Charter Schools
The First Weeks of School Matter for Your Child. Here's How to Get It Right.
The back to school season is now in full swing. This time of year often causes a jumble of excitement and nerves for both students and their parents. Students want to know if they will like their...
Charter Schools
Black and Brown Students Can Learn, But You Have to Want to Teach Them
We complain about what’s wrong with the public education system all the time. Admittedly, I’m probably on the long list of tough critics. Some of our complaints stem from personal experience—I know...
Student Voice
Yes, You Can Have a Great First Year of Teaching, Just Ask Chicago’s Asia-Ana Williams
Last year, rookie English teacher Asia-Ana Williams became the poster child for Opportunity Schools, a Chicago Public Schools (CPS) effort to match teacher talent with high-need schools in...
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...
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...
