Let me begin with a story. When I was teaching middle schoolers in a special education class, some had specific interests in programs outside of school. One was interested in horses, both in riding and in taking care of them while another wanted to become a mechanic. There were appropriate programs offered in the regional BOCES that provided wonderful opportunities. However, I remember a student complaining that other kids referred to him as a "BOCE". In the current political

Let me begin with a story. I remember a student who once told me, as we got closer to the Christmas vacation, that he wasn't looking forward to the break. His family wasn't going to have that perfect Christmas morning with a big tree and lots of presents. Over the years, other students voiced similar feelings, sometimes having to do with split families, financial problems, etc. The bottom line is that teachers should never assume that all of their students will have that magi

At last count, we've received 29 calendars or planners in the last several months, almost all from charities that we support. Now, don't get me wrong. These are charities that target causes we believe in and we do check out any charity we're interested in to ensure, first, that they're legitimate and, second, that the money we donate goes to the cause and not in an administrator's pocket. However, enough's enough. We used to enjoy our daily mail delivery. There were the occas

I usually use a photo, video, or meme to illustrate my topic, but in searching for one, each seemed to give off a different message....

As a teacher and as a principal, there were many times when students made a mistake. It may have been about behavior, academic work, or...

I'd guess that most of us have voted for a losing candidate at one time or another . Sometimes you're just a little disappointed and...

It's true. I want Donald Trump to fail miserably as President. Now, before you just view me as a sore loser or decide to send me hate...

Other than I like to write, my real motive for writing has always escaped me, until recently that is. You see, my first book, The Real...

I can't tell you how often I think of ideas to write about in this space, only to be overwhelmed. I then forget all about it. Well, not...

For as long as I can remember, I've had this thing about meeting certain celebrities, usually actors from television shows or movies I...

Let me begin with an admission. There are certain media outlets that I find offensive, so offensive in fact, that I once asked a business...

I shared a post on social media this week explaining why it's not fair or accurate to blame Donald Trump for everything that's wrong with...

This may be the most difficult passage I've ever written, harder than any blog post, book chapter, essay, etc. That's because I...

Israelis, Palestinians, Hamas, Zionists, Arabs, Muslims, Jews, etc. It's all very frightening and confusing, especially as people around...

There is one thing you should know about me. I hate bullying. I always have. As an avid NFL fan, I watch football games pretty much...

An author, like the owner of any business, has to decide where to draw the line in what is shared with customers or clients. For years...

The first book I wrote was The Real Classroom, a collection of stories and student quotes from school, and lessons I learned as a teacher...

It was in the 70's when I realized how bad I am at making "in game adjustments"- those immediate changes to my behavior. I was playing in...

If you were to ask most teachers what their least favorite school day is, Halloween would be near the top of the list. On that day, it's...

By now, the new school year has begun for just about every kid in the country. I experienced twenty-five of these beginnings and another...