If I’m hearing correctly, educational standards are worse than ever. Teachers are saying that kids don’t just dislike reading more than a few words; they can’t. They don’t just hate writing more than a few words; they can’t. And even when they do write, you either can’t read it, or the grammar and spelling are […]
“I am Loki of Asgard and I am burdened with glorious purpose” Loki utters these words in the first Avengers film, sharing a belief in his pre-ordained right to power. At the risk of being a spoiler, it doesn’t end well for him. The use of the word ‘burdened’ is used (I think) because Loki […]
“How’s your grad speech going?” I’m not sure what other people do when they are asked to write a speech, but I find it takes way more time than I have, way more coffee and wine than is healthy, and way more stress and anxiety than I ever expected (even though it was the same […]
“All we need is another photocopier.” When I started teaching, I promised myself that if I stayed long enough to become a school leader, I would install a second photocopying machine to improve staff morale and wellbeing. Nothing was more frustrating than having to join the queue of grumpy, pre-caffeinated teachers waiting for their turn […]
I do not intend to become a book reviewer, but I have a short story about how I decided to keep just three books this year. Curating the Keepers As readers, there are a few books we read each year that leave a lasting impression. They will change how we understand or feel about something, […]
All you want for Christmas (literally) Adapted from my 2023 end-of-year speech to High School students and staff… As I walked around the school this week, I was uplifted by the excitement from staff and students in the high school. I also could not help but notice the thousands of gifts that were being carried […]
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity opens up to go to the most prestigious chocolate factory in the world. Everyone wants to go, but there are only a few places available. So, a lottery is set up in the style of a treasure hunt for one of five Golden Tickets, hidden away in […]
This timeless story is about four people: Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody. It starts with Everybody saying that the education system is broken and something needs to change. It’s assumed that Everybody will kick things off because they always go on about it. Everybody says nothing will be the same after COVID-19, AI will change […]
This morning, I held a door open for a colleague following behind me to get a coffee. But I completely misjudged it! I thought they were closer than they actually were. Thus, it became very awkward, as it was too late for me to stop holding the door, and they then felt obliged to commit […]
Relief, trepidation… I always approach the gift of the Summer Holidays with a mix of emotions – excitement, of course, but also with relief and trepidation. Relief that the annual milestone has been reached, another year has been notched, and I am one step closer to returning “home”, wherever or whatever that might mean nowadays. Trepidation because […]
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