When I set up my classroom as a first-year teacher, I created a daily game system where students would compete Jeopardy-style, for intellectual dominance. The winning groups would receive candy bars. I also added a Spencer Store, with photocopied artificial
Read MoreWhy Teachers Are Still the Experts
Sandy wrote a great post offering some push-back about the statement teachers make that “your experience as a student doesn’t make you an expert on teaching and learning.” It was the kind of post I needed to read, because I
Read MoreIt’s Harder to Speak Up When It’s Local
I am bothered by certain things in my district. I think it's irresponsible to spend half a million dollars a year on the digital worksheet program Success Maker. I think we lose too many days to testing and we misuse
Read MoreThese Are People, Not Ideas
Every person employed in public education is a civil representative of the public. It’s our job to serve the public. As a teacher, I might not agree with a parent’s decisions, but it is my duty to love that family
Read MoreThe Definition of Family Is Expanding
I was in my second year of teaching when a boy walked in with two older men for parent teacher conferences. "Which one is your dad?" I asked. "Both of them." "I'm so sorry," I said. I stumbled my way
Read MoreThe Problem with Curriculum Maps
The term “map” conjures up images of open spaces and daring adventures. At a young age, children sketch out pirate maps in search of treasures that they can barely imagine. At an older age, the map is a chance to
Read MoreThis Feels Like a Slap in the Face
For a second year in a row, the White House has taken Teacher Appreciation Week and added a privatized twist to it. It is, yet again, National Charter School Week. So, while parents are sending cookies and principals are setting
Read MoreCharacter Education
I sat in a room filled with private school teachers meeting to talk about character education. Some talked about giving badges and rewards for students that are caught showing great character. Others described the need for teachers to model great
Read MoreThis Is What Happens When We Stay Quiet
I wrote a post about how we should change professional development. It had hundreds of tweets and eight thousand page views. People gave it the best possible digital thumbs up they could offer. Talking about professional development is easy, especially
Read MoreBlack History Month
I hate the term "loud music trial." It makes it sound like somehow the decibel level provoked the violence, like maybe the homicide was at least somewhat justified. The facts remain. A white man shot unarmed black teenagers. Jordan Davis
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