Ask Nona
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Dear Nona,
I love teaching, but I’m drowning in parent emails. Some of them are totally reasonable, but then there are the ones that come in at 11 PM, expecting an immediate response. . . .
Dear Nona,
I have a student who tries to use her phone constantly. School rules say phones are to be in lockers. When she asks to go to the rest room, I know it’s because she's . . .
Dear Nona,
I have a student who just sits there. No matter what I try, he won’t participate. He doesn’t cause problems, but he also doesn’t do anything. I’ve tried calling on him . . .
Dear Nona,
I'm overwhelmed by the amount of grading I have to do. I have six social studies classes (30 students each). If I give one assignment, that is 180 grades I have to . . .
Dear Nona,
I’m overwhelmed trying to keep up with all the meetings, paperwork, planning, and tasks I need to do. I feel like I’m drowning in my to-do list. Any advice? . . .
Dear Nona,
I love teaching, but lately, I often feel a sense of dread going to work. It’s not that I want to quit, but I don’t feel the joy I used to. How can I get it back . . .
Dear Nona,
I am a relatively new teacher. One of my most important goals is to inspire my students. My colleagues have given me conflicting advice on how best to do that. . . .
Dear Nona,
I have a student who keeps trying to cheat on every assessment, even though he’s really smart and doesn’t need to. I will address the issue with him . . .
Dear Nona,
I have a student who is so shy, she has never spoken in class—ever. Apparently, she is like this in other classes as well. Should I involve the counselor or parent? What’s the best way to support . . .
Dear Nona,
I have a self-professed “class comedian” who constantly disrupts my lessons. I’ve tried everything—redirecting, moving his seat, private talks, behavior modification, . . .