There is that pressure from the administrators who ask the teachers 'Why is [only] 40 percent of your class passing?' because they are under the gun, too. The blame game is what drains teachers because they are pedaling and not getting anywhere. There are all sorts of fingers pointing at you, then you eventually get a burned-out teacher and they will pass the students so they don't get ragged on.

I love cooking and I have really enjoyed my job.

You have to present learning in a different way at times, but do it in a challenging way to not distract the intense readers. We have to do it because not every student comes in at grade-level reading. It's not successful each time, but you try to bring the joy back to some of the students who are behind.

They had a powerful association when reading the picture book. They all felt a sense of comfort. When Stephenson sat down, the students directed him on how to read the picture book with the page facing them.

It's quite a challenge because size does impact the way I can reach the students with reading issues.

It's a last resort effort.

It's not an offensive strategy because people are more often than not willing to sell.

There is a lot of hassling around test scores. There can't be a fall guy here. Everybody has to play their part and help the children.

It brings back positive memories of sitting with parents and siblings. It's a warm and positive association that calls back a point in mastery with the students.