Teaching
It's Not Enough to Denounce Racism, We Have to Own Our Part in It
I often think about the 16-year-old Black girl who took my honors English class a few years ago. She was the only person of color in the class, and I allowed myself to believe over the course of the...
Teaching
I Should Have Done More for My Undocumented Students, So Now I'm Showing Up for DACA
When I first heard the news that the Trump administration planned to end Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), my thoughts went immediately to my former students. I taught 11th and 12th...
Parents
I’m Sharing My Story Because It Matters
As parent leaders, we need to build trust, inspire hope and move people to action. Personal stories are one of the most powerful ways to do this. They are how we communicate our shared values and...
Teaching
For This Chicago Public Schools Graduate, It's the Teachers Who Made the Difference
This morning, academics and civic leaders gathered in Chicago to dig in on research that shows Chicago’s public schools have done a remarkable job of increasing student achievement over time. We know...
Charter Schools
This Chicago Program Is Making Sure Families Know Their School Options
When we policy wonks talk about school choice, mostly we talk about big-picture ways to make choice more available, like creating charter schools or offering vouchers or tax-credit scholarships to...
Teaching
If You're Thinking About Becoming a Principal, You Should Read This Letter
Dear Future Principal: As you slog your way through classes that will directly affect your future work as a principal, I need you to remember a few points even more important than your lessons. You...
