Category Archives: Teachers

Environmental Print

Posted on March 23, 2014 by sutterlearn

When I was a child, you could have told me the word Coca-Cola was my grandfather’s name, or I might have told you that.  It wouldn’t have been the word itself, but the iconic white script on a red background … Continue reading →

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We Are Where We Are

Posted on March 22, 2014 by sutterlearn

As engaged parents, we say we want our kids to do their best, but what we often mean in our hearts is we want the best for them.  We even hope for our kids to be the best.  It’s hard … Continue reading →

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Not My Job

Posted on February 8, 2014 by sutterlearn

Jim Howitt was a mentor of mine in life.  When I was in my early 20’s working at a marketing company, he was in his late 60’s having returned from retirement to work in our office.  For the first year … Continue reading →

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Caring Hurts…do it anyway.

Posted on February 8, 2014 by sutterlearn

People tend to freak out or get really uncomfortable when you talk about loving others in the general.  It’s either misinterpreted as inappropriate if you talk about love outside of a family setting, or idealistic hippy-talk when you refer to … Continue reading →

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EdCamp Lansing 2014

Posted on January 28, 2014 by sutterlearn

I spent last Saturday at a great professional learning event, called Edcamp Lansing at MSU College of Education.  Last spring I blogged about my virgin experience at Edcamp Detroit, so of course I was thrilled that a local version had … Continue reading →

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Are you being sarcastic?

Posted on January 18, 2014 by sutterlearn

Psychologists and counselors will generally tell you it’s not okay to use sarcasm, that it’s passive-aggressive, demeaning, and establishes negative relationships…especially with children. In most cases, if you have a mean intent you are not helping others out by being … Continue reading →

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Memory Serves

Posted on January 18, 2014 by sutterlearn

One of the privileges of teaching has been the relationships with specific parents that have lasted beyond having their children in our classroom. This week I ran into four separate parents who were generally happy to see me and share … Continue reading →

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Book Review – Professional Capital

Posted on December 19, 2013 by sutterlearn

Few books make me salivate to read them, prior to publication. I’m usually the latecomer to some chart-topper that has already moved the world’s thinking, but the pre-publication campaign for Andy Hargreaves and Michael Fullan’s Professional Capital: Transforming Teaching in … Continue reading →

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Drop I, Add THEY

Posted on November 14, 2013 by sutterlearn

Back when Garth Brooks was an international musical star, he gave part of an interview from the nosebleed section of Cowboy Stadium in Dallas, TX. He explained how he likes to make the trek up to those seats to get … Continue reading →

Posted in Coaching, Professional Learning Conceptions, Teachers | 2 Comments

Testing Ourselves

Posted on November 13, 2013 by sutterlearn

The last cartons of standardized state test booklets were just shipped back from the school buildings I serve, hopefully marking the end of an asinine era of high-stakes test administration in the Fall. Michigan is rumored to be moving to … Continue reading →

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