Courage Doesn't Always Roar: A Teacher's Quest to Be Better Each Day

I've always loved to read. Walking into a library, I feel like I'm home. Visiting a book store, I can't believe all the possibilities waiting for me.  Reading has always been such a big part of my life and it's where my heart is as a teacher first and now a mom. But this past year, I didn't read all that much, unless you count scrolling through my phone. Social media has become a mindless pastime. And the more I scroll, the less I read real books.  One of my goals for 2019 is to rediscover my love of reading by making time to read actual books. I am deeply appreciative of Carrie Gelson, who is such a reading inspiration and has put together the #MustReadin2019 community. Visit Carrie at her site, There's a Book for That , to learn more about setting your own reading goals in 2019.  To make my goals, I'm starting first with the books I've bought and haven't read yet. There are many, sitting on my shelf, waiting for me to pick them up. I...

As one of the co-authors of the Two Writing Teachers blog , I've been selecting a One Little Word (#olw) since 2016. In years past, each co-author shared his/her word in a post featured on the Two Writing Teachers. This year, we are changing it up and linking all our One Little Word posts for 2019 into one blog post. Betsy Hubbard will be sharing that post on New Years Day. I can't wait to see the words my co-authors selected to guide their year.  In 2016, my word was HAPPY . In 2017, I chose AUDACIOUS.  My word last year, in 2018, was DO .  In 2019, about halfway through the year, I will turn 40 years old. I will be married for ten years. My mother will turn 70. These are milestones.  I sat on the floor the other night, in a quest to organize, photo albums around me. Pictures, cards, and notes from times gone by. The days before I was married and had children, when I was just becoming a teacher and a grown up. Then pictures of my wedding and pictures ...

"Alexa, play Hallelujah Chorus," I instruct, washing my hands. It's Christmas Eve day. Megan and I are trying to bake sugar cookies for Santa Claus. As I knead the powdery, crumbly dough (something has gone wrong with these cookies, I fear), the first notes start and soon I hear "Hallelujah! Hallelujah!" I'm back in high school, in a green robe, on risers in the auditorium, singing my Alto part in our holiday concert.  "For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!"  It is 22 years later and I still remember my part. I remember the Sopranos part, too and where the Altos came in again and when we harmonized.  "And he shall reign forever and ever....And he shall reign forever and ever.....King of Kings and Lord of Lords. King of Kings and Lord of Lords. And he shall reign forever and ever...." I attempt to make balls of dough. Megan squishes a Hershey Kiss in the middle. I'm singing an...