I’m back home at Rockvale Middle and excited to start the 2022-2023 journey with this team. I hope my 6th-graders from two years ago will be as excited as I am to continue their education journey with me in 8th grade. #lettheessaysbegin

Maybe instead of “grading policies,” we should have “learning policies.” Instead of “this is how I will grade you,” we establish “this is how I will support you.” #Project180

I have been impressed by the level of research that my students have done during their debate research. These 8th-graders have read peer-reviewed research papers to obtain evidence that support their arguments. They can now use et al. in their writing also. #proudwritingteacher

Distinguished Gentlemen's Club at Rockvale Middle School. Teaching young men accountability, responsility and how to tie a tie 👔. Awesome Work Coach Patterson, Mr. Douglas, Coach Hill, Coach Greene and Mr. Higgins! #WEARE #THEVALE #distinguishedgentlemenclub #boystomen

To everyone who graduated with their doctorate degrees: You are amazing because this is hard! 40% to go until I hopefully get mine.

The second half of the school year is draining. What do you do to revitalize? #teacher #teachertwitter #education

When learning is the goal, redos, revisions, corrections make sense. When gatekeeping is the goal…well, we can’t let everyone through the gate…so, I suppose, that makes sense on some level. I’m just no longer at that level. Level up. Let kids learn. #Project180

Powerful! Be a leader that does not need to be a hero but rather make heroes of your employees (Dann, P. L., 2022, Managing and leading nonprofit organizations: A framework for success).

I just had this beauty delivered, better: A Teacher’s Journey. Written by Monte Syrie, my favorite person on Twitter! Recommended follow! Can’t wait to be challenged! Do! Reflect! Do better! #project180 #better

Good luck with testing to all the Rutherford County Schools teachers! You have done your best, and that is all you can do! Your impact on your students can never be assessed by a test.

A score in the grade book records a moment in time of learning. So, then, in a new moment, we should be open to recording a new score. Grades should never be closed cases. And if they ever are, what is it that we are guarding? Open learning to the many moments ahead. #NoGates

2023 has been my favorite teaching year since 2005. I absolutely adore my students and classroom management has never been as effortless. What has been different this year? I have made even more of an effort to build strong relationships and have chosen my battles wisely.

I asked some students today if I was being unreasonable in handing out consequences. They felt comfortable enough to tell me that I was unreasonable. I listened to their reasoning and decided against my initial response. Their voices must be heard because teachers can be wrong.

I am grateful for a district leader that cares so much about students, teachers, and families.

I loved watching my students showing off their musical talents. #rmsband

After months and months of January, it’s the 12th of January.

Thank you Rutherford County Schools and Jimmy Sullivan for making the difficult decisions and always placing student safety first.

Proud of these players!

Thank you for the special surprise!

I loved having a couple familiar faces in the room!