Dear LFIC Readers, I hope you have been enjoying the new content as much as I have! This isn't just a relaunch--we are headed to the stars! I am proud to announce that even MORE fabulous teacher leaders have joined our team. Here is a brief introduction to get you excited about what is yet... Continue Reading →

In 1997, I was 24 years old and new to teaching. I was young and naive, but I was excited to make a difference. During the first ten years, I was teaching, working on my Masters Degree, taking countless professional development classes to improve my practice, and I was starting a family. You would think... Continue Reading →

The future of our society is shaped by the children and young people who are growing up today; therefore our schools play an integral part in shaping mature citizens with the greatest possible degree of participation, creative skills, and organizational competence.  In today's world, it is no longer paramount for students to fulfill their obligations... Continue Reading →

Yesterday I had one of those days: The kind that leave you staring at the floor for a few minutes while your brain takes a nap unintentionally. When I looked up, I recognized that numb feeling. It reminded me of my first-year teaching. Oh yeah, and I wasn’t teaching. I was just being a mom.... Continue Reading →

I started working in restaurants in high school and continued through college. I worked different positions: hostess, cocktail server, food server, and bartender. With each new position came training. When training was finished, I was slowly eased into my new position. I was assigned the slowest, shortest shifts and the smallest stations. As I gained... Continue Reading →

What is a BarCamp? At a BarCamp a lot of people come together to discuss a common interest. First there is a round of introductions and everyone describes themselves with 3 keywords. Thereupon, the participants themselves offer various topics called sessions. If there is an interest in a session, it will be allocated a room... Continue Reading →

Part of my job is to analyze language. Students need to understand their own use of language in order to become better writers, and my role is to help them with that process. They also need to understand how authors use language to convey their ideas, so we spend a great deal of time analyzing... Continue Reading →

With the AZ special election (including Prop 123) right around the corner next Tuesday May 17, I have been amazed by the frenzy of discussion and busyness accompanying this important state decision. People seem to agree that education needs more funding--but disagree about solutions. As I watch everyone scramble around with so much at stake,... Continue Reading →

People are asking me exactly what they should say to their legislators and Ducey if they are against Prop. 123, so listed below are some ideas. And, please, there are a lot of knowledgable people who follow this page/blog, and I am asking you to add to the list in the comment section. (As a... Continue Reading →

To all of the folks who are voting “No” on Prop. 123, In case people don’t read to the end (but read to the end), if you are voting against Prop. 123, contact your legislators and the governor and tell them why. If Prop. 123 fails, the false narrative from our legislators and the governor... Continue Reading →