COVID-19
In Brownsville, Texas, a Pandemic Won't Stop Students from Learning
The national media rarely focuses on communities like Brownsville, Texas. When they do, border communities are often painted in black-and-white, used as a backdrop to discuss national issues like...
equity
Let’s Show Teachers We Appreciate Them by Valuing Their Expertise
This year, Teacher Appreciation Week has taken on a whole new dimension. With many states, including Illinois, now shuttered for the remainder of the school year, countless parents nationwide are...
Special Education
No, It's Not OK to Leave My Child Behind, Even in a National Crisis
As a disability advocate and a parent of a child with autism, I’m hearing stories from other parents of children with autism that break my heart! Here is one story from a fellow mom who shows us all...
student achievement
Here's How a Trauma-Informed Approach to Remote Teaching Can Help Students Succeed
Every teacher in every school has students who have experienced or are living with trauma in their lives—and many recognize that the trauma may be escalating with school closures. [pullquote]We’re...
student achievement
I Know What Can Happen When a Teacher Never Gives Up on a Student
This Teacher Appreciation Week, I am reminiscing about Ms. Holmes, my fifth grade teacher. I never could understand why this woman made so many sacrifices for me, how much she truly loved me, and how...
Teaching
Mrs. O'Brien Wasn't Always My Favorite Teacher, But She Is Now
I have a long list of students who think I am a pretty good teacher. However, the list of teachers who thought I was a good student would be much, much shorter. Throughout my entire school career, I...
