Finding presence in the middle of upgrades, glitches, and shifting systems It was the third day of the semester. I had my lesson lined up, the students were settled in, and I clicked open the brand-new attendance system our college had just rolled out. And of course—nothing. The screen froze, the system wouldn’t load, and […]
Technology: Tool or Barrier to Connection? Read More »
Kelli and I just returned from a week in Scotland. I had to relearn driving on the left of the road, from the right side of the car, manual shifting with my left hand, and making sure to stay in the center of roads half the width of ours. Let me tell you, it took
Grading Isn’t the Goal: Rethinking Assessment Through a Spiritual Lens Read More »
We are just leaving Germany for Scotland after a full week with our exchange student, Sabrina, and her family — celebrating a beautiful wedding for her younger sister and enjoying long conversations with her parents and extended family. As usual, education found its way into our discussions, especially how politics and policy shape what happens
When Policy Meets the Classroom: What We’ve Learned Over 25 Years Read More »
We are in Germany visiting Sabrina, our Exchange Student back when she was in high school, and her family for a wedding. It’s been beautiful weather and a wonderful time visiting and sharing lives with this family. Yet, it’s still August, and the familiar feelings still arise. August always carried a strange rhythm
The Work Will Always Be There; What Changes Everything is The Lens You Bring to it. Read More »
I was watching the dog the other morning, coffee in hand, when a breeze carried that faint, unmistakable hint of change in the air. The light was softer, the edges of the leaves just beginning to blush toward autumn. And it struck me: this wasn’t just the season outside shifting — it was my own
Seasons of the Soul: How Nature Mirrors Our Inner World Read More »
I know in my current posts I’m focusing a lot on teachers and reframing their thoughts, but it’s August and I know teachers are getting ready. The way a teacher sees their work, their students, and themselves—especially at the start of the school year—shapes their energy, effectiveness, and joy more than the physical preparations they
Teaching Through a Fresh Window Read More »
A peaceful, morning-lit workspace, inviting reflection and prep—perfect for grounding yourself before the classroom day begins.
What I Wish I Knew Then: Back-to-School Wisdom from a Retired Teacher Read More »
“A river does not resist. It flows. It yields to what is, and in doing so, carves canyons.” As August ripens, there’s a subtle change in the air—slightly shorter days, the occasional golden leaf, a hush between summer’s brightness and fall’s urgency. For years, this was the time I’d start to turn inward again, anticipating
The Wisdom of the River: Listening Before the Year Begins Read More »
My wife, Kelli, and nephew, Gavin, and I drove to Florida the other day. We drove the 17 hours switching off and on, the kind of trip that stretches your patience as much as your mileage. The open road always has a way of slowing you down, even when traffic isn’t. There were stretches of
Sacred Space on the Highway: What the Road Taught Me About Teaching and Letting Go Read More »
areI. A Slow Exhale Before the Rush It starts quietly—an aisle at Target filled with bins of crayons and colorful planners. A newsletter in the inbox. A few friends texting about bulletin board ideas. And suddenly, summer begins to tighten into structure. I remember that shift so well. Even in retirement, I still feel
Reconnecting to Your Why: Preparing the Heart, Not Just the Classroom Read More »
