Handling Conflict: Some Tips for the Conflict-Averse

I am naturally conflict-averse. I always have been, and I still am. But over the years I’ve learned how to better manage my sensitivity to tension, how to better communicate with those I disagree with, and how to stay true to myself while still being considerate of others. I’m still a work in progress, but […]

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Teacher Life: Articulating Emotions

Yesterday I sent a kid out of the classroom with whom I have a love-hate relationship. He can be quite explosive, disruptive, and even violent at times, but I also have this genuine affection for him. And I think he likes me, too.

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Teacher Life: Working Through Conflict

Last week, I saw an ugly side of one of my young students. English name of Brian. He is normally very cute and engaged during class (and I may even subconsciously favor him sometimes..). He just has the kind of attractive personality that makes you want to call on him all the time.

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Teacher Life: The Whisper Technique

This week my voice got hoarse, which made it difficult to speak loudly during class, which made me realize how much I rely on yelling to control my classroom. Since that fallback was no longer an option, I resorted to a technique my roommate has mentioned a few times. It’s called the whisper technique. I started talking […]

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Loving Past Irreconcilable Differences

There have been moments in my life when someone I am supposed to love has hurt me to the point that I just can’t take it anymore. I don’t even know what the loving way to handle the situation is. Love seems impossible. They have been some of the most gut-wrenching moments in my life. Because to me, love is the ultimate goal. So if I can’t love, I must be a failure.

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