student support
Want to Help All Students Succeed? Here Are 6 Ways to Walk a Mile in Their Shoes
I recently learned that our building had something really cool happen this school year. A local shoe company donated shoes for students in our building. Not just for students who have a financial...
student achievement
Families Are the 'Sleeping Giant' That Will Redefine Education
It’s no surprise that I work in education. It’s in my blood. My grandmother Alberta, a proud Chicana, lived in the projects in downtown Denver and was in a gang. She dropped out of school, got...
Charter Schools
A Charter School Gave My Son Opportunity. Isn’t That What Democrats Should Stand For?
Tonight, the Democratic candidates for president will hold yet another debate, and likely, say very little about education. That’s why I rallied last night with parents from all over Houston to send...
Charter Schools
Democratic Presidential Candidates Aren't Talking About K-12 Education and That's Why We Crashed Their Debate in Houston
All eyes may be on the third round of Democratic presidential candidates' debates happening tonight. But let me direct your attention for a second to a little something else that I’m affectionately...
Parents
Here’s Why We Must Open Schools to Authentic Parent Partnership
When I taught first grade on the Navajo Nation, I’ll never forget when one of my fellow teachers—now my wife—wanted to host an event that welcomed our families to the school. The veteran educators...
Teaching
Pardon My Grumpy Appearance, Kids. This Year I'll Show You More Mr. Nice Guy
I think we all know, or we had better, that the old advice of, “Don’t smile until Christmas,” is just bad. In most classrooms, thankfully, those first few days of laying down the law and scaring the...