Lesson Plans: A sorrowful start to summer

I hate the last day of school.

For the last week of school I had every reason to be overjoyed. The summer - and the time off it affords teachers - was in front of me. Besides that, Northampton voters approved a property tax override that directly saved my job. I am extremely thankful that I am allowed to keep teaching fifth grade at the R.K. Finn Ryan Road School.

Lesson Plans: Teacher's ego needs to take a backseat to education

This column is dedicated to Marcy Ayres, a former kindergarten teacher who gave me this month's central idea: the teacher's ego.

Marcy mentioned in passing one day while I was visiting that one of the secondary payoffs for a teacher is the stroking of his or her ego by idolizing students.

Teacher's ego needs to take a backseat to education

This column is dedicated to Marcy Ayres, a former kindergarten teacher who gave me this month's central idea: the teacher's ego.

Marcy mentioned in passing one day while I was visiting that one of the secondary payoffs for a teacher is the stroking of his or her ego by idolizing students.

Lesson Plan: Keeping our schools small is worth a large effort

I believe in the effectiveness of small. For seven years I taught in a small school that worked on many levels. The leadership was clearheaded; the teachers were committed; and the community was passionate about the place. Westhampton Elementary School had approximately 140 students and I believe that small population helped allow the principal, teachers and community to excel.

Lesson Plans: Learning about Christmas ends with lesson in inequity

No avoiding this classroom dilemma: The more joyful a time it is for some kids, the more challenging it is for others. That is my Christmas season - as a teacher.

Lesson Plans: Teaching in Nature's Classroom

The classroom is a big place where plenty happens, including tears, bravery, second chances and redemption. Sometimes I think Shakespeare writes the script for teachers and students.

Kids in mind: Today is the first day of the rest of my year

Editor's Note: Northampton resident Greg Kerstetter begins today as a new fifth-grade teacher at the R.K. Finn Ryan Road School. He previously taught in Westhampton. In a monthly column, he will share with readers the life and experiences of a classroom teacher.