Creative English Teacher — Teaching Ideas

Creative Educator Interview: Thomas J. Bussey

June 21, 2021 • Creativity • Teaching Ideas

Nothing is more inspiring than a fellow teacher who goes above and beyond in the name of creativity, and Thomas J. Bussey, a 5^th grade teacher in Fulton County Schools near Atlanta, Georgia, is a prime example of this.

Five Ways to Spice Up American Literature

September 23, 2020 • American Literature • Teaching Ideas

I get it. Sometimes literature surveys can be boring, but they don’t have to be!

Why Young People Need Hero Stories Now More Than Ever

April 13, 2020 • Encouragement • Five Reasons To Teach Series • Mythology • Teaching Ideas • The Hero's Journey

Navigating the journey of life is tough, and students need to be prepared. As schools build up their support systems, there is an additional (and perhaps unexpected) way to fortify young people against the challenges of life: teach them hero stories.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Teaching from Home Ideas

March 17, 2020 • Encouragement • Teacher Life • Teaching Ideas

We are the midst of a historic event. Now that many states are shutting down schools and looking at online teaching options, there are many swirling questions about education: When will we go back to school? How will learning continue in the meantime? I feel for the high-school students who have to face the possibility of missing proms, sporting events, performances, and graduations. As troubling as all this uncertainty is, here is an encouraging thought: Historic events like this one tend to reshape how we view our world and each other. Many previous generations have been defined by the obstacles they...

Great Short Stories to Teach to High-Schoolers

September 30, 2019 • Short Stories • Teaching Ideas

I’d like to share with you a list of my favorite short stories to teach to high-schoolers. This list might surprise you—not because of what is listed, but because of what isn’t.