Jes EllisKrystal’s QuestionsEvery afternoon at 2:00, after clearing the desks, erasing the boards, picking up two dozen pencils from the floor, and stacking chairs, we…Dec 6, 2023Dec 6, 2023
Jes Ellis“Ms. Ellis, do you support Pride?”It is the second day of third grade. They are on their best behavior because it is our honeymoon, the glorious few days (or, for some…Sep 23, 20231Sep 23, 20231
Jes EllisThe Elves and the TeacherOn the morning of the second day of the school year I was with my colleagues in the Lounge Room of the Elks’ Lodge when we got the news. My…Sep 8, 2023Sep 8, 2023
Jes EllisFor Whom the Bells Mold (or “a beginning”)Today should be my first day of school. It is a magical time for every teacher, despite the anxiety, exhaustion, and outright fear of the…Sep 6, 20233Sep 6, 20233
Jes EllisinJust Teach, a novel by Jes EllisJust Teach: Chapter 8, AnchoviesAngela has been absent all week. I start worrying on Wednesday, but it takes me until Thursday to call her mother and see if she is sick…Jul 28, 2020Jul 28, 2020
Jes EllisinJust Teach, a novel by Jes EllisJust Teach: Chapter 7, Testing, TestingI can’t sleep.Jul 28, 2020Jul 28, 2020
Jes EllisinJust Teach, a novel by Jes EllisJust Teach: Chapter 6, KumbayahIt’s always shocking how quickly October comes. One day I am meeting my students for the first time, and the next I am up to my ears in…Jul 11, 20201Jul 11, 20201
Jes EllisinJust Teach, a novel by Jes EllisJust Teach: Chapter 1, Teacher in JulyWith each stroke I pull closer to shore. Right, left, right, breath. Left, right, left, breath. I swim with my eyes open. The water is…Jul 6, 2020Jul 6, 2020
Jes EllisinJust Teach, a novel by Jes EllisJust Teach: Chapter 5, PerfectionWe have been in school for nearly four weeks. We had three days before Labor Day, followed by a four day week, followed by two five-day…Jul 6, 2020Jul 6, 2020
