Stories

activism

Teacher-Led Advocacy Isn't a Choice, It's Just What We Do

Historically, Teacher Appreciation Week has included cute coffee mugs stuffed with candy and treats for beloved teachers. Apple themed gift baskets, Starbucks cards and handmade gifts from students...

student achievement

Despite the Odds, Black Students Are Not Only Winning But Are Making History

As activists, we get so bogged down and wrapped up in everything that’s wrong with the education system and often miss out on the celebratory moments. Those instances where, despite the odds and...

whole child

Our School's Free Breakfast Program Wasn't Working Until Ms. Cook Noticed This One Thing

At Lincoln Heights Middle School (LHMS), we had all the right ingredients to make sure all students had a healthy start to the school day. In our school district, all students receive free...

Diversity

We Can Do Better Than Just Thanking Teachers With Free Coffee and Donuts

One Teacher Appreciation Week years ago, we each remember being thrilled to find letters from our principal in our school mailboxes thanking us for all our wonderful work that year and commenting on...

Teaching

Well, Damn. I Am 'Just a Teacher' and Proud of It.

OK, so here’s this embarrassing thing I did recently. I kinda promised myself I would never admit this to anyone, so please don’t tell. It was my friend’s birthday, and my friend is this super...

Michelle Obama Is on a Mission to Get Students Everywhere to Dream Big

The feeling inside UCLA’s Pauley Pavilion was electrifying. There was close to 10,000 high school seniors and transfer students proudly wearing their college shirts and screaming as celebrities and...