Cara Pier

Teacher, Coach, Wife, Mother, Follower of Christ

[Cara Pier @PierPerspective]

Can we normalize "loud" classrooms? Currently, the decibel level of my room is high as students work to market a new cereal brand. Learning is happening at a high engagement rate. My brain is on overload, but the kids are benefiting.

[Cara Pier @PierPerspective]

Students took on the role of "HR" specialists. They read through a variety of profiles to choose who was best qualified for job openings. It's always fun to listen to kids' conversations as they read this sample profile. Learning doesn't always have to be serious. #whatnottodo

[Cara Pier @PierPerspective]

I’m at the point in my teaching career when I write down phrases middle schoolers say in class and later ask trusted students what it means. 😳 This experience was heighten today when watching a competition remodeling show to sum up our building and fixing unit.

[Cara Pier @PierPerspective]

This week, students designed and constructed bridges using limited supplies. It’s always fun to see the variety of ideas, the collaboration, and the problem solving that goes into this project. #unionrxi #umswildcats

[Cara Pier @PierPerspective]

Today, students explored the STEM field by building the longest paper chain using one piece of paper. Collaboration, problem-solving, spatial awareness, and time management were key to building the longest chain. #umswildcats #unionrxi

[Cara Pier @PierPerspective]

Building with Lego to expand our learning of the manufacturing process. My job is awesome. #unionrxi #umswildcats

[Cara Pier @PierPerspective]

@taylortholen Yeast rising to make rolls. You’re welcome.

[Cara Pier @PierPerspective]

Teaching Middle School is always an adventure.
S1- I love low key ranch.
T- Why low key? Be proud.
S1- Okay. I love ranch. In fact, I ate a whole bottle of it one time at my friend's house.
S2- And that is something that you should keep low key.

[Cara Pier @PierPerspective]

@DrBradJohnson I also feel like small class sizes gets ignored a lot too.

[Cara Pier @PierPerspective]

In Careers this week, we are conducting a speed-job fair. Students had to create “hiring flyers” for jobs within Health Science and then share about them one-on-one with every student in the class. Ideally, students are learning content and developing communication skills.

[Cara Pier @PierPerspective]

Tell me you teach middle school without telling me you teach middle school- the Thanksgiving to Christmas edition. I’ll go first.

[Cara Pier @PierPerspective]

Today, Careers’ students learned from a park naturalist about what it takes to keep Missouri natural resources preserved. He brought some fun props that kept the 8th graders entertained. #umswildcats #unionrxi

[Cara Pier @PierPerspective]

Cultivating gratitude is sometimes challenging with 8th graders. But sometimes, you watch as they write a page worth of appreciation, read over their writing, and edit to ensure their words are perfect to share with someone that has influenced their life. #bethankful #umswildcats

[Cara Pier @PierPerspective]

Sometimes having students teach the class “how to ______” means making something from your childhood. #pickacolor

[Cara Pier @PierPerspective]

Sometimes a classic “cut and sort” is the most effective with middle schoolers. #unionrxi #umswildcats #Careers

[Cara Pier @PierPerspective]

@CoachLampkin Nice job, Layla! I always love seeing what you create!

[Cara Pier @PierPerspective]

For PD today, the CTE teachers visited four local businesses. We gained tons of knowledge to help better prepare our students for life after high school. Thank you to these businesses for pouring into the community and our school. #unionrxi #umswildcats

[Cara Pier @PierPerspective]

Playing Pictionary with the various jobs we are discussing in class is always a great time. #unionrxi #umswildcats #careers

[Cara Pier @PierPerspective]

I love when students use teacher’s interests for door decorating contest. #kindness #umswildcats #travel