When the Teacher Takes a Page Out of the Camp Counselor’s Book

A wise mentor once told me, “Camp counselors need to learn from teachers, and teachers need to learn from camp counselors.” I got what he was saying, but I’m not sure I really got it. This week, I gave it a try. I’ve been feeling bogged down by my job. With standardized testing coming up,…

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Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!

Last Fall, this video, in which Lily Eskelsen Garcia explains ALL that teachers do each day, went viral. … And it’s true! Many teachers are caregivers, primary emotional support providers, instructional experts, snack-givers, referees, relationship-builders, and much more. Teachers, thank you for all that you do to promote confidence and help students find  a sense…

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Happy Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week!

This week is National Afterschool Association (NAA)’s Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week! This week is a chance to thank the people who make an incredible range of afterschool activities possible for children and families across the United States. With two parents who worked full-time, I attended after-school activities throughout my childhood. I had the opportunity to…

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Seeing Each Other as Humans: Sportsmanship

Throughout my life, I have loved this time of year. As a zealous NFL fan (Go Steelers!), I love watching the playoffs as our country prepares for the Super Bowl– the best day of the year for football, commercials, and an amazing concert. (Side note: Did you know that this year’s Super Bowl halftime show…

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Little Italy Restaurante in Anchorage: Thank you for your advocacy!

Little Italy Restaurante in Anchorage, Alaska recently demonstrated solidarity by refusing service. The restaurant stood behind its staff member with a disability, demonstrating that discrimination and disrespect would not be tolerated– by staff or customers. The restaurant’s management chose to value humanity over business. In addition to its extensive dine-in menu consisting of fan-favorite Italian and…

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Thankful for Inclusion

This Thanksgiving, I’ve spent time reflecting on the experiences that have made me who I am today and shaped the values I have. I have been thinking about the path that brought me to the career and the friends I have, as well as the way that I treat and lead others. I am thankful…

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Percy Jackson on Disabilities

Growing up, the only exposure I had to disabilities was through face-to-face conversations and interactions through school- and community-based programs. It felt as though disability culture was shunned from the media. As we have been reading more and more about models with disabilities, dolls with disabilities, and characters in TV shows for adult and child…

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When she is five she’ll talk, right?

A few weeks ago, we shared a post by Hillary Savoie, who wrote about a startling conversation with a receptionist who told her that her biggest fear was having a child with a disability. We’ve invited Hillary back to share another story about her daughter’s interaction with a curious little girl with a lot of…

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Thinking of Inclusion This Halloween

Even as an adult, I always love Halloween. Delicious candy, carving Jack-o-Lanterns, frighteningly fun haunted houses, and the hilariously crazy costumes just scratch the surface of all that Halloween has to offer. Every year, I always have so much fun reminiscing about the unique costumes I’ve worn in the past– my favorites were the year…

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Just Me and my OCD

This week, are are so honored to share the true story of Deborah, who battles OCD with a witty sense of humor and a kind heart. Deborah’s post below originally appeared on her personal blog, but it has been reproduced with her permission This is what my life looks like on Facebook. I have a…

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