T. Hendelman

12th grade English and Composition at the New Community School. Sporadic blogger, semi-reliable drummer, and mediocre self-promoter. (he/him)

[T. Hendelman @ToryTeaches]

Dusting off the account to share exciting news and a resolution to be more active again: I’ll be taking on the role of #DEI coordinator at TNCS this coming year! There are big shoes to fill, but I’m excited to be getting into it. I have a *lot* to learn. Stay tuned 💙

[T. Hendelman @ToryTeaches]

Many young people today have a depth of compassion that astounds me. I pity those who aren’t given the opportunity to see this every day.

[T. Hendelman @ToryTeaches]

I’m sitting here listening as my dual-enrollment Comp. seniors do their peer revision conferences. It’s a welcome reminder that sometimes, the best thing I can do is get out of their way. So refreshing and encouraging at the same time.

[T. Hendelman @ToryTeaches]

I wholeheartedly recommend “An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States.” It is accessible— in whole or part— for readers of any age, and is a great reminder of the breadth of systemic disenfranchisement by the U.S. government.

[T. Hendelman @ToryTeaches]

My face hurts from smiling, b/c my classes had an EPIC Zoom with @thatlauraruby today! It’s priceless for them to see the passion & process behind the words, but it’s even more impactful when paired w/ humility & enthusiastic openness to interpretations & ideas from young readers

[T. Hendelman @ToryTeaches]

@thatlauraruby Sent you a note last week, though I certainly understand how busy your schedule must stay. Thanks for considering!

[T. Hendelman @ToryTeaches]

@thatlauraruby I’m teaching “Bone Gap” this year in conversation with “Song of Solomon” and I couldn’t be more excited about it. LMK if you would like to Zoom with my kiddos! (Is that like asking the dentist at the party to check your tooth?) #pushyteachers

[T. Hendelman @ToryTeaches]

2020 continues to disappoint, as I’ve made it to school and realized I forgot my string cheese. #nocheesenopeace

[T. Hendelman @ToryTeaches]

Me: “You really shouldn’t lick the bottom of your shoe.”
Student: “Okay. I just won’t do it around you.”
Teachers: we’re changing the world.

[T. Hendelman @ToryTeaches]

Totally agree. I just don’t have the heart to give HW when my kids are in from the computer all day. They need asynchronous content for the sake of their sanity; let’s just build it into class time. #hwhastogo

[Nicholas Emmanuele @NAEmmanuele]

If students are sitting at home at a computer during virtual learning, why is there homework? Same spot, same device, and more work after sitting for 7 hours? Something may have to change.

[T. Hendelman @ToryTeaches]

Embracing the hybrid model, Episode 1: This was a “distance” week, so I used breakout rooms in Zoom to do individual writing conferences. While it’s not ideal, its ironic that it feels more comfortable and feasible than doing so when they’re in-class, but masked and distanced.

[T. Hendelman @ToryTeaches]

It’s a shame that @HanoverSchools didn’t think it pertinent to notify stakeholders of the positive COVID test during jumpstart recently. I wonder how openly they will communicate future infections. I’m sure a timely notification of steps being taken would have built trust.

[T. Hendelman @ToryTeaches]

With only one day until teachers must decide whether to apply for the virtual school, I’m sure my peers in HCPS are hoping that @HanoverSchools will make available to staff the responses to the many unanswered questions from yesterday’s town hall.

[T. Hendelman @ToryTeaches]

I’ve been very vocal about some concerns I have as a resident and spouse-of-a-current teacher in @HanoverSchools , but credit is due to @HCPSsupe for conducting today’s town hall in a way that respects conflicting viewpoints equally. That can’t be taken for granted anymore.

[T. Hendelman @ToryTeaches]

@AmandaSteeley Do anything I can to help them feel some consistency— and maybe escape into a few books together.

[T. Hendelman @ToryTeaches]

I’m really excited to be transiting to standards-based grading this year, and this book was a fantastic primer for the summer. Tons of actionable guidance and realistic considerations of challenges and fears. #sblchat #sbgchat

[T. Hendelman @ToryTeaches]

@SpaCassidy @MrsMegMo I’ll miss you too! I cannot say enough about the wonderful people and admin at @SJMSrebels . The only thing I won’t miss is having to say the name of the school where I teach. It shames me each time.

[T. Hendelman @ToryTeaches]

Life update: I’ll be starting a new position in the fall, teaching 12th grade and dual-enrollment composition. The school is private, and serves a population of students with dyslexia and other learning differences.
Also, I wrote a final blog post for the year. Link in bio.

[T. Hendelman @ToryTeaches]

When our tea kettle whistled, my four year-old immediately shouted, “Alexa! Stop!” Can’t tell where this puts us on the parenting spectrum— ask me in 10 years.

[T. Hendelman @ToryTeaches]

Today was a great reminder of how powerful the simplest @PearDeck can be. So many more responses, all without the fear of hand-raising and with the safety of anonymity. We went from naming “Notice and Note” signposts to crafting lyrics for a film soundtrack centered around cheese