Teacher Appreciation Week

A gift from my boss
Thank you, Mrs. Wilczak!

 

What Brings You Joy

Yes, I AM from the 1900s. And proud of it!

At various times throughout the school year, especially when teacher morale is low and kids’ mischief is high, we have a gift exchange called “What Brings You Joy?” Teachers who want to participate sign up on a spreadsheet and jot down a short list of things that make them smile. Flavored lip balms. Orange chocolate. Fine-point pens. Cheap holiday earrings. Hand lotion. You get the picture. We set a $20 limit, but honestly I don’t think any of us really stick to it. It’s all in good fun, and every penny is worth it.

This year, my school bestie Hannah was my joy giver. I laughed so hard, and I can’t help but grin every time I see this sign on my desk. This is totally my favorite gift ever! 

She also gave me FINE-point pens because, as she’ll tell you, I’m always complaining about pens. And she didn’t forget Ernie! He received a Halloween Advent Calendar full of kitty toys. Ernie gives it his full seal of approval. 

Think Fast!!!

Every once in a while, the Internet forgets to work. And suddenly, life becomes so much more… exciting. Yeah. Exciting. That’s the word.

Where’s my sarcasm font when I need it?

So there I am, teaching technology, 25 middle school students teetering on the edge of good behavior, when the Internet dies. Suddenly. Without warning.

Think fast!

I whipped up a spur-of-the-moment assignment, passed out paper and pencils, and declared: “Today, we’re going Old School.”

I'm definitely going to keep this one in my toolbox. 

Internet Troubles

 Yes. Kbps. Kilobytes per second. KILO. not MEGA. Try teaching a technology class with THAT internet speed.

That old commercial for Heinz Ketchup goes through my mind...

"It's keeping me waa-aaaa-aaai-ting..."

Deepfake Dilemma: Truth in the Age of AI Video

Not long ago, creating a convincing fake video required Hollywood-level resources. Today, all you need is a decent computer, the right software, and a bit of patience. The result is “deepfakes”, AI-generated videos that can make anyone appear to say or do things they never did.

The technology behind deepfakes isn’t inherently bad. In fact, it has legitimate uses in film, education, and accessibility such as re-creating historical figures for documentaries or helping people who have lost their voices speak again. But in the wrong hands, it’s a different story. Political misinformation, celebrity hoaxes, and personal reputation attacks are just a few of the troubling possibilities.

Detection tools are improving, but they’re always playing catch-up. By the time a fake is exposed, the damage may already be done. The viral nature of social media means misinformation can spread faster than any correction.

So, what can we do? First, sharpen our digital literacy skills. Be skeptical of sensational content. Always verify through trusted sources. Second, support ethical guidelines and transparency in AI development. And finally, remember: Just because you see it doesn’t mean it’s real.

Deepfakes are a reminder that in the digital age, our senses alone aren’t enough to judge truth. Critical thinking is no longer optional. It’s our best defense.

Back to School

Even though it sounds impossibly cruel, teachers in my school returned yesterday, two and a half weeks before the students do. We're not sure why. I'm pretty sure our principal feels our pain. She greeted us with these wonderful gifts! 

The next two weeks will be filled with meetings, getting our classrooms ready, more meetings, lesson planning, more meetings, setting up gradebooks, more meetings... 

Honestly, the only one I'm absolutely not looking forward to is the mental health meeting. We had one of those the year before last, and I had to leave. There are just some things that have happened in my life that I don't care to revisit. 

Digital Creativity: How Today’s Students Are Building Tomorrow’s Innovations

We’ve talked a lot about how technology is shaping education—AI in the classroom, cybersecurity, and ethical considerations. But this month, I’d like to shift the focus from what technology does to students to what students can do with technology.

Digital creativity is booming among today’s middle schoolers. Whether it’s designing a 3D model in Tinkercad, programming a video game in Scratch, or using Canva to produce a class newsletter, students aren’t just consuming technology—they’re creating with it. Tools that were once locked behind professional paywalls or steep learning curves are now browser-based, free (or nearly so), and designed with young learners in mind.

This creative shift is more than a novelty—it’s a powerful educational opportunity. When students code an animation, build a simple app, or design a virtual world in CoSpaces, they’re not just playing around; they’re engaging in problem-solving, systems thinking, storytelling, and collaboration. They’re building digital literacy, resilience, and confidence in their own ideas.

As educators, we can nurture this trend by making space for creativity in our curriculum—not just in tech classes, but across disciplines. A history teacher might let students create an animated reenactment of a historical event. An English teacher might encourage digital storybooks or AI-generated dialogue experiments. The key is to provide flexible tools and encourage exploration, not just correctness.

Of course, balance is important. Not every moment needs a screen. But when used thoughtfully, creative technology gives students something even more valuable than answers: a chance to imagine, design, and build their own. In a world increasingly shaped by innovation, these early acts of digital creation are more than fun—they’re foundational.

 

A PD Day We Enjoyed!

Every so often (too often, if you ask some teachers), we have professional development days. Usually, these are filled with meetings that could easily be replaced by a well-written email—but I guess not everyone is as religious about checking their school email as I am.

Today was one of those days. But instead of the usual meeting marathon that leaves your teeth numb and your soul slightly dimmed, our principal—bless her sweet soul—scheduled fun team-building activities.

I know. Team-building activities. Cue the collective internal groan.

But not today! I had an absolute blast.

We started, of course, with the singing of the US and Canadian national anthems - just like the Olympics. Our staff was divided into groups: Math, Science/SS, ELA, Specials, SPED/ENL. We played a bunch of games, and the winning team got a GOAT trophy. Yes, a literal tiny goat trophy. Games included can jam, jumbo pong, corn hole, flip cup, and mat ball. And even though my team lost every single solitary round, we had the best time doing it.

The Art teacher brought us all matching ribbons to wear, and Bibler wore his bow with pride. Gutsin and Wageman were the most competitive in our group, but they had nothing on Todino-Montes from the Science team. I had never heard her swear before. Turns out, competition brings out a whole new vocabulary!

To wrap up the festivities, Admin bought us lunch—subs and French fries—which was absolutely perfect. Especially after we gave up so many runs in mat ball that someone really should’ve mercy ruled us. All that losing made us hungry. 

All in all, it was a great day. Professional development, but fun. I'm actually looking forward to our next one! 

Me, Rashad, Gutsin, Wageman, Bibler, and Dana

Confessions of a Raffle Ticket Holder

Every month, our curriculum team dreams up some kind of teacher incentive to keep things fun and encouraging. This month’s idea? A raffle. Every time someone pops into your classroom and catches 100% of your students engaged, you earn a raffle ticket. Easy enough, right? Engage the students, collect some tickets, cross your fingers.

Well, I did pretty well. Actually, I did really well. I collected a whole bunch of tickets. But before I tossed them all into the raffle box, I noticed something: they were really pretty. Bright, cheerful, hopeful. The kind of little thing that just makes you feel good.

I wanted to keep one. Just one. I even snapped a quick picture of them all spread out in my hand, thinking, "Oh, I’ll remember them this way." But now? I wish I had actually kept one.

See, I have a “Feel Good Wall” in my office. It's where I hang up anything that lifts me up after a tough day — thank you notes, cards, silly little accolades, drawings from students, you name it. It's my reminder that even on the hardest days, there’s a whole wall full of reasons why this work matters.

That raffle ticket would've fit right in. A little symbol of a job well done, tucked in among the love notes and doodles.

Ah well. Next time I get something small and wonderful, you better believe it's going straight onto the wall. Picture or no picture.

The Rise of Wearable Tech in Everyday Life and Education

Wearable tech has come a long way in a short time. What used to be just flashy digital watches or pedometers has turned into a growing world of smartwatches, fitness trackers, VR headsets, and now even AI-enabled glasses. These devices are becoming part of daily life for many people—and yes, that includes students.

At the middle school level, we’re starting to see kids show up with smartwatches that track their steps, buzz with reminders, or even let them send quick messages. Others might get their first exposure to wearable tech through school projects—things like coding a simple fitness tracker or trying out a virtual reality experience in a science unit. It’s no longer new or futuristic—it’s here.

There’s definitely some potential. VR can take students on virtual field trips to places they’d never get to see otherwise. Some wearables can help with focus, mindfulness, or staying active—things that can support learning in the right context. But there are also some clear downsides.

Privacy is a big one. These devices collect personal data—sometimes a lot of it. Who sees that info? What’s done with it? Most middle schoolers don’t think about that, and honestly, a lot of adults don’t either. Then there’s the equity issue. Not every student can afford a smartwatch or VR headset, and when we bring these into the classroom, we need to be careful not to widen the gap.

At the school where I teach, we don’t allow wearable tech in the classroom. And honestly, I think that’s the right call—at least for now. It’s already tough enough to help kids disconnect from their phones for a few hours. Taking smartwatches out of the equation gives them one less thing to distract them and one more chance to be present.

Wearable tech is going to keep growing, and our students will need to know how to navigate it—both the benefits and the risks. As teachers and tech users ourselves, we can help by keeping the conversation going and making sure we’re not just using tech for tech’s sake. Sometimes, the best lesson we can offer is when not to use it.

My Emotional Support Sport

There’s just something about baseball that soothes my soul.

Teaching is hard. Like, actually hard. Some days, everything that can go wrong does—kids acting like they were raised in barns, adults in matching bad moods, the copier jammed for the eleventh time this week (I know it's plotting against me), and the day feels like it’s stuck in some cruel time loop.

And when that kind of day ends? I go home. I pour myself a glass of wine. I kick off my shoes, prop my feet on the couch, and turn on MLB TV. 

And suddenly... everything is okay.

The Sox are on. The crowd is buzzing. The grass is perfectly contoured, the baselines are bright and crisp, and the camera pans across a field that somehow looks like peace in visual form. I find myself smiling. I remember how to breathe.

It’s almost meditative—my version of Zen. The world may be loud, messy, and completely off the rails, but here, in this moment, Crochet is throwing 95 mph fastballs and all is right with the world. School, with its infinite noise and unpredictable chaos, feels a million miles away.

Baseball doesn’t fix everything. But on nights like this, it sure comes close. 

I thank my friends Dave and Sue from the bottom of my heart for this gift. They have no idea how much my sanity depends on baseball! 

Or maybe they do. 

The Best Thing I Didn't Know I Needed

The other day, I was roaming the hallway like a ghost of bad behavior past. I had one mission: find a fellow teacher to vent to before I exploded into a confetti blast of frustration and sarcasm.

It had been that kind of day—kids throwing things, lying with the boldness of someone auditioning for a courtroom drama, general chaos. The kind of day that makes you seriously wonder if you accidentally signed up for the wrong profession. ("Did I check the wrong box on that career interest survey in high school? Should I have gone into dental hygiene?") I was evaluating my life choices, and it wasn't pretty.

Anyway, I was on the hunt for my usual confidante, but her office was empty. Heavy sigh. But across the hall… I noticed something strange.

Laughter.

Joy.

People having fun? In a school building? After 2:30 p.m.?

Naturally, I was suspicious.

But I poked my head in and found a whole group of teachers—just hanging out, solving the New York Times crossword puzzle together like it was the most normal after-school activity in the world.

And here’s the best part—they welcomed me in like I’d always been part of the crew.

We’ve got a little of everything:

• Two social studies teachers who know just about every historical fact ever.

• Two math teachers who actually enjoy numbers.

• A technology teacher who loves coding.

• A special ed teacher with the patience of a saint.

• An ELA teacher who knows words that haven't been used since 1874.

Our ages range from mid-20s to 60s, so our knowledge is as diverse as our snack choices. Someone always knows something, and someone always has a random fact no one asked for—but turns out to be super useful.

And Friday? Friday was a milestone. For the first time ever, we completely solved five days’ worth of crosswords in a row. A full streak. It was like winning the nerdy Olympics—and yes, we were very proud of ourselves.

I went looking for someone to commiserate with, but instead I found a little unexpected joy in a classroom full of crossword-loving coworkers. Now, I look forward to it every day. It’s not just about the puzzle—it’s the laughter, the camaraderie, the brainpower, and the feeling that hey, even on the worst days, I’m not alone in this.

Teaching is hard. But a daily puzzle with good people? That’s a little reminder that there’s still a lot of good tucked in between the chaos.

Professional Development

Today we had to complete mandatory training for New York State regarding our duties as mandated reporters. On days like these, our school principal brings out the wheel of prizes for the staff, with prizes ranging from "go outside and pick up three pieces of garbage" to "win a gift box". In the four years I have worked there, I've never won anything. Today I won a gift box. I feel so appreciated!

The box says, "Sometimes you forget that you're awesome so this is your reminder." It contained a recycle bag, a pen that says, "You're awesome!", a travel mug, and a bottle of semi-dry red wine. Life is good! 

Benchmarks - Day 2

 Coloring again...

Benchmarks

Proctoring has to be the most boring, teeth-numbing duty teachers have. To keep myself from completely going to sleep, this year I colored. I only use the colored pencils that have the names of the colors on them, and I only use the color names that make sense to me. I hope they turned out okay. I had fun doing it...I haven't colored in years! 

I worry about the future.

One of my students came up to me with a nosebleed, but he was laughing, and something just seemed ... off ... about the situation. I had to ask. I just had to ask. 

Umm... why is your nosebleed funny? 

<giggling uncontrollably> I let [another student] stick a pencil up my nose. 

March is for the Weary (and the Warriors)

March is the hardest month to be a teacher.

If you know, you know. It’s the final stretch before spring break, but somehow it feels like the longest, coldest, grayest tunnel with no snacks and questionable Wi-Fi. The kids are stir-crazy. The staff is tired. And you? You’re just trying to make it to Friday without using your “teacher voice” at the grocery store.

So today, right when I needed it most, my boss left me a note. Just a note on an index card, nothing fancy. But what it said? It hit like a hug from someone who actually gets it.

“Had lunch with some ladies today—they said you were a favorite teacher because you mean business. Don’t give up the good fight.”

Cue the lump in the throat.

My boss is a former teacher herself, so she knows what March feels like. She’s survived the “I forgot my homework,” “I didn’t know we had a test,” and “Can we just watch a movie?” era. She knows that by this point in the year, you’ve repeated instructions 97 times and the copier has betrayed you at least twice this week.

That note reminded me that even when I feel like I'm running on caffeine and stubbornness, I'm still showing up in a way that matters. “You mean business” doesn’t sound like a compliment at first—until I realized it means I have standards. I create structure. I care enough to push kids to be better.

I didn’t know I needed those words today. But I did.

So if you're out there wondering if what you’re doing is enough—if you’re tired, tapped out, or just plain over it—I see you. I am you. March is brutal. But you and I - we're still here. Still showing up. Still fighting the good fight.

And someone out there thinks you’re their favorite. Just because you mean business.

The Role of Technology in Education

Technology is reshaping education, breaking barriers, and creating opportunities for learners worldwide. From online learning platforms to virtual classrooms, educational technology is transforming traditional systems, making learning more accessible, interactive, and personalized.

Online learning platforms like Khan Academy, Coursera, and edX have revolutionized how students access knowledge. These platforms offer courses on virtually any subject, often free or at a fraction of traditional costs. Students can learn at their own pace, revisiting materials as needed, which is especially valuable for those balancing education with work or family responsibilities. This flexibility allows education to reach individuals who might otherwise be left behind by conventional systems.

Educational apps have also become game-changers. Apps like Duolingo for language learning, Photomath for solving math problems, and Quizlet for study aids make learning engaging and convenient. Gamification—adding elements like badges, leaderboards, and levels—motivates students to practice skills in a fun and interactive way. These tools can complement classroom learning, catering to various learning styles and preferences.

Virtual classrooms have taken center stage, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams enable teachers and students to connect in real time, regardless of location. Virtual classrooms often include features like breakout rooms for group work, screen sharing for presentations, and integrated quizzes for instant feedback. This blend of synchronous and asynchronous learning creates a dynamic and versatile educational environment.

However, these advancements come with challenges, such as the digital divide, where not all students have equal access to devices or the internet. Teachers also need training to effectively integrate technology into their lessons.

Despite these hurdles, technology continues to democratize education, empowering learners and educators alike. By embracing these innovations while addressing their challenges, we can build an inclusive, adaptive, and future-ready education system.

An Overview of Leading AI Systems

In the world of AI, there are a lot of tools out there. The leading AI systems are ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot, and Gemini. Each of these comes from a different company and serves a unique purpose, but all of them are designed to make our lives easier in different ways.

ChatGPT, created by OpenAI, is a general-purpose AI that can do pretty much anything—answer questions, write essays, generate code, you name it. It’s like a jack-of-all-trades. Whether you're looking for a quick answer or need help brainstorming ideas, ChatGPT is there to lend a hand. Its ability to generate human-like text makes it useful for everything from customer support to content creation.

Then we have Claude, developed by Anthropic. Claude’s main selling point is safety and ethics. The team behind Claude has designed it to be more careful with the responses it gives, reducing harmful or biased output. It’s built with the idea that AI should align with human values, which makes it a great choice for high-stakes or sensitive environments where you want to be extra sure the AI stays on track.

Next up is Copilot, a collaboration between GitHub and OpenAI. If you're a developer, Copilot is a game-changer. Powered by OpenAI’s Codex model, it helps generate code, suggest improvements, and even debug. It’s like having a personal coding assistant that can autocomplete lines of code, saving developers tons of time. It works in a variety of languages, making it a go-to for anyone writing code.

Lastly, Gemini is Google’s latest offering from DeepMind. It’s designed to handle both text and images, making it a more advanced, multimodal AI. If you're looking for something that can analyze text, generate images, or do both at the same time, Gemini is the tool to turn to. Google is clearly aiming to push the envelope with this one, integrating it across their suite of tools for an all-in-one AI experience.

In short, while ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot, and Gemini all offer powerful AI capabilities, each one brings something different to the table. Whether you're chatting, coding, or looking for something more advanced, there's an AI for you.

It's a Little Warm in Here

The temperature in my classroom. I thought I was going to faint.