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...
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...
Teaching
Why We're Struggling to Keep Teachers in Our Most Vulnerable Schools
A recent article from the Philadelphia Inquirer revealed truths that, while saddening, troubling and infuriating, were not exactly surprising. High teacher turnover hurts kids and diminishes their...
School Funding
Illinois Has Fixed Its School Funding Formula, But That Didn't Help My Student
Kylie, now an eighth-grader, came to our school in second grade. In her six years with us, she came to think of our school as a safe place where she had beloved friends and inspiring teachers. She...
Teaching
How John Singleton's 'Boyz n the Hood' Changed the Way I Teach
I am not a movie person. I don’t go to the movies much and when I do, I often forget them rapidly. That’s not what happened back in 1991, when I saw John Singleton’s breakout debut film “Boyz n the...