I had just enrolled in the graduate program at The Ohio State University when I read “How to Tell a True War Story” for the first time. The author, Tim O’Brien, was unknown to me, but I found the story, included in the book I’d be using to teach freshman composition, both fascinating and challenging. …
Becoming a Transparent Eyeball
Often a good example brings about fresh understanding. As I wrapped up my teaching of Transcendentalism this year, I had a chance to watch Free Solo, which recently won an Oscar for best documentary. It was incredible, in the very real sense of the word, but I also found that I had a new reference …
From the Raven to the Muskrat
A few weeks ago, I found myself sitting at a desk in the back of my classroom. My students sat quietly, each working to complete the test before them, and it was one of those rare moments where I could just relax, observing everything around me. I took a deep breath. I’m a high school …
I Would Fish Deeper
It’s almost that time again when I teach Thoreau’s Walden. For me, it's become a perennial favorite, and as we all grow more and more connected to our phones and other digital devices, reading some Henry David Thoreau may serve as an antidote. At least that's what I hope for my students. I suffer no illusions, however, …
John Jacob Astor
The weekend before Christmas my family and I went to NYC to see a college basketball game at Madison Square Garden. The trip was sponsored by the basketball booster club at my son's high school, and besides watching the game, we had a few hours to explore the city on our own. I knew it …
The White Whale 