Author Archives: Cortez Corner

Instructional Design and Educational Assessment…Yikes!

Tonight was the first class of the Spring semester. The decision was made to begin fully online until it was safe to return to campus. I will say, I miss in-person learning. The energy is just so different when you are sitting, staring at a bunch of screens. There is something to be said aboutContinue reading “Instructional Design and Educational Assessment…Yikes!”

COVID: Lessons to Start the Year

Like all other districts in California, and many across the nation, we started this school year in a remote learning environment. I am the assistant principal at a year-round school. Our teachers and students began the school year, before most of the country had even made any kind of decision about how to open schools. Continue reading “COVID: Lessons to Start the Year”

Literacy Love Letters

My third year out of the classroom, and the experience has been bittersweet.  The joys and highs I feel supporting teachers, advocating for their needs in order to better serve students, and simply listening to their experiences is irreplaceable.  The bitterness comes from yearning to talk, laugh, and learn with students each day. When IContinue reading “Literacy Love Letters”

Wall of Gratitude & Praise

If there is one thing teachers know, it is that we do not simply teach academic content.  It is also our responsibility to instill character and compassion within our students.  From day one, we create and implement routines and procedures with the objective of fostering a safe and positive environment for all learners.  One canContinue reading “Wall of Gratitude & Praise”

Can Silent Reading Be Meaningful for Students?

We’ve heard it all in regards to programs like D.E.A.R., SSR, Independent Reading Time, etc. “It’s a waste of instructional time.” “It doesn’t work.  Students aren’t really reading, they’re faking.” “SSR-oh, you mean the time each day that a teacher checks email?  Get rid of it.” The question still remains, is there a place forContinue reading “Can Silent Reading Be Meaningful for Students?”

They Must Read Every Day

I’m not sure what everyone else is reading, but lately I have been addicted to my “Educational Leadership” magazine.  This is ASCD’s flagship publication and I highly recommend it.  Currently, I’m reading an archived issue, ‘Reading-The Core Skill’.  (You can purchase these for approximately $8-$14.)   As some of you know, I am teaching summerContinue reading “They Must Read Every Day”

Constructive Conversations

If you have been paying attention to the transition to common core, you know that collaborative conversations between students are ESSENTIAL to student learning.  Learning is social; always has been, always will be.  And quality teachers know that quality lessons should include all 4 components of literacy: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.  (Some might argueContinue reading “Constructive Conversations”

M&M Introductions

Happy July Everyone! So… what does an educator that has been out of the classroom for a year JUMP at the opportunity to do…why, teach SUMMER SCHOOL, of course!  Yes, you heard me right.  I was given the opportunity to teach a summer enrichment program for upcoming 5th graders and I couldn’t say “yes” fastContinue reading “M&M Introductions”