people like lists so I make lists – Blue Cereal Education

8 Lessons For White Teachers In “Urban” Schools

Blue Cereal — Wed, 18 May 2022 23:11:14 +0000

I wrote recently about some of the challenges of being an old white guy from a non-descript middle-class background teaching in a high-poverty, majority-minority school. My goal was to be honest about some of the difficulties without veering into whining or – worse – appearing to criticize my kids. Whatever my struggles, they pale (if … Continue reading

Things You Can Do

Blue Cereal — Wed, 03 Jan 2018 22:06:55 +0000

It’s easy to feel completely and totally whipped by events beyond our immediate control these days. I’ve had to walk away from social media and all forms of legit news – local, national, or foreign – for days at a time, just to find the energy to function and do the stuff “real life” needs … Continue reading

Seven Reasons You Probably Don’t Suck (For Teachers)

Blue Cereal — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 14:31:35 +0000

Many of us are returning without much idea what we’ll be doing in class this week. Maybe you feel behind again, and have big plans for getting things ‘back on track.’ Or maybe all that stuff you were gonna do better this year has already kinda fizzled, and you’re just hanging on until term ends. Some of you are excited about seeing your kids again – which is weird. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy for you… but it’s still seriously weird.

So maybe you’re optimistic, or maybe you’re sad break is over, or maybe… Maybe you don’t actually know anymore.

Let’s Talk About #EdCamp…

Blue Cereal — Wed, 15 Feb 2017 12:44:45 +0000

Disclaimer: I’ve only been to two #EdCamps ever. I don’t work for #EdCamp (does anyone “work” for #EdCamp?), I’ve not organized or sponsored one, etc. I just… show up and participate. Like normal people. Or teachers. But I confess that I do loves me some #EdCamp. Given how much negative and/or tedious stuff is swirling … Continue reading

Ten Truths For The Overwhelmed Student

Blue Cereal — Wed, 23 Nov 2016 22:20:21 +0000

I hear you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed with school – and maybe with life, too. Fortunately, I’m old and wise, and maybe I can help. Normally I’d start by asking you what’s on your mind, or what you think is causing your difficulties. Being as how this is a blog, however, and a bit… one-directional, I’ll … Continue reading

Top Ten Education Myths (Part Two)

Blue Cereal — Fri, 22 Jan 2016 06:00:00 +0000

In a previous post, I counted down the first half of my Top 10 Teacher Myths. I broke the post in half partly due to the length, but I also wanted to solicit #11FF thoughts on the remaining five. It was perhaps cruel to leave you waiting for Part Two. Fear not, however, my Eleven … Continue reading

Top Ten Education Myths (Part One)

Blue Cereal — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 06:00:00 +0000

I don’t do many numbered lists, but I notice they’re going out of vogue and figured that was the perfect time to do one more. It’s like wearing cargo shorts, or getting excited about Kings of Leon. Go on – judge me. Anyone in education for more than a week is deluged with clichés and … Continue reading

Why Kids Learn (a.k.a ‘The Seven Reasons Every Teacher Must Know WHY Kids Learn!’)

Blue Cereal — Wed, 16 Sep 2015 21:29:53 +0000

I’ve been in the classroom for 16 years and doing this blog for about 18 months. I don’t have a Master’s Degree in anything, nor am I pursuing one. I don’t like most edu-books and haven’t done independent research on how or why kids learn or don’t. I consider myself thus supremely qualified to write … Continue reading