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Hi! I'm Tessa!

I’ve spent the last 15 years teaching in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades, and working beside elementary classrooms as an instructional coach and resource support. I’m passionate about math, literacy, and finding ways to make teachers’ days easier. I share from my experiences both in and out of the elementary classroom.

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When quarantine started I gave myself so many proj

When quarantine started I gave myself so many projects on my mental to do list. In May, I was really upset with myself for not getting a single one accomplished. I very much anticipated e-learning to go smoothly and easily since our built in e-learning days were at that point. I was sorely mistaken. I was working longer hours than I normally do, and I'm an over-worker.
Fast forward to late June. I finally finished my move out and move in. I had taken a small vacation that restored my mental energy. And, I had spent enough time at home that I got the break I needed. Now I'm finding the time and energy to work on so many house projects I've put off over the last few years. I'm enjoying learning new things and the challenge it brings. This week it's power-washing, sanding, and staining my porch!
What's something you've done for yourself this summer?

It's so important that we feature an array of char

It's so important that we feature an array of characters and topics in our books and mentor texts for our students. Our students need to see themselves in the stories they hear day in and day out.
Over the last several weeks one things has become abundantly clear to me: the importance of those books being windows for our students. It's our job to show our students the world outside of their own. To show them the struggles and triumphs of others. To teach them history so it's not repeated. To show them there's a world outside of the one they know and they don't need to be fearful of things that aren't their own experience. And, unfortunately, to help build a society that's humane and equitable.

Next up on my summer reading list, On the Come Up.

Next up on my summer reading list, On the Come Up. What are you currently reading? .
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#childrensbooks #kiddielit #middlegrades #reading #middlegradebooks #teachers #teachersfollowteachers #iteachtoo #teachertalk #igteachers #instateachers

When I started my blog in 2012 I called it Tales f

When I started my blog in 2012 I called it Tales from Outside the Classroom. I had spent several years in non-traditional education roles and wanted to chronicle my adventures. Fast forward a couple years and I was in the classroom and loved strengthening my skills and developing such close relationships with my kids (especially those I looped with for 3 years). My brain and heart have always continued to think of my school beyond the 4 walls of my classroom and I continued to spend time investing in my school as a whole. When a new opportunity came, I didn't want to regret not going for it. So I did.
I'm stepping back out of the classroom and working alongside some great teachers as the 3rd-6th grades Instructional Coach. I will be in my current building and another in our district. I'm excited for the new opportunity, a new set of experiences, a new to me staff to grow and learn alongside, and to continue in a community I've poured my heart into.
In such a new and stress-filled time, full of the unexpected, I cannot wait to get back to school and get started!

Back from my IG mental health hiatus! Last week I

For my personal mental health I've had to step awa

For my personal mental health I've had to step away from social media this week. My personality becomes obsessive about consuming everything I can when I'm scared. I'm hurt. I'm sad. I'm angry. I will continue to spend some time away but I also want to make my voice abundantly clear. Black Lives Matter. As a white woman, I must continue to listen, learn, and be anti-racist. I will continue to try amplify much-needed voices.