Hi, there.  I’m Melissa Minkin and I have been teaching English since 2002.

• Are you looking for creative ways to engage your students in learning?
• Do you want to be more productive at work so you have time for what matters most?
• Are you struggling with the mandate that we integrate technology into the classroom?
• Are you looking for a little motivation to help you remember the joy of teaching?

Yes, But How?

There is a gap between what teachers theoretically need to do at school, and the practical steps to accomplish it. I am blogging to bridge that gap.

While I am a fine teacher, the place I really shine is in finding practical work-arounds and solutions for the daily demands of teaching. I call these solutions hacks.

For example, how many times have we heard a about a great idea, an awesome opportunity or a new type of technology or app?  It’s not hard to know that we should pursue it.  The problem is figuring out how we should pursue and implement it.

But how can you find the time to do this when you are planning, grading, teaching, maybe attending school yourself – and trying to have a personal life, too?

Instead of digging through pages of web sites, and wasting time with trial and error in your classrom…

…subscribe to TeacherHacks (it’s free) and you will get classroom-tested, practical advice based on my 14 years of pondering, tinkering, experimenting and hacking in the classroom.

About Melissa Minkin

I teach 7th and 8th grade English in South Central Los Angeles.  Teaching is a second career for me.

After working in public relations and freelance writing for 12 years, I realized that if I didn’t do something different, I would pass through this world without improving it at all.  I have always loved learning.  And, I have always loved being around middle schoolers (Heaven, help me). So it made sense.  I  knew that teaching was a “call” I had to answer.

I returned to school for a teaching credential and an MEd.  Along my way, I also became a National Board Certified Teacher, a Fund For Teachers Fellow, a Writing Project Fellow, and a UCLA TIIP Grant Awardee. But what I am most proud of is being the teacher of some wonderful, creative and intelligent young people.

At 12-, 13- and 14-years old, my students are at a tender age.  What I care about most is their personal growth as thoughtful, kind and effective people. I want to help them, as Paulo Freire said, “To read the word and the world.”

I also care deeply about you. We teachers are a naturally collaborative group. But, the structure of our jobs makes it very hard to actually share ideas and help each other in meaningful and sustained ways.  That’s a problem.  TeacherHacks.net is my response.

This blog is my way to help you take your teaching to the next level.  And, in doing so, I know you will help me take mine there, too.

So, are you ready to join me on the journey?

If so, sign up  below so you never miss a post.