Author Archives: JoAnn Sandford

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!”

As an educator, I have been very lucky.  I have been blessed with an abundance of game changing opportunities:  planning time with teachers of the same subject and grade built into my regular schedule, access to mentors and math coaches who have worked with me side-by-side in my classroom, and plenty of choices in accessingContinue reading “Planning for Discovery”

A few years ago I had my ideal teaching position.  My official assignment was Grade 7 and 8 Math but I also had the semi-official title of Math Leader in our biggish Grade 6-8 middle school.  In that role, I could share, guide, and wonder out loud from amongst the group – a slight butContinue reading “I meant to do that…”

Don’t get me wrong…I love being a teacher.  But during the third week in June an unbelievable exhaustion sets in.  At the end of the school year, teachers have report cards to complete, final grades to justify, transition notes to update, end of year celebrations to plan, materials to collect, classrooms to pack up, textbooksContinue reading “Surviving the Countdown”