As an expert, I can deal with complex problems. As a mother it is much, much harder.

In my own family, my mother had my sister when I was 15 and for various reasons, I was extremely involved in raising her.

As a teacher myself I've been in situations where parents come at you, and sometimes parents come across like the teacher doesn't want the best for their kid and it can be really, really hurtful.

Communicating a passionate response to world events is no longer limited to protests and rallies.

As an expert, I can deal with complex problems. As a mother it is much, much harder.

THE POWER OF THE GROUP We all want to feel a sense of belonging. This isn’t a character flaw. It’s fundamental to the human experience. Our finest achievements are possible when people come together to work for a common cause. School spirit, the rightful pride we feel in our community, our heritage, our religion, and our families, all come from the value we place on belonging to a group.

When I tell people I work to stop hazing in high schools I am almost always met with shocked expressions. "High school? Really? I thought that was something that only arrogant frat guys do in college." But it's true - as long as I have worked on preventing bullying in high schools, I have worked to prevent hazing.