Author Archives: Shawnya Tolliver

Teachers can do a lot but they cannot do it all: Working with students with emotional and mental health concerns

Posted on April 11, 2013 by Shawnya Tolliver | Permalink 0

In general, I believe educators become educators because they have a strong passion for helping young people grow, develop, and become productive members of society.  These educators spend countless hours matriculating through an educational program at a university or college … Continue reading →
Read more »

Together We CAN Do More

Posted on November 3, 2012 by Shawnya Tolliver | Permalink 0

Collaboration Among Teachers Over twenty years ago I stepped into a classroom for the very first time as a new teacher. I remember the excitement that I felt being able to set up my very own classroom. I was a … Continue reading →
Read more »

One Size Does Not Fit All – Advocating for Individual Growth

Posted on June 18, 2012 by Shawnya Tolliver | Permalink 1

An issue that is near and dear to my heart is the “one size fits all” premise behind No Child Left Behind (NCLB). Most of my 20 years of experience in the field of education has been in Title 1 … Continue reading →
Read more »

First year down, two to grow

Posted on March 18, 2012 by Shawnya Tolliver | Permalink 0

I was so excited to find out last spring that I had been accepted into the Ed.D. Program at VCU.  I had longed to go back to school for quite sometime and had been waiting for the program to begin … Continue reading →
Read more »

A Reason to Celebrate

Posted on March 18, 2012 by Shawnya Tolliver | Permalink 0

Today marked the end of our first year in the Ed.D. program at VCU.  It was great to have the three sites back together again.  The most enjoyable part of the day was sharing our culminating ethical projects with one … Continue reading →
Read more »

Who is really picking on us?

Posted on March 5, 2012 by Shawnya Tolliver | Permalink 0

Earlier than many, my school was faced with the challenges of meeting the requirements of NCLB.  The policies that are in place at the state level to support the mandates from the Federal Government have at times been difficult for … Continue reading →
Read more »

House Bill 76

Posted on February 13, 2012 by Shawnya Tolliver | Permalink 0

House Bill 76 is currently under consideration by the General Assembly. This bill extends the time from April 15th to June 15th that school districts have to notify teachers that are not on continuing contract of the districts intent to … Continue reading →
Read more »

When it’s over, it’s over

Posted on January 23, 2012 by Shawnya Tolliver | Permalink 0

Leaders should always strive to do what is right. As with the Penn State situation, the coach and the former president had an opportunity to do the right thing many years ago. Now it is too late. No one can … Continue reading →
Read more »

Momentum is a powerful thing

Posted on January 15, 2012 by Shawnya Tolliver | Permalink 0

My plan is always to get started right away on a task and to pace myself. However, for some reason that never seems to go like I plan.  Being on “break” really takes a toll on my momentum. It seems … Continue reading →
Read more »

There seems to either be too much or not enough

Posted on November 9, 2011 by Shawnya Tolliver | Permalink 0

As I worked on assignment #3, I thought back to over fourteen years ago when I was working on my Master’s. I remember looking for articles in journals and having to make xerox copies of everything I needed for my  … Continue reading →
Read more »