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Cell phones are NOT the problem

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TL;DR: New technologies & methods have always been resisted, especially in education. Students starting kindergarten now will live into the year 2100. Technology makes teaching and learning easier and better. Lots of apps support student learning, creativity, & communication. Passing notes, spacing out, & skipping class were the cell phones of the past. Cell phones are a part of the "real world." Proactively address cell-phone use & etiquette Explicitly teach phone etiquette and active listening behaviors Deliberately integrate cell phones into your teaching & learning strategies Create an expectation in the classroom that students are responsible for their learning Address cyberbullying and mental health issues head on Create balance and options, i.e.  personalize , student learning Don't cripple the future by irrationally holding on to the past. Jonathan Haidt just dropped an exquisitely well-researched article in the Atlantic entitled "Get Phon
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From One Room to Many: Adapting Teaching Strategies in the Multi-Grade Classrooms of Nikolaevsk, Alaska

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  In the ever-changing landscape of education, one role stands out as a beacon of adaptability and resilience: the rural educator. As the sole certified teacher in the rural K-12 school of Nikolaevsk, Alaska , I have personally experienced the challenges and triumphs that come with being responsible for educating students in a multi-grade classroom. With a growing student population and the responsibility of training instructional staff to support student needs, I embarked on a journey of adapting teaching strategies to meet the unique needs of each student. As the 2021/2022 school year drew to a close, I reflected on the unique experience of navigating a classroom with just six students. It was a year of close connection and personalized attention, allowing me to personalize learning for each student. Little did I know that the following school year would present an unexpected twist. As the new academic year commenced, the student count skyrocketed to 20, spanning grades K-11.  The s
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An Introduction

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  Born and raised on the Southern Kenai Peninsula, I am a dedicated educator with a passion for innovative teaching practices and a commitment to the holistic development of my students. With a Bachelor's degree in history, a Master of Arts in Teaching with a focus on social studies, and a Master's in Educational Leadership, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to my role. Holding certifications in middle and high school social studies and language arts, I am highly qualified to nurture and inspire young minds. Currently, I am engaged in pursuing my National Board Certification and exploring various microcredentials and side projects. When I'm not immersed in the world of education, my family and I enjoy hiking, boating, fishing, reading, gaming, and traveling, embracing the wonders of nature and diverse experiences. My journey into educational innovation began during the homeschooling years of my eldest daughter's middle and high school education. This ignited m
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