Christmas Classics to Watch Over Winter Break

By Ryan Crawley

Now that we are arriving towards our winter break, us teachers finally have a bit of time on our hands. Of course, we will use most of this time for holiday matters and catching up on things we have been putting off lately. 

Still, there are certain traditions we all have around the holidays. We put up the tree a day after Thanksgiving and hang up all the lights around the house. Perhaps we do all of our shopping on a certain weekend. Possibly we all meet at the same relative’s house on Christmas Eve. These are things we do every year, year in and year out.

For quite a few of us, watching movies about Christmas has become part of that tradition. Every year I lie down and absorb these films into my soul. These holiday classics are as big a part of Christmas tradition now as opening gifts and seeing family. At the end of the article, I would love to hear about some of the holiday films that hold a special place in your heart as well.

White Christmas
I’ll watch Bing Crosby sing, act, or even brush his teeth. He was an entertaining fellow. Even though he died in 1977, he was the best selling recording artist of the 20th century. He was cool hanging out with the Rat Pack, playing singing neighbors with David Bowie, and narrating the spooky The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. In fact, his song White Christmas is the best selling single of all time.

Without ruining much of the film (incase you have not seen it), the movie White Christmas is about Bing and a buddy (Danny Kaye) doing a good deed for someone they are fond of. At the same time, Bing falls in love with a girl (Rosemary Clooney) that is young enough to be his daughter. One of my favorite scenes is when they sing Snow while they are on the train. Interestingly enough, quite a bit of White Christmas was improvised on the spot.

12 Dates of Christmas
Yes, I am a guy. But I still enjoy watching this Family Channel-like movie with Amy Smart and Mark Paul Gosselaar. Of course, Gosselaar is famous for his time spent as Zack on Saved by the Bell. It’s a simple film that borrows a bit from Groundhog Day. It is available on Netflix if you are interested in checking it out.

Home Alone
Home Alone stars Macaulay Culkin as a young boy accidentally being left behind at his house on Christmas as his large family cluelessly does not notice until a couple days later. I think I enjoy this film because my large family would often leave me behind in various places as well. Either that or they were just trying to get rid of me.

It’s a Wonderful Life
Jimmy Stewart just never made a bad movie. He was the everyman that most of us could identify with. It’s a Wonderful Life has become the ultimate Christmas classic, and they couldn’t have chosen a better actor to star in it than Stewart.

All of us at one point or another think that everyone would be much better off if we were never born. As teachers, we often consider if we are actually shaping anyone’s life at all. George Bailey, the main character, gets to see what exactly would happen if he was not around. It’s extremely interesting that although this film is considered the go-to Christmas classic, it struggled when it first came out in theaters on December 20, 1946. It didn’t make much money and was initially considered a failure.

Yogi’s First Christmas
Yogi’s First Christmas is hardly ever shown around the holidays anymore. It came out in 1980 and is a who’s who of the characters created by Hanna-Barbera. I remember as a kid watching it every time it was on. It was finally released in 2009 on DVD. I had to go on Amazon and order myself a copy just so I could continue my tradition of watching it every year. The film is definitely one of my favorites!

A Very Brady Christmas
I believe A Very Brady Christmas should be recognized with the other holiday classics like White Christmas and It’s a Wonderful Life. It should be shown every day on television between Thanksgiving and Christmas. I could be a bit bias, though, since I loved the Brady Bunch growing up.

Much of the premise of the movie is a bit preposterous, much like the old Brady Bunch episodes themselves, but it is nice to catch up with all the characters. Spoiler alert, Bobby is now a college dropout and a secret racecar driver. Alice and Sam finally got married, then separated, and Alice came back to work for the Bradys at 97 years old to be a maid again. And Mike and Carol Brady, for some reason, redesigned their house using the worst colors possible. Still, whenever I hear O Come, All Ye Faithful whether in church or on the street, I expect to see Mike Brady emerging from a collapsed building.

A Christmas Story
I think every kid can identify with the main character Ralphie. He wants something for Christmas that he feels he just never will have regardless of how many hints he leaves behind for his mom, dad, and teacher. As a teacher, I think it is quite funny that his teacher wrote a warning on his essay about why he shouldn’t get that BB gun for Christmas. It is definitely something a lot of us have probably done without thinking. But to him, it is heartbreaking.

Holiday Inn
Holiday Inn is another Bing Crosby film centered around Christmas. In fact, Holiday Inn came out before the film White Christmas. In addition, Bing sings the song White Christmas in the film. This time he is joined by Fred Astaire, so you know there is going to be some fancy dancing routines involved. Plus, Bing’s character is pursuing a lady 15 years older than him this time. She might be just a bit too old for him. Once again, Bing Crosby and the holidays are a perfect match!


Ryan Crawley is a writer/educator from Illinois. Born into a family of eleven, he spent most of his childhood watching old reruns of Three's Company and Happy Days. He has his Masters in Reading and Literacy, and is a certified Reading Specialist. He spends his free time writing, working out, and hanging with his two dogs Flair and Smoosh Face. 

3 Ways Traveling With Your Students Makes You Crazy 

(and a better Educator)

By Diana Eastman

You’ll learn a lot about your students the first time you travel with them. Even the students you’ve made strong connections with throughout the years will surprise you with their obnoxious snoring, questionable table manners or intense fear of small spaces. You’ll see your students in a whole new light when you all leave the classroom and venture to a new place together. Traveling in general can make people tired and grumpy, but traveling with people who you’ve never seen tired or grumpy, and who have probably never seen how you get when you really have to go to the bathroom or how anxious you get when you think you’re going to be late, can add a whole new level of crazy to your travel experience. But you signed up to experience a new place with your students because you’re passionate about their education, about their life experiences, and because you’re pretty certain you can handle it. Here are 3 ways traveling with your students may drive you nuts, but will also make you a better educator in the long run.

You Get To Know Your Students. Really Get To Know Them.
It is always interesting/scary to get to know what your students are like when they aren’t being your students. You feel like you’ve got a pretty good idea of their personalities; you know which ones are shy, which ones are more extroverted, the consistently late ones, the know-it-alls, the jokesters. But traveling with them gives you a peek into who they really are. You’ll learn quickly who some of the students are when they don't get enough sleep, or which students don’t know how to read a map or are obsessed with taking selfies. The preconceived ideas you had about them based on your interactions in the classroom will probably go out the window after a few days of traveling with them. Sometimes, the informal environment will allow you to see incredible qualities in students that didn’t come out in class, while other times you may find out things you can’t ever “un-know.” The bright side: traveling with your students helps you to get a better understanding of who they are, which may help how you relate to them in the classroom.

You Share A Lot Of Small Spaces
Whether you are in front of a typical size classroom or giant lecture hall, it’s safe to assume that you are able to maintain a comfortable distance from your students on a daily basis. They have their bubble, you have yours, and they typically don’t cross. Well, that goes out the window when you travel together. Planes, trains, taxis and rental cars aren't built with personal space in mind, so you’re going to get close, real close, to your students. You’ll be sharing a lot of things with your students that you don’t normally share (like bathrooms and armrests), but it just comes with traveling. Although sometimes it may feel like you’re getting too close for comfort, sharing this intimate space with your students opens up opportunities for intentional conversation, teachable moments, and interpersonal connection; things that you may not get to do a lot of in a larger environment.

You’re Still “On”
Unlike traveling with your spouse or best friend where you can completely unwind and relax, traveling with students means you still have to maintain a level of professionalism even if you’re out of the classroom. Although you’re in a new place and enjoying a more relaxed learning environment, you’re still the mentor and the professional, and you never get to really turn that off. It’s important to strike a balance between leading them as an educator and enjoying yourself as a tourist. You don’t want to do anything that could cause them to see you in a questionable light (shots on the bar is a no-go), so you’re still “on stage” even though your “stage” is miles and miles away. The good news: you have the unique ability to further their education and connect with them on a more personal level while demonstrating maturity and professionalism.

From the moment you decided to venture outside of the classroom and take your students on an educational adventure, you knew there were going to be facets of the trip that would be less than comfortable. You know that traveling can bring out the best and worst in people, but you signed up anyway because a trip with this crazy group is worth it.

They may catch you drooling on a red eye flight, or you may quickly learn who uses too much perfume or not enough deodorant, but these things all help you connect with your students. This personal connection makes you a stronger and more connected educator that can touch their lives in unique and memorable ways.

6 Fun, Festive and Educational Activities for Winter Break

By Ryan Crawley

As a teacher, I’ve heard countless students proudly inform me that during winter break they did not bother to pick up a book. They usually do this with a smile on their face as if they are gleefully confessing to some sort of crime that only affects me. While their lack of learning concerns me, and it takes awhile to catch them back up on the whole learning thing, their parents should be more concerned about the quick drop off of their skills that can happen in a mere two weeks.

Below is a list of activities for winter break that will help educate your children even while they are out of school. The best thing is that they may not even know they are learning, so they won’t put up a fight against you! Much of it is based around the holidays, and it will hopefully put them in the Christmas mood!

The 12 Books of Christmas
This book reading activity is a direct rip-off of the 12 Days of Christmas, except instead the children will have a reading list of 12 books that they must read during winter break. These books should be chosen together as a family and each one should incorporate some sort of holiday theme. Maybe a book can be about helping others, kindness, or be centered around the holidays. In any case, it has to contain at least a little bit of the holiday spirit!

Each Child Creates a Top 5 List of Favorite Holiday Shows
Every child enjoys creating a list of top favorite things in their lives. Ask a child to make a top three list of their best friends and they will put a lot of thought into the subject. They will start to rationalize just why certain friends do not make the cut. This is what the top five list of favorite Holiday shows will do as well. They will use their critical thinking skills and not even realize it. Plus, the more holiday shows they watch, the more they might have to go back and revise the list. This will be a very carefully thought out list when it is all said and done. If you would like them to add even more to it, they can write brief summaries on the show or movie also. Writing skills are essential in every subject area and every career field, so why not create opportunities for your children to improve on theirs?

Create a Video Christmas List for Santa
Even young kids can now put together an impressive video using iMovie or any number of the similar video apps out there. By putting them in charge of making their own Christmas list video on what they would like for Christmas, you are allowing them to use their creativity and voice through technology. Plus, each of the videos is going to be quite the keepsake to look back on as the kids become older. It will be a family treasure to share in the years to come.

Write a Thank You Letter to Santa and Others
Every child can learn to improve their manners. By writing a thank you note to Santa and others for the gifts they receive, this is teaching them to always be thankful and show gratitude. In addition, it will be teaching them to show gratitude for perhaps gifts they were not all that excited about receiving. Manners are something that need to be taught and learned early and often in life, otherwise by the time they are adults, it might just be too late.

Neighborhood Map Predicting Santa’s Arrival
Map skills can be difficult for children to learn. However, if you provide them something important enough to use their map skills on, they will become very active learners. Have your child draw a map of the neighborhood. Ask them to determine the path that Santa might take when traveling from house to house. Of course, they will have to label the map with a compass rose and other important details as well. This is done all in an effort to figure out when Santa might actually be arriving at their house.

Baking With the Parents
Parents that fail to teach their children basic kitchen skills early on will only have themselves to blame later when the kids can’t even make a bowl of cereal on their own. By asking for their help with the Christmas baking, you are not only starting a family tradition, but you are giving them confidence in the kitchen. If you don’t ask for their assistance, you may just be cooking for them for the rest of their lives. Nothing worse than a 40-year-old who can’t make a pot of boiling water or figure out how to operate the toaster.



Ryan Crawley is a writer/educator from Illinois. Born into a family of eleven, he spent most of his childhood watching old reruns of Three's Company and Happy Days. He has his Masters in Reading and Literacy, and is a certified Reading Specialist. He spends his free time writing, working out, and hanging with his two dogs Flair and Smoosh Face. 

6 Ways To Teach Diversity In The Classroom

By Diana Eastman

The only way to create a world of tolerance, acceptance, and respect is to teach it to the youth of our generation. As teachers, we have a giant responsibility to foster a global perspective in our students and show them how to respect others’ differences and live peacefully amongst people who aren’t exactly like them. Or similar to them. Or like them at all.

There are many ways to teach diversity in the classroom, but here are the six most important will help create a classroom of acceptance. By teaching students at an early age to embrace the different cultures around them instead of fearing them, you will begin to build a generation of “includers”; of students who have no tolerance for racism, sexism, or prejudices.

Have Students Do The Teaching

Most teachers will agree that the best indicator of a student truly grasping and understanding a concept is the ability to teach someone else. Having students research different cultures and present it to the class is a great way to get everyone involved in the learning. Students can share their own cultural traditions, holidays, recipes, music and dress with the class, or pick a culture they want to learn more about. Hearing the information come from a fellow student helps the rest of the class pay attention and absorb the content.

Bring In A Guest

If you know someone personally who comes from a different country, invite them in to speak with the class. Students love having guest speakers, and it makes the lesson much more personal. If possible, have the guest bring something to pass around the classroom that represents their heritage, or ask them to wear something native to their culture.

Provide Plenty of Examples

Remember to give students a broad range of examples when discussing famous people from a particular culture. If Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, and Malcolm X are the only role models students learn about when talking about African American heritage, they may get the wrong idea that there aren't thousands of other African Americans who have made history. Make sure you mention people of both genders when discussing famous people from any culture, and teach students about both historical and current figures from the particular culture you are studying.

Incorporate Inclusive Curriculum

Every teacher, even those not responsible for cultural studies, has the responsibility to create an inclusive classroom for all students. Ensure the textbooks and materials you are using portray all different types of examples of diversity. Older textbooks may have photos that are seen as stereotypical, so make sure you’re using curriculum that embraces diversity. If you are creating the curriculum (tests, homework, etc.) word your examples in a way that is inclusive of all genders and cultures.

Be Aware Of Language Barriers

Students who don’t speak English as their first language can easily feel lost in a classroom of mostly English speakers. Although most schools offer special programs for non-English speakers, be intentional about ensuring every student has the opportunity to share their opinions, ask questions, and understand what is being taught regardless of what language they speak.

Share Your Experiences

Your personal experiences with other cultures can be a fascinating teaching tool to use in your classroom. Share your family background with your students, or share pictures of your travels to other countries. Hearing about your first-hand experience with different cultures will make tolerance and acceptance much more relatable. Your students look up to you, so if they witness you being respectful of others and eager to learn about their differences, they will follow suit.

The future of our country, and our world, is based on whether we can learn not just to tolerate, but embrace those who are different from us. We can’t just slap a motivational quote about diversity on our walls and leave it at that. We must continuously be intentional about not just telling our students, but showing them how beautiful our world is because of the millions of different people who live here.

4 Ways to Incorporate Your Travels Into The Classroom

By Diana Eastman

One of the benefits of being a teacher is getting a few months off during the summer to rest and recharge. Teachers use this (unpaid) time to work part-time jobs, focus on hobbies, rest, and travel. Teachers have a hard time switching off their “teacher brains” even over the summer, which means as they explore new places they still have their future students in mind. Even on trips made for rest, a little part of their brain is always jotting down notes and trying to figure out how they can incorporate their travels into the classroom.

The next time you plan a trip, keep these four strategies in mind to bring back to your classroom. Your travel experience can prove invaluable to young, eager minds. Your adventures can foster a love for culture and travel in your students, and open up windows for engaging class discussions and learning opportunities.

Food For Thought
It’s safe to say that one of the best parts about traveling is trying the local cuisine. From famous cheesesteaks in Philly to Margherita pizza in Italy, indulging in foods from different places will not only satisfy your appetite but can serve as a learning tool in the classroom. Trying new foods and discovering new recipes is a great way to expose your students to new cultures, and a little in class taste-testing is a great way to keep students engaged when learning about new places.

A Picture Is Worth 1000 Words
If you travel to a place that you plan on studying during the school year, take pictures of you in front of famous landmarks to show your class. They can see photos of The Liberty Bell, The White House, or Niagara Falls in textbooks any day, but seeing it from a more personal perspective, and seeing you in these actual places makes them seem more real to students.

Save The Souvenirs
Some people collect postcards, coffee mugs, t-shirts or magnets to document their travels, and these souvenirs can be a fun way to show your students where you have been. When you travel internationally, bring back children’s books for your students to read. Even if they can’t understand the language, it serves as a fantastic hands-on activity that promotes language & reading and expands their global perspective.

Music As A Teacher's Tool
Many teachers find incorporating music into their lessons results in a more focused and engaged classroom. Sharing the music from your trip with your students is an easy way to introduce them to different styles of music and instruments. Playing music during study times has been proven to help with retention, and playing music during transitional times can help the class move from one thing to the next smoothly. Introducing your students to bagpipes after a trip to Scotland or country music after a visit to the Deep South will help them make deeper connections to the places they are learning about.

Traveling allows teachers to take off their “teacher hat” and blend into the world as a “normal” person for a little while. But for many teachers, it also provides excellent recourses and ideas to incorporate into next year’s classroom. Using your travels as a way to encourage learning and pursue the wanderlust of your students is a win-win. You get away and get a chance to see the world, and your students get a well-traveled teacher with adventures, stories, and lessons to share.

Crucial Items to Pack for an Overnight Trip with your Students

By Beth Hedrick

When taking your students on a trip, especially overnight, there are the usual items you need to take, such as your wallet, and specific items you “should” take…just in case of anything unexpected. That's the thing about traveling with students that I've learned – to expect the unexpected! Here is what you should put on your list of things to take, in addition to those obvious supplies.

Backpack
Carry one. Not a sling bag, not a purse, but an actual backpack. I'll never forget the time I went on a trip to Washington, D.C. and thought I would be cool and carry a cross body sling bag. It was nice and roomy…and very, very cumbersome flopping around on my side as I walked the hills of Arlington Cemetery.

A backpack allows for much more room while providing an even balance of weight across your body. When walking long distances, which many trips have on the itinerary, a good-quality backpack is ideal for carrying everything you need while providing hands-free movement and comfort.

Necessities
The backpack must contain necessities that you may not think you need for a trip with students. However, you should think outside the box and consider your students' needs while packing for your day out with them. Things you may not have thought of that you may want to include in your large, roomy, backpack include:

hand sanitizer
medications for students who take them on a regular basis
headache or pain reliever (for you)
gum
cough drops
water bottle.
Oh! And don’t forget a battery-operated phone charger!

Emergency Items
Emergency items should also be carried in your backpack.

One large Ziploc baggie of gauze pads and medical tape
Band-aids
A brace or wrap
Wound-care gel
Sanitary napkins

These items are a great start to the perfect emergency kit because chances are, you will need it! A random nose bleed (gusher!) happened to one of my groups while walking through the middle of Washington D.C. Think of your student's individual needs as well. Since a student’s glasses came unhinged in the middle of a production at a theater, I have learned to pack tape and a glasses mini-kit.

Phone Numbers
While you may be leery about giving parents your cell phone number, if you have parent chaperones it really is a must that they have it. Any adult that goes on the trip should have your number and vice-versa. One suggestion is to make one “group” text, so everyone is included and knows what's going on, especially with that small group that may be a little behind the others, or if a child becomes ill. However, the very, very important thing is to have a paper copy of the phone list of the chaperoning parents as well as the parents of the students who are with you.

Weather-Related Items   
How accurate is your local weatherman? There is a very good chance (and I am going off my experiences) that the weather will be a little “off” one day. That sudden rain shower may make for a soggy experience, so be prepared with a mini pop-up umbrella or a poncho. These items will easily fit in your backpack. If a non-bulky pair of shoes will fit, along with an extra pair of socks, that would be ideal. A hat or gloves may be something you wish to add if the weather is colder. Sunscreen is needed if it is a nice, warm day, and if you are like me and get bitten by bugs at every chance they get, bug spray may be a necessity for you.

Paper Documents
Medication documents, permission slips, picking-up children contracts, and other paper documents pertaining to a student need to be carried at all times, just in case. This is really just for your protection. You can put all of them in a manila envelope and slide them into a backpack pocket, or you can just leave them in your hotel room in a safe spot.

The more experienced you are at going on overnight trips with your students, the easier it is to think of things you may need. This is because experience brings wisdom, and if you have “seen it all” then you know it can really happen! Field trips are really the epitome of teaching, the students learn so much by exploring and really “doing” different activities. Field trips are ways your students can experience excellence in education by the integration of all five senses, and not only do they leave feeling full of knowledge, but also full of timeless memories.

Beth Hedrick has been educating students for 22 years. She teaches in a rural southwest Virginia community that values the education of every student. She is the mother of two boys, Aaron and Landon, and is married to Todd.

She is an advocate for Autism Awareness, as her son Landon has Asperger’s Syndrome. She has served on her community and school system’s autism support team. Beth enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her Basset Hound, Lenny. She also likes to read, write, blog, and travel in the summer months. 

Places You Just Have To See When Visiting Philadelphia

By Diana Eastman

Philadelphia is a popular choice for class trips for many reasons. It’s extremely pedestrian-friendly; you can walk to everything! The food is fantastic, the people are friendly, and it’s very educational. One cool thing about Philly is that your experience in the winter can be totally different from your experience in the summer. The city is always growing and changing, providing a unique experience for first-timers and seasoned visitors alike.

As a first-time visitor to Philly, there are a few things that every student must see when he or she visits The City of Brotherly Love.

The Franklin Institute
The Franklin Institute is a “must-see” when visiting Philadelphia. This extremely kid-friendly museum offers escape rooms, movies, a planetarium and a wide variety of exhibits that will enhance their love of science.

The Philadelphia Zoo
For animal lovers, The Philadelphia Zoo offers a unique way to get up close and personal with the animals. Zoo360 is the park’s newest addition and allows visitors to use a path of elevated walkways to get closer than ever before to tigers, apes, meerkats and more. Fun fact about the zoo: it was the nation’s very first zoo!

Independence National Park
You can’t visit Philly without making a trip to see the Liberty Bell in all of her glory. You can find the Liberty Bell at Independence National Park, along with other fascinating historical artifacts. Step inside Independence Hall where the Constitution and Declaration of Independence were signed. Take a tour through Edgar Allen Poe’s home or stroll through Benjamin Franklin’s courtyard. You could spend days exploring Independence National Park, and most of the attractions and exhibits are free.

The Food!
All of the walking and learning is sure to work up an appetite, and you can’t visit Philly without trying some of its famous food. Philly is known for its cheesesteaks, and there is no shortage of delicious places to try one. Ishkabibble’s on South Street won’t disappoint when it comes to mouthwatering sandwiches, but Philly is more than cheesesteaks! The Italian Market is an outdoor street market lined with vendors offering everything from seafood and Mexican to pizza and French cuisine. For a unique Philadelphia experience, take students to the country’s oldest continuously running Farmer’s Market and pick up fresh produce, cheeses, coffee and international delights.

Selfie Worthy Sites
Want to get your middle schoolers’ attention? Encourage them to whip out their cell phones and take a selfie in some of the coolest, most Instagram worthy spots in the city:

•    In front of the Rocky Statue
•    The famous, red “Amor” sculpture in Sister Cities Park
•    Boathouse Row
•    Benjamin Franklin Bridge
•    One Liberty Observation Deck
•    Rittenhouse Square
•    Elfreth’s Alley
•    Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens

These unique destinations in Philly have their own unique charm and personality, and getting there allows you to see parts of the city that you might miss if you stick to the tourist attractions.

Taking a class trip to Philly is an adventure that every student should have the opportunity to experience. Philly is a diverse city full of rich history and the perfect combination of fun and educational. The city offers so much to see and do, making it one of the coolest places in the country for an incredible class trip.

Famous Celebrity Teachers

By Ryan Crawley

Teachers are often local celebrities in the town that they teach in. People usually stop them on any trip to the grocery store or movie theater just to have a little chat. It’s as much part of the job of being a teacher as teaching in the classroom. An educator has to be a role model for adults and children in the area that they live. However, some teachers would go on to become much bigger celebrities than just in their own hometown. These former teachers would eventually become famous actors and singers not long after their time in the classroom.

Andy Griffith
Anyone that has had access to a television in the last 60 years should know exactly who Andy Griffith was. He was the star of several movies, his most notable was a film from 1957 titled A Face in the Crowd. But the role he is best known for is Andy Taylor from The Andy Griffith Show, also starring Don Knotts. Before he became a famous actor, he was a high school English, Music, and Drama teacher while he was in his twenties. It surely helped him when he was creating one of the most beloved tv shows of all time.

Gene Simmons
Most people know Gene Simmons as the co-founder of the band KISS. But the man with the extremely long tongue was a sixth-grade teacher in New York before hitting it big. However, most of his students wouldn’t recognize him because he taught without the makeup and platform shoes.

Sheryl Crow
The singer had a hit with her song "All I Wanna Do Is Have Some Fun", but a few years before that, she was a Music teacher in Missouri. In fact, some of her first songs she sang and sold were back-to-school jingles that she created.

Sting
The famous singer worked many odd jobs after graduating from high school. He would later teach Soccer, English, and Music at a Catholic school for two years. Sting later would recall those years, "I was the only man on the faculty. In fact, I was the only teacher not in a habit."

Stephen King
One of the most prolific writers of all time, Stephen King started out in the career of Education. In 1971, he was hired at Hampden Academy to teach English. He also married his wife Tabitha that year, another fellow writer. They struggled mightily the first few years of their marriage with finances. Their phone was often disconnected because they just did not have enough money to pay the bills.

By 1973, Tabitha was working at Dunkin’ Donuts while King kept teaching English in Maine. Finances continued to be so bad that he moonlighted as a janitor and gas pump attendant. They lived in a drafty doublewide trailer and drove around an old Buick held together by wire and tape. One day the Hampden Academy offered him an extra $300 a year if he would take the extra position of being the faculty advisor to the Debate Club. It was an offer he could not refuse, he thought, because it would allow his family to buy groceries. His wife, though, refused it for him when she realized it would not give him much time to write anymore. She was willing to risk it because she knew her husband had real talent. A year later, King sold his first novel, Carrie. It turned out to be a good call to turn down that Debate Club position!

Sylvester Stallone
While attending the American College in Switzerland during the 1960s, Stallone made some extra cash by teaching Physical Education. This was a perfect position for the health-minded future actor/writer. You can just hear him shouting out to his students, “You can do those pull-ups! Quitters can’t do pull-ups. And that’s not you! You are better than that! Now give me one more because Mickey loves you!”

Hugh Jackman
Wolverine was a teacher? He was! Hugh Jackman was a Physical Education teacher for high school students, and he remembers his time well. Don’t feel bad that your students don’t always behave. If Wolverine could not get his students to act like little angels, what chance do the rest of us have? Here is a little humorous video when Jackman ran into one of his former students on the red carpet. He was able to remember the man’s name and some of the things that he did in class that ticked him off.

Bob Denver
The Skipper might not believe it, but Gilligan was once a teacher. Bob Denver taught History, Math, and Physical Education at a Catholic school when he was 23 years old. He was allowed time off to audition for Dobie Gillis, and the rest is television history.

Dan Blocker
Blocker is best known for his role of Hoss Cartwright in the long-running show Bonanza, but he was a teacher first. This gentle giant was a high school English and Drama teacher. Dealing with troublesome students probably helped get him in the mood for handling troublesome outlaws in the series.



Ryan Crawley is a writer/educator from Illinois. Born into a family of eleven, he spent most of his childhood watching old reruns of Three's Company and Happy Days. He has his Masters in Reading and Literacy, and is a certified Reading Specialist. He spends his free time writing, working out, and hanging with his two dogs Flair and Smoosh Face. 

Tea Parties, Witches, and Midnight Rides

By Beth Hedrick

Boston and New England
A trip to the Birthplace of America, full of attractions, historical & captivating cities, and charming villages, will fill you, and your students, with knowledge of history and culture. The students will learn where historical, political, and social revolutions took place and how they shaped our present day. Here are 7 fascinating sites to visit with your students! And who knows? Maybe you'll also catch a Red Sox Game while you're there!

The Freedom Trail
History buffs and soon-to-become history lovers will find that touring the 2.5 mile Freedom Trail brings history to life. This brick path has several historic sites that were significant to the building of our country. Museums, parks, churches, burying grounds, memorials, and more! Enlighten you and your students and help them actually envision what was happening at this significant time in the formation of America.

Plimoth Plantation, Mayflower ll
When I visited the Plimoth Plantation, it was as if I was living the settlement life. Students will experience what life was like during the formation of America by exploring the 17th-century village and interacting with the Pilgrims and Wampanoag Indians. History comes alive as they witness what seems like “real-time” tending to the animals, cooking, doing chores, and eating. The lively exhibits include a visit to the Mayflower ll and the Wampanoag Native American Homesite.

Walden Pond
There are a variety of educational programs for children of all ages at Walden Pond, the home of Henry David Thoreau from 1845 to 1847. He penned his book "Walden," which brought awareness to preserving nature, at this very site. Coined the Birthplace of the Conservation Movement, Walden Pond is an exquisite, serene sight that gives the students a place to relax and participate in educational tours.

Salem Witch Museum
I have always been very curious about the Salem Witch Trials. Yes, the events saddened me very much, as to how people would draw unclaimed conclusions to put innocent people to death. The Salem Witch Trials are a part of our history, and the events can teach children about individuals and their beliefs, fears, and other common characteristics of today. There are several exhibits which highlight this daunting time and bring it back to life. Understanding these issues from such a long time ago can help children and young adults apply this to our world today.

Boston Museum of Science
No awesome field trip is complete without a little science! The Boston Museum of Science delivers amazing wonderment as the children discover all aspects of this fascinating subject.  The exhibits that are featured will easily cover each realm of the sciences; life, physical, and, my personal favorite: the exhibits on the topic of psychology!

New England Aquarium
Students will increase their knowledge of oceanography and marine life when they visit the New England Aquarium. Adding science to this field trip can give the kids a refreshing look at the many species of marine life, give them an opportunity for hands-on experience (I loved petting the rays!), and show them the most colorful coral reefs they have ever seen. The shark exhibit may be one of their favorites as well!

House of the Seven Gables
It may be a good idea, if you teach middle school or high school, to read The House of the Seven Gables by Nathaniel Hawthorne beforehand. This will allow the students to process the background knowledge in order to thoroughly appreciate the most historical wooden mansion in New England. This 17th century home can also be appreciated by younger students, as well.  If they are given information on the lifestyle of this era they will surely "ooh" and "ahh" during the tour and hands-on activities at the oldest Homeplace in the northeast.

Whether you visit one, or all, of the sites on this list this deeply fulfilling, educational opportunity will make memories that you and your students will always look back on. When I visited Boston and New England and made new discoveries as an adult, I was astounded by what an educational trip can provide for students. Your kids will go back home with much more insight into our country’s first days, as well as fond memories of all the attractions they were able to experience!

Beth Hedrick has been educating students for 22 years. She teaches in a rural southwest Virginia community that values the education of every student. She is the mother of two boys, Aaron and Landon, and is married to Todd.

She is an advocate for Autism Awareness, as her son Landon has Asperger’s Syndrome. She has served on her community and school system’s autism support team. Beth enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her Basset Hound, Lenny. She also likes to read, write, blog, and travel in the summer months. 

Happy Halloween?

By Ryan Crawley

There are very few things in life that get me as excited as autumn. I love the fall season and everything that comes along with it. I’ll gladly put away the shorts and the tank tops as long as I can have campfires late at night in my hoodie and jeans. October is the perfect time of the year.

The main thrill of October is Halloween. If you are a school teacher, and your school still allows students to dress up, you are either enthusiastically looking forward to the holiday or dreading it like it’s your day of execution. I’ve taught in a district that instead of allowing the students to wear their costumes to school that day, they actually substituted Crazy Sock Day in Halloween’s place. Crazy Sock Day instead of Halloween? If I would have known about this before accepting the teaching position from the district, I probably would have turned the job down.

Halloween can get a bit out of hand in certain schools and classrooms. This should be looked at as a given and to prepare for it the best you can. But cancelling Halloween in school is a bit extreme. In fact, I can still recall many memories of Halloween from my childhood. Can I remember any Crazy Sock                                                                                                    Days? Not especially.

The First Grade Blues

First grade was a tough school year for me. Kindergarten was only half a day long every day, but then first grade came along and changed all that. I enjoyed school so much more when it was only half a day, plus there was a napping time included.

Many surprises awaited me in first grade. It appeared all of my classmates had brushed up on their reading and counting skills over the summer, much to my dismay. I entered the school year being the worst reader in my class. Most parents might panic when something like this happens. Not mine. They had eight other kids that might pan out for them instead. My recesses were spent in the classroom receiving extra help from my teacher. I am sure she was as happy about it as I was.

I was also still having to receive speech lessons as well. I was told that most people thought I was a foreign exchange student because no one could understand what I was saying. I had those speech lessons during recess quite a bit of the time, too. Life was not good at the beginning of that school year. I couldn’t read, I couldn’t pronounce my s’s, or r’s, or about 20 other letters, and my hand me down jeans were about a foot too short. 

However, Halloween was quickly approaching. All little kids love Halloween, and I was no different. It was my favorite holiday. I loved the idea of dressing up as scary creatures and being given candy for it. Back then, I would have rather had candy than money. Candy was my currency of choice.

A week before Halloween, there was a case of the chicken pox going around the school. I was being careful to avoid it. One girl in my class had come down with it three days before Halloween, and I thought at the time how horrible that must be. Chicken pox seems to last forever. It is an estimated ten to fourteen days before they aren’t contagious anymore and you are allowed to be around other people again.

The day before Halloween, we had brownies arrive in our classroom. The girl that had chicken pox had sent a note and a pan of brownies that her mom had made. The whole class gladly ate them all. However, this was my first experience with chemical warfare. Not two hours after eating the chicken pox-infused brownie, I was scratching like crazy. I was quickly sent home from school with a full-blown case of chicken pox, the day before Halloween. That was the end of my traumatic first grade Halloween experience. My Halloween was spent sitting at home watching much too scary movies for a seven-year-old.

Medley of Below Average Costumes

At my elementary school when I was a kid, every year they had a costume contest for each grade level. The winner of each grade level would receive a silver dollar. Since there were only about six kids in each grade, the averages work out so each kid would eventually win one of these contests at least once in their grade school career. At least you would think that. Being a middle child of nine really worked against me in this regard.

Every single year, my Halloween costume was a hand me down from older brothers, and sometimes even sisters. If I had been voting in the costume contests, I wouldn’t have chosen me either. Many times my costume consisted of an oversized rubber mask where the eye holes seldom ever lined up with my eyes. I was basically walking around blind. It’s hard to receive votes in a costume contest when you can’t even see the judges because you are walking into walls.

Because of this, years later as a teacher, I always had great empathy for these students. Kids that loved Halloween as much as the ones that had fantastic costumes, but never received the recognition. Everything is a learning experience, though, in life. As an adult, I always make sure now that when Halloween comes around every year, my costume is on point. And with my future kids, we’ll plan together our Halloween costumes. Halloween should always be celebrated together as a family. It is a day to make a lifetime of fun memories through creativity. It is the exact opposite of Crazy Sock Day.

Ryan Crawley is a writer/educator from Illinois. Born into a family of eleven, he spent most of his childhood watching old reruns of Three's Company and Happy Days. He has his Masters in Reading and Literacy, and is a certified Reading Specialist. He spends his free time writing, working out, and hanging with his two dogs Flair and Smoosh Face. 

What Lurks Behind the Door of the Teachers’ Lounge?

By Ryan Crawley

There are mysteries in this world that will never be solved. Who killed John F. Kennedy? Watch Kevin Costner in the movie JFK and you will walk away knowing it could have been any number of people. Is there intelligent life on other planets? Sometimes I question whether there is intelligent life on this planet. What’s the deal with the Bermuda Triangle? I have no idea, but I plan on never finding out.

All of these great mysteries are quite puzzling, but there has always been one mystery that has haunted me throughout my childhood. The mystique of, in all places, a room in every school building. What lurks behind the door of the teachers’ lounge?

My father was a high school Science teacher, and I would always pester him about telling me what was behind the teachers’ lounge door. The secrecy behind it all would make our own government envious. My father never once told me.

I figured out after awhile that the only way to know for sure was to become a teacher myself. Either that or break into the school one night, but I knew I was way too pretty for prison. I decided on the much longer process of doing it legally.

    As I was finishing up all my Education classes, I was getting closer and closer to solving the mystery of this fascinating place. In my head, I pictured the teachers’ lounge as a very swanky restaurant. There would be maitre d’ greeting you as soon as you entered. Little fancy foods that I never know the name of would be presented on a silver platter. Drinks would be freely offered, some alcoholic. And teachers would discuss and solve the world’s problems.

    My first day of student teaching, I immediately headed down the long hall to the teachers’ lounge. Would I have liked to have met my supervising teacher first? I had my priorities. I was out to solve a mystery. I was like Robert Stack, minus the cool voice and the fog swirling around me.

As I turned the doorknob, I wasn’t even sure I was allowed in this hallowed room. I was only a student teacher, not the real thing yet. But I couldn’t wait any longer! Once I swung the door open, I couldn’t believe my eyes. I don’t think I have ever been more disappointed in my life. I actually double-checked the nameplate on the door just to make sure I didn’t accidentally enter into the janitor’s room by mistake.

    It was like a potpourri of garage sale trash! There was a green and yellow couch against the wall that appeared to have come off someone’s porch. Someone that hated teachers. I’m almost positive that the couch was not originally green and yellow, but that the mold was slowly encompassing it more and more every day.

    The long table in the room was like a glorified indoor picnic table. If I sat down and ate my lunch every afternoon at this table, I’d spend the next hour removing splinters from my forearms.

    Off in the corner, there was a microwave and coffee pot tucked away. I don’t believe I have ever seen whole electrical cords wrapped up in electric tape before. I am pretty sure this was a fire hazard. Although, if a fire engulfed this room, it would be a mercy killing.

    The microwave’s control panel basically had an on-off button. I learned that the sound emanating from it when it was running was equal to a plane landing in your front yard. I could only imagine how much radiation this microwave was throwing off. There should have been a lead blanket you had to wear while using it. I bet most of the male teachers in the school were sterile just because they used this microwave.

    There was only one redeeming item in the teachers’ lounge. An old soda machine on the opposite wall. It still worked, and it charged 50 cents a soda. However, I had never heard of the different sodas that it offered. Kolla, Orange Crash, and Mountain Do all were brands that I was not familiar with.

    I left the room in a fog. (Although, maybe it was actually smoke coming from something that had just short-circuited in there.) As I met with my supervising teacher and completely tuned her out, I realized why there was such secrecy about the teachers’ lounge. The school’s staff is embarrassed by it. Every day educators with various Masters degrees, whose duty is to shape the minds of the youth, meet in a glorified tree fort.

    Childhood dreams die hard. Things always seem more mysterious when we are younger. Romanticizing something as simple as the teachers’ lounge was my own fault. We all have our own things that we held up on a pedestal when we were kids. Sometimes they disappoint us. However, Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny have yet to let me down!

Ryan Crawley is a writer/educator from Illinois. Born into a family of eleven, he spent most of his childhood watching old reruns of Three's Company and Happy Days. He has his Masters in Reading and Literacy, and is a certified Reading Specialist. He spends his free time writing, working out, and hanging with his two dogs Flair and Smoosh Face. 

Everything I Need to Know I Learned in Dance

By Emily Strickland

Only days before my final AP Calculus exam, I performed The Nutcracker in front of three thousand people. My childhood Nutcracker runs were twenty shows long; I had a show that night, and more that weekend.

I remember staring at my Calculus exam and laughing at the irony. Math problems make me more nervous than a theater full of strangers!

Last year, Conan O’Brien did a skit where he separated dance students into two groups. In the skit, he jokes that one group will “remain in the dance troupe.” Then he turns to the second group: “[But] you are all Uber drivers.”

It’s an old and tired myth: “dancers can’t do anything except dance.”

When you think “dancer,” you probably don’t think “brain surgeon.” The myth says that dancers are artsy, but not intelligent. Dance isn’t usually considered a valuable form of education.

Recently, though, the British Royal Family announced that Prince George’s schooling will include ballet classes—and for a good reason.

Dance training prepares you for life’s challenges and gives you the tools to excel at any profession, tools that many college students don’t acquire until after graduation.

In my experience, dancers are consistently—and exceptionally—clever, curious, disciplined and hard working. Dancers learn, viscerally and intimately, that success is not possible without failure.

This is not a lesson most people understand until they’ve hit rock bottom and fought their way back with sheer force of will.

My lesson came my sophomore year of high school, when I wasn’t cast in the same ballets as my friends.

The teacher was always disappointed by my work in class. I was held back a level when most of my friends advanced. No matter how hard I worked, I never seemed to achieve my goals.

I became angry, frustrated and confused. Suddenly, dance class was something I dreaded, not something I loved.

Failure is hard to learn from because it invites self-doubt. Doubt, in turn, sucks the joy out of your work. I seriously considered giving up dance entirely.

But dance also teaches you not to give up on something that’s important to you.

I came back to the studio every day and worked through my self-doubt. I started listening and took the instructor’s criticism, whether I agreed with it or not. I made changes to my work. I stopped focusing on the result—and the roles—I wanted. Instead, I zeroed in on my process.

As soon as I did, I started to love dancing again. I re-discovered the joy in it, and my teacher moved me up to the next level.

Dance taught me that success comes from persistence. It comes from years of working hard and accepting mistakes.

Persistence and a good work ethic aren’t just dance lessons; they are life lessons that translate to anything you want to do, including passing Calculus.

After scoring low on my Calculus exam, I was frustrated and disappointed, but I was also determined. I took a practice test every day. On every single test, I got a three—which is not a passing score, but I learned from my mistakes.

When I finally took the real AP test in the spring, I earned the highest score possible. My persistence and my determination (which I acquired in DANCE) paid off.

For many people, dance is a lifelong passion. A professional career is empowering and satisfying, but often short-lived.

It’s important to know that you have every tool you need to succeed outside of dance. I know former dancers who work in environmental policy, who are physical therapists, who are social workers, marine biologists, writers, choreographers, teachers, and agents.

They still love dance. But there is room for more than one passion in a lifetime. And whether or not you have a professional career, dance training gives you something valuable—and that’s the knowledge that you can do anything, as long as you’re willing to put in the work and never, ever give up.

Dancing for the Mouse: A Look at What It’s Like to Work as a Disney World Performer

Emily Strickland

If you’re an energetic, enthusiastic and expressive dancer looking for a fun and challenging performance job, theme park performances are a great option to explore! And with more than 60,000 cast members employed at the park as performers and characters, Disney World is an awesome place to try. 

I spoke to one of those performers, Ty, who dances at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Ty is 23 and grew up in Florida, so Disney was never too far away. Here’s what he had to say about dancing everyday at “the happiest place on Earth” 

Me: So, let’s start at the beginning. When did you start dancing and what type of training did you have? 

 Ty: I started dancing in 2010 at a local studio that focused on competition dancing. From there I went to college to study dance with a focus in classical ballet and various forms of modern dance. All other training came from experiences in small companies as an apprentice or company member. 

Me: And then eventually you got to Disney. What made you decide to audition for a job in the entertainment section of Disney World? 

Ty: It was on a whim. The company I dance for was about to be off season and I needed a summer job. I went to a cattle call audition and was hired on the spot. They assured me of how fortunate I was and how it rarely happens for most performers that way. 

Me: Wow, that’s so impressive! What was the audition process like? 

Ty: There are about four rounds. The first is basic movement that travels across the floor. They look at your face and build for costumes and character stuff. Then there’s a series of jazz squares and waves that you have to make very natural-looking. The next round is a movement phase which incorporates the movement quality of the shows within the park. After that, it’s “animation” which is essentially a game of charades in a small group where you create a story or scenario based on themes the casting director gives. If they ask for a fourth round of people to perform something, it’s usually to cast something specific, like a new show or a rare role. That doesn’t happen often. 

Me: That’s such a full audition: across the floor combos, waving, and group acting exercises! Now that you’re an official Disney entertainment employee, talk about what you actually do. Where do you perform? 

Ty: I’m “global” but Animal Kingdom mostly. (The term “global” means Ty can perform in a number of different shows at different locations in Disney World.) 

Me: What are the shows you perform in like? 

Ty: The shows I’m in are fun and cute. The movement is based strongly in character and character-like dancing. A fun aspect that some may find hard to get used to is the absence of the fourth wall. Guests are on your level so you can see them and they can see you seeing them. You are expected to interact with them, within the confines of your choreography. Some performers love it. Others, like myself, find it to be a bit of a balancing act. Like any challenge, it’s cool once you get the hang of it. 

Me: That is definitely something unique to theme park entertainment. It would take me so long to get used to interacting with the audience like that. What about rehearsals? I’m sure a lot goes into the shows before the guests see them. 

Ty: Rehearsals can vary. If it’s a shorter rehearsal period, like a week, you will probably be there overnight every night. If it’s longer, a week to two weeks, the rehearsals will vary between morning and night rehearsals. You stretch and then you spend hours of rigorous study on a show you will do so much, you wake up screaming in your sleep! The rehearsals are run by maintenance choreographers, whose job is to maintain the integrity of the movement and characters of a specific show. Every now and then your director and/or original choreographer will come and check on your progress. There are a few choreographers who are very hands-on with their show and will be there throughout the rehearsal process. 

Me: And are you cast in the same role in the show each time you rehearse and perform it? 

Ty: Rehearsals aren’t a guarantee of casting. They’re more like auditions. If you make it through the rehearsal, you deserve to perform it, but they can deny you of that if they have a better casting decision in mind. 

Me: So, what’s the most challenging part of dancing at Disney? 

Ty: The most challenging part of working here is that you’re a very small fish. Scheduling and casting is based on seniority because it’s much easier to consider the talent and work ethic of the [more seasoned] performer. 

Me: What about your favorite part? 

Ty: When you’re in a show because it’s a much friendlier environment- the smaller cast allows you to interact with your managers and directors more. 

Me: Final question, what advice do you have for young dancers looking to potentially go into theme park entertainment like you? 

Ty: I would just say it’s a job, so carry yourself like a professional. Talk to your superiors. Remember to choose your relationships wisely because not every girl in the tunnel is the Anna to your Elsa and not every boy down there is that prince you have been waiting to rescue you from life for 20 years. So share responsibly. You don’t need distraction because moving up is hard and if you truly want to strive you must be smart, tactical, and focused. 

Thanks to Ty for sharing his experiences! If this sounds like a performance job you’d love to have, check out open call auditions for theme parks. There are several parks throughout the country that have performances throughout the year that require lots of talented dancers. 

Emily Strickland is a professional ball dancer and writer from Fredericksburg, Virginia. She is currently dancing with Nevada Ballet Theatre in Las Vegas,where she’s had the opportunity to perform ballets like The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, and Swan Lake, as well as in a collaborative performance with Cirque du Soleil. Previously she was an artist at Columbia Classical Ballet and a trainee at Richmond Ballet, where she was the featured soloist in Connor Frain’s premiere piece “Inertia”. She has trained with Richmond Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, Festival Ballet Providence, Nashville Ballet, and the Royal Danish Ballet in Copenhagen, Denmark. In addition, she is a ballet instructor at Avery Ballet.