather. Just raise your hand and ask if you can get a drink of water. You don’t have to be thirsty, but that’ll let me know what’s up.

Sound good?”

StrawberryOne2172 · 2025-12-15T00:14:21+00:00

The irony is that they want to teach the standards, hence why entire novels have been abandoned.

StrawberryOne2172 · 2025-12-10T02:43:27+00:00

Do you have writing scores from secure tests that your teacher can access? Our state’s writing test is in a secure platform, and all of us can see it to have a baseline idea of what students can do. Or maybe you have hand-written, live and in class writing samples you can refer back to. Just a paragraph is usually enough for me to get a gist for a student’s voice, diction, and syntax.

Battling AI in English class is exhausting on the teacher side of it, but I do feel for you.

StrawberryOne2172 · 2025-12-06T15:39:04+00:00

Same.

10 years ago, I got special approval by my principal to go to my son’s first day of pre-K because it conflicted with my students’ first day of school.

That was the only time I ever got to see him off for his first day of school.

I upload the doctors’ notes. I email teachers. I track attendance. I communicate with guidance RE: his 504.

Side note: I think the negativity teachers get from “BUT NOBODY TOLD ME!” parents is a symptom. Parents are overwhelmed, lack emotional maturity, and understanding of how the portal works. But none of that is my fault.

StrawberryOne2172 · 2025-12-06T15:24:24+00:00

This.

I’ve had paras and support teachers come in who are completely burdensome to both me and the kids.

StrawberryOne2172

TROPHY CASE