Who is your teaching mentor?  Is it someone you still have the privilege to work with?  Is it someone from your teaching past, yet the spirit of our profession they embodied and modeled stays with you?  I’ve been reminded this week of the value of professional mentors in our lives.  In no other profession is there such reward in finding a colleague who can guide us and inspire us to be the best teacher we can be.   Try to take a minute to think about your teaching mentor and reflect on the impression he/she has made on your professional life.  At the very least, I’ll bet it’ll bring a smile to your face.  🙂

AL A CARTE (OCTOBER 25, 2013)

Tenacity and Teamwork – This is a great little tip my mentor shared with me (and many of you who have been part of middle school reading for many years).  Coach G reminded me of how this strategy encourages students to work independently and to rely on their peers for support.

Powerful Poetry – Looking for some poetry gems for your classroom?  You have to scan a bit on this site, but the poetry I saw looked useful for both Elements and Ideas classes.

Reading in the Wild – For those of you who didn’t make it to Plum Creek Literacy Festival in Seward last month, check out the review for one of the speaker’s new books.  Donalyn Miller always provides a fresh perspective, reminding us of reading for the sake of reading.

This Week’s Book Review – Cool!  This book has lots to keep readers’ attention as the main character takes on a summer job on a cruise ship.  Then the “Big One” hits.  Check it out.

Reading, Libraries and Daydreaming – These three things are the makings of a perfect day, if I had a day free to do as I wish.  Neil Gaiman makes it clear these elements are what society needs to make children intelligent.  Rock on!