The Most Popular TeacherScope Columns of 2017

As 2017 draws to a close, I decided to revisit the most popular TeacherScope columns of the year.

I'm basing my ranking on web-page visits, Facebook "Likes" and "Shares," and the e-mail generated from each posting.  Of course, that's decidedly unscientific, but when you're the author, editor, and chief financial officer, you can make these decisions without asking anybody else!

The plan is to add to the list each day, revealing the top column on New Year's Eve.  Make sure to check back daily!

And before I forget, Happy New Year!

#1  Five Things New Middle Schoolers Need to Learn....Now!
"Success in middle school carries a unique set of expectations, and requires skills not necessarily taught and reinforced in elementary school.  Fortunately, these skills are quite teachable.  Think of it as a “mini-curriculum.”  Wise elementary and middle school teachers spend a few hours helping their students in this endeavor.  The time spent will pay dividends throughout the year."  (click here to read.)

#2  Setting the Record Straight:  Teacher Pay and Teacher Schedules
"I’ve endured this good-natured ribbing for many years –from high school and college friends, from the guy who services my car, and the cashier at the grocery store.  From the family doctor and from the men who delivered my washing machine.  From the tree trimmer, the convenience store clerk, and the attorney.  Seems like everybody has an opinion about teacher work schedules and teacher pay.  Typically, that opinion is “you’ve got it easy.”   (click here to read.)

#3   The Truth About a Teaching Career
"This blog post is targeted at students considering the teaching profession.  I am certainly not trying to persuade or dissuade anyone about a teaching career.  That’s an individual decision that you have to make for yourself.  The purpose of this article can be summarized in three words:  Eyes Wide Open." (click here to read.)

#4    Helping the New Teachers at Your School
"Teachers are the life blood of the educational system.  New teachers represent the infusion required to keep the system alive.  Good schools encourage, support, and nurture their new teachers.  Review my suggestions above, add your own, and create a welcoming, supportive environment for your new teachers."  (click here to read.)

#5   The Best School Volunteers
"But teachers know that there’s another level of volunteerism out there.  These are the solid gold, one-of-a-kind volunteers.  They may help every day for several hours, or they may show-up at the school once or twice a year.  But they possess qualities and characteristics that are especially valuable to the school.  They are golden.  They are the best volunteers."  (click here to read.)


Honorable Mention
Mrs. Lily, Multiplication, and the Importance of Insisting continues to be one of the most popular TeacherScope columns.  Because it was posted in 2016, it doesn't qualify for this year's list.  Take a few minutes to read my tribute to an outstanding teacher, and one of her most endearing traits. (click here to read.)

My favorite column of the year - The Most Important Question In Your Classroom - didn't crack the top five, but it's worth a look if you haven't read it already.  (click here to read.)

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