Stories

Politics

I'm a Mom and a Teacher and I'm Running for Office Because We Need Voices Like Mine

This is my living room—organized chaos. You’ll note the toys I haven’t had time to put away and my 4-year-old son’s precious artwork on the walls. Candidates are not exactly known for their healthy...

Diversity

Black Communities Everywhere Should Be Stepping Up Like This for Our Kids and Schools

Outrage: “Whites Only” Seats The Connecticut Supreme Court made a ruling in Sheff v. O’Neill that was supposed to integrate schools. Instead, it capped the number of students of color who can enroll...

Charter Schools

On the First Day We Teach Them to Tie Their Necktie, But It's So Much More Than That

“This is the moment when you really become a high school student at Boston Prep. This is the moment when you learn to tie a tie.” It is the first hour of the first day of 91 students’ first year of...

Politics

My Middle School Students Can't Vote, But They Think You Should

Government is not a static entity to be studied. It is a living, breathing being, which young people can learn to understand and influence. Never has it been more important for our youth to grasp...

California

My Science Teacher Told Me I Wasn't Going to College. Good Thing I Didn't Believe Him.

I grew up in East San Jose, where I attended our local traditional public schools. In elementary school, I received many awards for my academic achievements, but once I began my middle school...

If We Want to Make a Difference at the Polls, Students Need Civics Education

Let's talk about the state of civics education in America, a topic that has received renewed focus since the 2016 presidential election. One question that is often debated in this conversation is...