Marc A Walls

Technology Resources for Educators

Thought for the day 3/20/17

How many people have thought this deeply?  Realistically, most people (myself included) tend not to set goals that lofty.  I’m not even sure that it would be a healthy practice if done on a regular practice.  I do believe, though, that every once in a while, this is a great question to reflect upon.  It is the ultimate goal, right? (more…)

Effective EdTech – 5 Literacy Options

I am nearing the end of my seventh year as a Tennessee teacher, and it is incredible to think of how much the technology landscape has changed in such a short time.  Sometimes we get so wrapped up in other topics, the integration can feel seamless.  Other times, we can feel smacked in the face with second order changes like 1:1 devices and online assessments.  No one would argue, though, that the…

Give, Serve, Lead, Repeat

This seems to be the most challenging time of the school year for everyone; teachers, administrators, and students alike.  An assistant principal at my school made a good point when we were discussing this topic.

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We have to stop blaming schools 4 the lack of initiative young people take in their learning.

For as long as I can remember, I have always held the position that school is what you make of it.  I think it would be more appropriate today if I amended my position to believe that learning is what you make of it.  President-Elect Trump’s appointment of Betsy DeVos as his nominee for Secretary of Education provides the perfect opportunity to elaborate on my long-standing position. (more…)

15: “Chronic Absenteeism”

Today I participated in a very interesting conference call with the Tennessee Dept. of Education on the topic of chronic absenteeism.  With ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act) now the law of the land, one of the big changes is the requirement of a non-academic component to school accountability.  Tennessee has chosen “climate” as it’s measure, and is using discipline and chronic absenteeism as the…

13: 32…

Today is my birthday and I have always been my harshest critic.  I have no idea if 32 is midlife for me, if I am on the downside of my life, or if life is just beginning.  I certainly hope it is the last one.  I do know that I work hard; very hard.  I work so hard I give time away from my kids to help other kids be successful and achieve their dreams.  That does not make me a hero by any means.…

12: The 504 Process

At the beginning of this school year I was at a bit of a crossroads professionally.  In some ways, I had done all that I could in one direction of my career.  I realized it was time for me to set some new goals and direct my learning in other avenues.  One of those ways I have done that this year has been serving as my school’s 504 Coordinator.

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11: Our Pearl Harbor

On September 11, 2001, I was a senior in high school walking the same hallways I do today as a teacher.  It was two days before my 17th birthday which fell on a Thursday that year.  The Saturday of that week, September 15th, I was going to go to Tullahoma with the rest of our newspaper staff for a day-long workshop.  I remember that bus ride.  It was the first time I had ever heard the band…

10: What would you do for your child?

I’m a teacher because I love working with students.  I absolutely believe in the intrinsic rewards of helping young people develop and build their capacity into whatever it is they want to be.  It’s my passion and it’s what gets me out of bed in the morning.

With that said, I’ll go to just about any length to make my children’s day.  When I say any length, I really mean it apparently because…

8: Delayed, Delayed, Chicago!

Today I’m traveling to Chicago for the annual Hope Street Group National Convening.  It is my second year as a Fellow and I’ve developed some fantastic friendships with these people.  We laugh and have a great time when we get together.

I say that because it’s only because of them that I think we were able to survive the massive delay that we had to deal with in Nashville.  What was supposed to…