COVID-19
I Desperately Want to Get Back to School, But My Students' Safety Is My First Priority Right Now
I desperately want to return to school in the fall and be with my kids. In the most non-melodramatic, non-trivial way possible—I am lost without them. I imagine it’s somewhat similar to how...
Teaching
Advocating for My Students Means Calling Out Racist Statements From Educators
I have done a lot of self-reflection over the last few weeks. I am angry with myself. I, who pride myself on being culturally competent, feel like a fraud. Why? Because I was not doing enough. The...
School Discipline
If You Want Justice, Teach Kids How to Read
In 1990, I was a brand-new teacher in an unusual environment: a Chicago alternative high school where teens and young adults could earn their diplomas after dropping out—really, after being pushed...
COVID-19
America, I Know You're Tired: A Letter From a Virtual Teacher
Dear America, Let me get this out of the way first thing: I am a public school teacher, and I wish I were in the classroom right now with your children. However, I am teaching remotely from my home...
Charter Schools
I Believe in School Choice, But Only When Those Choices Are Available to Everyone
Two weeks ago, the governor of my state directed $32 million dollars in funds from the federal Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) fund to create scholarships to K-12 private schools. This...
equity
James Baldwin’s ‘Talk to Teachers’ Is Just as Relevant Today
As I sit here, processing my thoughts on the severity of events that are currently grappling with our nation, I reflect on the historical circumstances that contributed to today's conflicts. As an...