LGBTQ
Here’s How We Help Our Students Take ‘Pride’ in Who They Are
Coming out is never simple or easy, but it’s especially tough when you’re a teacher. The first time I “came out” to my students, it was a disaster. I was getting married in a neighboring state over...
Student Voice
Here's What Not to Do During Your Freshman Year of College
If I had the chance to talk with myself a year ago—a high school senior about to become a college freshman—here are some things I would say: The Freshman 15 is not a myth. Eating healthy is difficult...
Teaching
Teachers Are Picking Up Where Presidential Candidates Are Falling Short
It was a student who pointed it out to me. “Hey Miss! Why aren’t the presidential candidates talking about our schools?” My sociology students were engaged in high-level analysis, combing through the...
anti-racism
Here's How We 'Make America Great Again': Support First-Generation College Students
Rumor has it that someone wants to make America great again. Unfortunately, our country wasn’t always great—many citizens were not seen, heard or valued. My mother, born in 1950, courageously...
School Funding
Let’s Stop Debating and Make Sure That Low-Income Students Get Equitable Funding
A couple of weeks ago, we published a piece on Money and Schools from blogger Dmitri Melhorn, below Ben Spielberg has written a response to criticisms of school funding. On average, students from...
Teaching
Using Technology to Break Down Language Barriers in the Classroom
Ich weiß es nicht? ¿No sé? Я не знаю? 我不知道 Teachers have heard the phrase “I don’t know?” in almost every language. Still, they take on a different meaning when the words come from a student really...