4 Tips for Parents to Get the Most out of Parent-Teacher Conferences

4 Tips for Parents to Get the Most out of Parent-Teacher Conferences

Many schools are preparing for their first conferences with parents. Unlike Back-to-School Night where parents receive general information about the school

Read More
We Can Support Our Teachers and Still Call B.S. on This Chicago Strike

We Can Support Our Teachers and Still Call B.S. on This Chicago Strike

You know what? It’s a real shame that people can’t seem to separate politics from public service. Because if one more person comes on one of my social medi

Read More
These Parent-Teacher Conferences Are Harder to Get Into Than a Jimmy Buffett Concert

These Parent-Teacher Conferences Are Harder to Get Into Than a Jimmy Buffett Concert

First, a 30-minute student-led parent-teacher conference with one child’s homeroom teacher. Then, six five-minute conferences with another son’s individual

Read More
As the U.S. Department of Education Turns 40, the Real Battleground for Kids Lies in the States

As the U.S. Department of Education Turns 40, the Real Battleground for Kids Lies in the States

This week marks the 40th anniversary of President Jimmy Carter signing the legislation that authorized him to create the U.S. Department of Education (ED).

Read More
White Students Can Fight for Racial Justice, But Only If Teachers Are Willing to Give Them the Tools

White Students Can Fight for Racial Justice, But Only If Teachers Are Willing to Give Them the Tools

[pullquote position=”right”]Our students want to know more than we are telling them.[/pullquote] I teach a class in which my predominantly White juniors an

Read More
After 40 Years, There Is Still Time for the U.S. Department of Education to Become a Good Idea

After 40 Years, There Is Still Time for the U.S. Department of Education to Become a Good Idea

Wherever you exist on the political spectrum, the U.S. Department of Education’s work has never been more relevant to the lives of families and students, a

Read More
Your Voice Matters. Your Students Need You. Speak Up.

Your Voice Matters. Your Students Need You. Speak Up.

I had a classroom with three walls when I first started teaching. A bookshelf separated my classroom from the neighboring one. My students ranged from 14-

Read More
She Has a Plan for Everything, So Where Is Elizabeth Warren’s Plan for K-12 Education?

She Has a Plan for Everything, So Where Is Elizabeth Warren’s Plan for K-12 Education?

I love a woman with a plan! And, Senator Warren, it seems like you have a plan for just about everything. There are currently 50 plans listed on your campa

Read More

Time for Democrats to Recognize the Progressive Roots of Charter Schools

Listening to the rhetoric of Democratic presidential candidates, one would think charter schools were a Republican initiative opposed by all progressives. 

Read More