This Week in Class

This Week in Class , learned about rest, relationships, and resets.  After two weeks off for the holidays, I’m reflecting on what time away really teaches you—not just about teaching, but about life. I talk about family trips (including a few roller coasters at Busch Gardens), reconnecting with people who truly want you in their life, and how to “go where you’re celebrated, not just tolerated.” I...

This Week in Class , I learned about: free time, teacher spending, and crock-pot cocoa.  It was the final week before the holiday break—complete with pajama day, parties, and a few valuable lessons about structure, generosity, and connection. I share how my daughter joined me as an “elf” in the classroom, what it taught me about kids who crave schedules even during “fun” days, and how a little str...

This Week in Class , I learned a lot about: signals, routines, and relationships—both with my students and with my co-workers. using lights and music to manage classroom behavior realizing I’ve officially become the “old Black man at the job,”  it’s been another week of growth as a second grade teacher. I share the fun and joy of experiencing an in-school field trip with my students, how keeping t...

This Week in Class , I learned that the first day of school doesn’t only happen once—it’s a mindset you can return to when the classroom needs a fresh start. From anchor charts and motion-based classroom rules to gamified behavior systems, this week was all about resetting routines and reinforcing expectations. I even found a breakthrough way to teach pictographs using a metaphor they could finall...

This week in class , I reflected on the surprising moment I was asked if I’d even be back next year. (Spoiler: yes, I will.) As a new teacher, it's wild how much of this first-year experience looks different from the inside—and how easy it is for others to assume you’re not going to make it. But even on the hard days, I’m still here, still showing up, and still rocking second grade. I talk about t...

This Week in Class, I learned one of the most freeing lessons of my first year teaching: I’m not responsible for my students’ behavior. I can set the tone, create structure, build a culture — but at the end of the day, their choices are theirs. And honestly? That mindset shift changed everything for me. In this episode, I talk about finally catching my footing in faculty meetings (they hit a littl...

This Week in Class , I learned the power of patience, presence, and protecting your peace.  It was test week, and between the stress, surprise tantrums, and a few tiny wins, I realized how much my energy shapes the room before I even speak. In this episode, I’m sharing classroom stories, life lessons, and a reminder that even in chaos, there’s always a win to be found if you look for it. ✨ Teache...

This Week in Class , I learned how moving desks can change classroom energy, how rewarding good behavior keeps students motivated, and why my class store is a game-changer. I also opened my classroom economy, tested new incentives, and realized the power of praising the whole class—not just individuals. But teaching isn't just about lessons and rewards. A student told me they’re moving, and I may...

This Week in Class , I learned about:  making anchor charts connecting with students over lunch and why I might be starting a printer paper movement.  But beyond that, I found myself reflecting on something deeper—why male teachers, especially Black male teachers, are so rare in early elementary school. From navigating teacher dynamics to seeing how representation impacts my students, this week ga...

This Week in Class : Week 10 - Field Trip!!! This week in class , I learned the difference between a teacher workday and a professional development day (PDD) figured out a better way to use the paper cutter and went on my first field trip as a new teacher with my students!  The PDD training emphasized the importance of building relationships with students—because if they don’t connect with you, th...

This Week in Class : Week 9 - Florida Snow Days This Week in Class, I learned about: getting help I don’t need as a new teacher playing “teacher whack-a-mole” with student screens  the struggle of getting things home and back to school.  With the hurricane cutting our school week down to just two days, things felt even more chaotic. As a first year teacher, figuring out when to accept (or redirect...

This Week in Class: Week 8 - The Power of the Stamp This week in class, I learned about the power of parent conferences   the power of the stamp the power of strategic printing!  As a first-year teacher, I wasn’t sure what to expect going into my first parent conference, but I quickly realized that my ability to connect with people helped set the tone. I also discovered how much insight parents ca...

This Week in Class: Week 7 - I Am an Art Collector This Week in Class, I learned about implementing a class economy to encourage positive behavior while balancing efficiency with my time and movements. From creating "Hero's Rewards" with custom superhero money to reflecting on classroom time management, this week felt like I was becoming both an economist and a strategist.  I even discovered a fun...

This Week in Class , I learned about the challenges of classroom management and balancing teacher tasks, all while dealing with the high mental load of teaching. I also got some much-needed rest after a sick day, which led me to reflect on how important it is to take care of yourself as a teacher. One question I had was: Do teacher steps count toward fitness goals? How much does moving around the...

This Week in Class , I learned the power of routines, purple glue sticks, and finding your place—literally and metaphorically. From creating slides to streamline morning, group, and goodbye routines to observing how systems empower students to self-manage, it was a week of growth. I even discovered how something as small as purple glue can make a big difference! I reflected on life's deeper lesson...

This Week in Class,, I learned about: classroom management by moving desks experimented with fun, science-based crafts started branding my classroom with a superhero theme. I also discovered the benefits of shadowing experienced teachers for new teaching methods—like using Good Morning Slides for smoother transitions. Plus, I got to share a heartwarming moment as a 'favorite teacher,' which remind...

This week I learned: Its ok to not always finish everything Curriculum Night Igor Stravinsky So this week, I want to share a few key insights from my third week of teaching second grade. First off, I've got to give a shoutout to my secret weapon: the teacher next door. She’s been teaching for 14 years, and I’m learning so much from her. A lot of what my students enjoy about me probably comes from...

This Week in Class I learned: Who I'm really teaching Paying it forward at the printer Moving desks around In this week’s episode of "This Week in Class," I’m reflecting on my second week as a first-year second-grade teacher! There’s a lot I’m figuring out, from classroom seating dynamics to discovering what it means to teach second graders who still have one foot in first grade. I share some of t...

This Week in Class ...I learned The fist week of school is hard for everybody!!! Being a teacher has a lot of moving parts and teaching is not the only thing that we do  Classroom routines are key!  The education system is a necessary part of society on multiple levels In this video,  I reflect on my first week as a second-grade teacher and the surprising challenges that come with it! From jugglin...