Randi's Desk
Big Ideas. Bright Minds. Little Laughs. Lots of Heart.
Purpose
Welcome to Randi’s Desk, a little corner of Teach BIG where education gets personal! This is where I share the ideas and philosophies behind our work, celebrate the creativity happening in classrooms, recognize people making a difference, and enjoy the wonderfully funny moments that remind us why we love teaching. Pull up a chair. There’s always something happening at Randi’s Desk!
Brain Brag Time
Show Us What Those Brilliant Brains Are Doing!
Great thinking deserves a little bragging! Brain Brag Time celebrates the amazing things teachers and students are accomplishing in classrooms everywhere. Share photos of students working through writing, revising, and editing activities, creative classroom displays, innovative teaching ideas, and those wonderful moments when learning comes alive. Student faces and identifying information must remain out of submitted photos. Let’s inspire one another by showing off the BIG thinking happening in our classrooms!
Funny Things Kids Say
Because You Just Can’t Make This Stuff Up!
If you’ve ever taught children, you know they can be some of the funniest people on the planet! From hilarious interpretations of vocabulary to unexpected answers and those unforgettable classroom conversations, this is where we celebrate the innocent, clever, and downright hysterical things kids say. Teachers can share their favorite stories through their accounts or pass them along at our seminars. No student names needed. Just the laughter! Because sometimes the best part of teaching is trying not to laugh.
Thank You Notes
A Little Gratitude Goes a Long Way
Some people make a difference that deserves more than a passing acknowledgment. Thank You Notes is my personal space to recognize educators, innovators, mentors, and everyday difference-makers who inspire children to love reading, writing, revising, and editing. Whether through a brilliant classroom idea, an extraordinary act of kindness, or years of dedication, these individuals remind us that education is built on people who care. And I believe those people deserve to hear two very important words: Thank you.
BLOGS
Purpose
The blogs at Randi’s Desk connect the why behind learning with practical ideas you can use in your classroom. Explore teaching strategies, educational insights, and honest reflections that strengthen your expertise, support your students, and encourage your teacher heart. Come for a fresh perspective. Leave with a purposeful next step.
Classroom Culture and Purposeful Routines
Small Daily Habits That Keep Students Thinking
For teachers building community, transitions, and small daily habits that keep students thinking.
Supporting English Learners, SLIFE, and Diverse Learners
Welcoming Every Learner
For teachers welcoming new students and teaching students with learning differences or limited formal schooling.
Language Arts Instruction and Teacher Expertise
Stronger Reading, Writing, and Vocabulary
For teachers who want stronger reading, writing, and vocabulary practice and who see themselves as content experts, not just curriculum deliverers.
TEKS, Rich Content, and Assessment in the Classroom
Standards Connected to Real Instruction
For Texas teachers connecting standards to real instruction, text choice, grouping, and state assessment context.
Professional Growth and the Teaching Profession
Reflecting on Our Profession
For teachers and leaders reflecting on inservice culture, district support, and why colleagues stay in or leave the field.
Research and Resource Reviews (Catch a Little R&R)
Trusted Books on How Language Works
For teachers and coaches looking for trusted books on phonics, spelling, and language structure.
Family Support
Helping Families Understand School
Resources to share with families, including what the STAAR/SST means and how parents can support learning at home.
Inspiration Station
Stories That Remind Us Why We Teach
Personal reflections and stories that celebrate the heart behind teaching.
The Vision Behind Randi’s Desk
A Place Where Passion Meets Purpose, and Every Teacher’s Story Matters
My vision for Randi’s Desk is to create a gathering place that celebrates not just the science of teaching, but the heart behind it.
After decades in education, I’ve come to believe that some of our greatest breakthroughs begin with a simple idea, some of our most meaningful lessons emerge from unexpected moments, and some of our biggest rewards come from watching a child suddenly realize, “I can do this!”
I want Randi’s Desk to be a place where ideas are shared, accomplishments are celebrated, laughter is welcomed, and gratitude is never forgotten. A place where teachers feel connected, encouraged, and proud of the extraordinary work they do every single day.
Above all, I want this space to remind us that while teaching reading and writing is serious work, the journey should be filled with creativity, confidence, connection, and a whole lot of joy.
Because behind every great lesson is a teacher who cares, behind every growing writer is a mind discovering its voice, and behind every memorable classroom moment is a story worth telling.
Welcome to my desk. I’m glad you’re here!
Randi Whitney
Founder, Teach BIG and The Writing Academy®, LLC.
