SMART Phones in Schools:  What Shall We Do About It?
Marilyn J. Dominick, Chairperson of the NEW Council 
Ryan Burdick writes that “Smartphones… have disrupted the healthy balance of social - versus family - life to the point that kids can’t escape their peers or the accompanying social drama, and in doing so, we have effectively removed the adult from the room – every room.”  Read more

When Left Is Right
Beula Postlewait, Communications Representative 
Many students have bitter memories of parents or teachers who tried to change their handedness. One older adult talked about her first-grade teacher who insisted that every child write with the right hand. The teacher would tap the child’s hand with a ruler if she caught the child with a pencil or scissors in the left hand. Read more

Classroom Rules… or …God’s Rules
Becky Ramsey, Christian School Representative
My eyes fell upon a captivating bulletin board idea that had Mr. Potato Head parts colorfully placed to capture students’ interest and point out what their important body parts should be doing when they came to my classroom! Eyes, ears, mouths, hands, and feet need to know exactly what are expected of them when they go to school, you know. Read more

Sustained, Silent Reading—with Twists
Wes Eby, Global Representative
SSR, which is Sustained, Silent Reading, has been a common strategy that elementary teachers have incorporated into their daily instruction for several decades. Also known by other names, such as DEAR (Drop Everything And Read), this is not a novel idea. However, I would like to share how one school, Wingate Elementary, used SSR to enhance the reading program, adding fun, excitement, and creativity. Read more

A Journey with Passion
Juanita Copley, College/University Representative
I thank God daily that he directed my life to the world of teaching. Initially, I did not have a passion or even an inclination to teach; my choice was quite different. However, as I learned the skills necessary for effective teaching and began to focus on the needs and abilities of students, I became more and more passionate about that role. I love teaching. And I am glad God “worked all things together” in my life so that I can travel this journey with passion.
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