Author Archives: JoAnn Sandford

I remember vividly, my first Aha! moment as an educator. It came early in my career as a classroom teacher. At that point, I had the blind confidence of youth and believed I pretty much knew all there was to know about the teaching of mathematics. After all, I had aced math all through school.Continue reading “My Original Aha Moment…”

I’m still beaming from Valentine’s Day – and not just because of the cards and chocolates from my wonderful family and friends. My Valentine’s Day this year was made extra sweet by seeing one of my favorite activities in action, A Piece of My Heart. On the 13th, I shared this activity on Twitter andContinue reading “Love takes time”

Recently I have had the pleasure of working with a new teacher.  Oh I remember those days!  The excitement of starting a new job…the desire to be great.  The overwhelming things-to-do list and anxiety that results when well-meaning veterans overshare tips, to-dos, and resources.  If new teachers are still anything like I was at theContinue reading “All Ten – a great starter for your math class”

I’ve never been great at estimating…I can admit it.I remember my Dad asking typical Dad stuff like, “How many kids were at the dance?” and I would literally have no idea.  Over the years, I have noticed this weakness in my math game and wondered a lot about what experiences are needed to feel goodContinue reading “As close as it gets”

Preparing for that first week of school is no small task.  There are so many things to consider!As teachers, we want all students to feel safe, welcome and valued.  We want to set the tone for how our classes will operate, and work to build a community of learners that collaborate, create, and problem solve. Continue reading “First Week Frenzy”

In just a few days I’ll be back to school.  Butterflies?  You betcha!Usually this is a busy, fun and exciting time for me…usually. As a classroom teacher, I had my process.  That process often began August 1st when the class lists became live in Powerschool and I could access my schedule.  I’d look hopefully forContinue reading “Battling Butterflies”

I’m an oldie.  An oldie but goodie.  I think.  I hope.  I try to be. I remember the day that I realized I was now one of the veteran teachers on staff…one that some newbies looked to for advice…maybe even answers.  Yikes. It was a Thursday after school.  I was sweaty, exhausted, relieved, and satisfied. Continue reading “Just another day as an oldie but goodie.”

For the past two weeks I’ve been doing some really deep thinking.  Enrolled in a curriculum foundations course, my class of 20 or so educators has been working hard to understand and reimagine the perplexing puzzle of curriculum design.  There were times I was grateful for the chance to hear so many perspectives, times IContinue reading “Piecing it Together…”

Ahhhhhhh March Break.Time to relax…time to regroup…time to reflect with a blog post? My Dad always said, “The meal is not over until the dishes are done”.  I’m realizing that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.  I can only quiet my mind when I’ve taken a few moments to record what I’ve noticedContinue reading “It’s a Wrap!”