There are currently eight different groups of students I interact with every week.

For most, I have never taught them face to face, but our interactions are limited to our zoom sessions where I spend 45 minutes teaching them a single subject as a supplement to their main teacher’s instruction.

It would be easier to pretend that I am just a teacher, and check my humanity at my computer before I ever hit the “start meeting” button.

It is such a short amount of time, and we always have a lot to cover, but I know that teachers serve more than one role in their lives.

We teach, of course, but we also are a trusted adult. Someone outside of their immediate family that they feel comfortable talking to.

…

Our nation’s capitol came under attack this week.

The invading group had weapons, used force to break in, and stole objects from our capitol. Since the attack happened while Congress was in session, they also threatened the representatives of our nation, as well as the 2nd, 3rd and 4th in line of command for our country.

This group had bombs, and zip tie like restraints as well as a gallows. From most accounts, this was never intended to be a peaceful protest.

Peaceful protesters don’t come with these objects.

No one argues the fact that these invaders should have consequences for their actions, and some have already…

reflections on a year that took us all by surprise

Usually, as a year draws to a close, I look back on what we did that year, and go through my memento jar. In a normal year, that jar holds tickets, baby shower invitations, wedding invitations etc.

This year, my jar is empty.

Literally empty.

Yet, it doesn’t tell the true story of the year.

We saw movies, we just saw them streamed at home. We attended virtual holidays and a virtual baby shower. Our friends got married, but just had a small family ceremony. …

and what that means for your family and loved ones

Despite many barriers to insurance and getting healthcare, most of the time, we expect there to be a spot for us or our loved ones at a hospital if we need it. For everything from sickness, broken bones, car accidents or necessary surgeries, we have a basic assumption that when it is our family, there will be a spot to take them. But if the hospital is full, there is nowhere for these people to be treated.

In some parts of the United States, that is already happening.

In other places it will happen soon.

A quick glance at the headlines…

This year has not been an easy one.

It seems like every day there was something new to get discouraged about, and we have spent way more time indoors, away from others, worrying about our country, the virus, social justice and everything we watch on the news each night.

We needed a win.

This election wasn’t decided on the first night with a solid blue map, as some had hoped and even predicted. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday ticked by, with slightly more hope for those of us rooting blue, but still nothing was official.

These days, on top of this year, on top of…

I think it is indisputable that 2020 is a different year than normal. Between an impeachment, the pandemic, and the protests, this year is clearly one for the history books.

So it makes sense that this year’s election would be different than the norm too.

Growing up, I remember hearing the debates during family gatherings on Republican versus Democrat viewpoints on various topics. These debates were always civil, as my family tends to calmly debate without animosity, only to have each member return home without changing their opinions, ready to debate again the next time.

I grew up knowing that I had the right to my own opinions on whatever topic, and that family ties…

We didn’t sign up for this.

Our teaching programs didn’t have lessons on how to teach remotely during a pandemic. Also, they definitely didn’t include lessons on how to make it fun, memorable and educational for all.

Teaching isn’t a glamorous job, and it has a hefty load of parts that aren’t so great. But we, out here in the trenches, chose it anyways.

We put our time and energy into this career, knowing about the late nights grading, the e-mails from parents and the stress that comes with feeling responsible for every student’s learning and achievement.

We do it anyways.

Many teachers fled…

Jacob Blake should never have been shot.

Period.

But unlike so many other victims, he lived. He made it to a hospital, and though he is paralyzed, his kids haven’t lost their dad.

Yet.

But we learned today that the police department weren’t done yet. They chained a man who cannot walk, who might never walk again, to his hospital bed.

By doing so, they might have just put the final bullet in his back.

Did you know that 7–8% of deaths in spinal cord injuries are related to a pressure sore?

If these patients can be stabilized from their initial injuries to their spinal cord, they aren’t out of the woods yet.

Our bodies are not designed…