Monte Syrie

he/him

Monte's motto: Do. Reflect. Do Better. HS ELA Teacher, Project 180 Founder.

You Can…Until You Can’t

February 22, 2019

Can they turn that in late? Can they retake the test? Can they use resources? Can they demonstrate differently? In many classrooms, yes. But in the “other many,” kids confront cannots.

Clouds in the sky.

Something There Is That Doesn’t Love a Grade

January 17, 2019

We give our kids opportunities to show, to demonstrate that they are growing, that they are learning. And then, at some point, the chase has to come to an end, and we have to try to make sense of it all. We have to turn it into a grade. But…

A tree with massive roots.

Lies on Their Shoulders

January 10, 2019

Whether we think it or say it, when we warn kids with the “real world,” it is an affront to their existence, to their humanity, to their reality.

A woman looking outward.

The Way of Things

December 11, 2018

Somewhere along the way we got our wires crossed. What I expected and what she thought I wanted were two different things, and, consequently, it affected her performance.

Wires.

Work's Worth

November 20, 2018

And while I didn’t always appreciate the lessons from work when I was younger, I proudly acknowledge the impact they had on shaping the person I am today. Hard work matters.

People working in a field.

A Different Sort

November 7, 2018

Maybe instead of clinging to the “some-win-and-some-lose” approach to education, we should embrace the “all-need” approach.

Abstract lines.