Author: Claire S. Kaemmerling

Claire S. Kaemmerling teaches high school English at a public school just outside of New Orleans, Louisiana. Her teaching experience includes three schools over ten years in two countries (the United States and Mexico). She holds a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing (National University) and a Master of Arts in Teaching (University of New Orleans). When she's not blogging, Claire enjoys reading, visiting local coffee shops, traveling to Mexico, and spending time with her Shih Tzu, Charlie Brown.
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On Exploration, Peru, and Stories (and a thank you to those who are supporting me along the way)

Claire S. Kaemmerling

One week from today, my newest adventure will be underway, and I couldn’t be more excited!  On Friday, I will leave with eleven other members of my church to go to a village tucked away in the jungle. We will fly in to Iquitos, Peru, the largest city in the world not accessible by road. It is only accessible by air and water. From there, we will take a 90-minute bus ride to the town of Nauta, which sits at the mouth of the Amazon River.  We will then travel by boat on the Rio Marañon, a tributary of the … Continue reading On Exploration, Peru, and Stories (and a thank you to those who are supporting me along the way)

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The Danger of a Single Story: Stereotypes and Misconceptions in (and out of) the Classroom

Claire S. Kaemmerling

Rewind. Setting: Small-town Texas, the summer of 2012, a living room full of family members. I was making  my rounds visiting loved ones after living in Mexico City for four years, telling stories and talking about my experiences.  “So when … Continue reading The Danger of a Single Story: Stereotypes and Misconceptions in (and out of) the Classroom

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We Teach Who We Are

Claire S. Kaemmerling

Why a blog? For several years now, I have wanted to write about my experiences as a teacher, to share my stories, my students’ stories, and to promote best practices and the importance of creating a nurturing classroom culture. Several months ago, I began meeting with my friend and mentor, Pat, to exchange writing and work on this writing project that I hoped would turn into a book. Not for the first time, I struggled to get words on paper. Whenever I sat down to write, I just stared at the blinking cursor on my screen, frustrated that I couldn’t … Continue reading We Teach Who We Are

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Eastern State Penitentiary

Claire S. Kaemmerling

Recently I went to visit my friend Leanne in Philadelphia. She’s a Louisiana native who moved to PA a few years ago, and she invited me to come see the city before she leaves it to move back to Louisiana permanently. I love traveling – LOVE it – and I have yet to visit a place I’ve regretted seeing, but I enjoyed Philadelphia even more than expected. There was so much to see, from Independence Hall to Betsy Ross’s house to the oldest Italian restaurant in the country. The city is very walkable, which I liked, and we covered about … Continue reading Eastern State Penitentiary

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Last Year’s Words, Next Year’s Voice

Claire S. Kaemmerling

I have a love-hate relationship with social media, particularly Facebook. What I love: seeing pictures, knowing what old friends and acquaintances are up to, reading about things that can be conversation starters in social settings, keeping up with family members and feeling close to my nieces and nephews even though I am far away, and following things like WordPorn and Humans of New York. What I hate: the sheer amount of time I spend on it, the lack of self-control I have when it comes to checking my newsfeed 1,000 times a day, ignorant discussions, any reminder that Donald Trump … Continue reading Last Year’s Words, Next Year’s Voice

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Welcoming 2019

Claire S. Kaemmerling

The past four months since my last post have flown by while I sit here with so many good intentions of posting and several topic ideas. As I enjoy a quiet morning and a warm cup of coffee, I hardly know where to begin. A new year is just around the corner, and I am eagerly anticipating 2019 and the potential it brings. Many of you know that I struggle with depression and anxiety, and while my depression is well-managed at the moment, my anxiety seems to soar every day. A sent text message, a bridge with low guardrails, a … Continue reading Welcoming 2019

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Year 10

Claire S. Kaemmerling

I’ve been waiting for the time in my schedule to write about starting a new school year since the school year began on August 6th. That just hasn’t happened, so I am taking a break in the midst of preparing for tomorrow’s classes and longing to climb between the sheets of my bed. I still can’t believe it when I say it, but this year begins my tenth year of teaching. I have been in three schools, six classrooms, and have taught hundreds of kids. I am not sure what the exact – or even close – number is because … Continue reading Year 10