The Rogue Scholar

As a teacher-writer and a teacher of writing, I enjoy learning as much about writing instruction as I can. I recently found out about an amazing podcast called Writing Matters with Dr. Troy Hicks. Dr. Hicks presents the who's-who of writing experts, each bringing a unique perspectives to each conversation. So far, I have come away inspired by the knowledge, strategies, and insight the interviewees highlighted below share with Dr. Hicks. Jennifer Laffin - September 1 Jennifer currently runs TeachWrite, LLC, an education consultancy company, she started to help teacher-writers become teachers who write and thus becoming better writing teachers. In her interview with Troy, she recounts being a 4th and 5th grade teacher, not really knowing how to teach writing, and how she sought out the resources to learn on her own. She quickly came to realize that writing teachers needs to be teachers who write. Listed below are the changes she describes that occurred in her classroom as a result of...

On August 25, I published a blogpost about an amazing podcast called, "Design Lessons with Dr. Michele Schmidt Moore. I hope you have taken the time to listen by now. I find her strategies and resources invaluable and I know you will also. Recently, I had the pleasure of listening to the latest episode called "I'm a Teacher Who...3 Steps to Saying Yes to Opportunities That Will Help You Grow". Staying true to form, this episode has proven to be just as insightful as the others. I was drawn in the moment I read the title. So, I decided to take notes as I listened. I am very glad I did. In this episode, Dr. Schmidt Moore walks listeners through a 3-step strategy for refining their teacher identities by defining what they stand for, identifying what is important to them, and providing a plan for growth. Teachers who follow these steps will be well-equipped to  "say no to opportunities that don't align to who they are/what they believe and yes to those that do...

If you are an educator who loves to listen to podcasts that offer practical insights and strategies you can quickly and easily implement with your students, then you need "Design Lessons with Dr. Michele Schmidt Moore" in your life. Even if podcasts aren't usually your thing, Design Lessons is a great podcast to start listening to podcasts.  Each episode is packed full of strategies that can be incorporated in the lessons and learning experiences you are currently designing for your students. They  range from 20 to 45 minutes in length, which is shorter than most commutes.  Dr. Schmidt Moore has a smooth and calm speaking voice that will totally draw you in and capture your attention. Whether personally modeling the use of specific instructional design strategies, or interviewing educators who are having success with "all the things" that work, Dr. Schmidt Moore roots each episode in one, or all, of three "Touchstones": 1. mindset and relationships 2. ...

In just about 2 weeks from now, teachers in my school district will return to work and begin planning for the start of the school year. Throughout the summer months, I usually spend a lot of my time doing some preparing and preplanning of my own. However, due to the uncertainty surrounding schools reopening and what delivery of instruction will look like, in-person versus virtual, I have not spent much time planning at all.   But, back in June, I came across an article called 5 Strategies for Independent Learning , written about how Kim Voge, a 5th grade teacher, uses EduProtocols, created by Marlene Hebern and Jon Corippo, to " create a culture of student-centered, independent learning in her classroom." As I read about the EduProtocols Mrs. Voge described, I was intrigued and started wondering if they could be used with my 2nd grade Scholars. I reached out to Ms. Voge, who graciously put me in contact with Meghan Cannon-Johann, a 2nd grade teacher who uses EduProtocols in h...

    Two weeks ago, I wrote a short introduction to this blog, The Rogue Scholar, welcoming readers and inviting them to join me on the next leg of my writing journey. After I clicked "Publish", I shared it on every social media platform. I have committed to challenging myself to be vulnerable with my writing, and for me being vulnerable means putting it out there.     I was very proud of myself for finally getting it done. I had let fear stifle me for a bit, for a myriad of reasons. Primarily, I didn't and in some ways still don't feel adequate enough to write a blog. I was pleasantly surprised by the encouragement and support I received from those who read it. Their comments and feedback reminded me that I can do the "hard-to-me-things", because I surround ourselves with people who believe in me.       "Being Surrounded By A Community Of Writers Can Help Build Writing Confidence"     In a blog post, written for TeachWrite.org , I ...

Welcome to the next, big adventure in my writing journey. I have committed to writing a weekly blog post that is all things teaching and learning. I am not sure where this particular leg in the journey will take me, but I am hoping the along the way, others will benefit from my humble efforts. With that being said, sit back, relax, and let's enjoy this ride.