Teaching
Advocating for My Students Means Calling Out Racist Statements From Educators
I have done a lot of self-reflection over the last few weeks. I am angry with myself. I, who pride myself on being culturally competent, feel like a fraud. Why? Because I was not doing enough. The...
School Discipline
If You Want Justice, Teach Kids How to Read
In 1990, I was a brand-new teacher in an unusual environment: a Chicago alternative high school where teens and young adults could earn their diplomas after dropping out—really, after being pushed...
COVID-19
America, I Know You're Tired: A Letter From a Virtual Teacher
Dear America, Let me get this out of the way first thing: I am a public school teacher, and I wish I were in the classroom right now with your children. However, I am teaching remotely from my home...
equity
James Baldwin’s ‘Talk to Teachers’ Is Just as Relevant Today
As I sit here, processing my thoughts on the severity of events that are currently grappling with our nation, I reflect on the historical circumstances that contributed to today's conflicts. As an...
School Discipline
White Teachers, Our Whiteness Is Getting in Our Way
Since the murder of George Floyd, teacher leaders across America have sought to prove the necessity of antiracism in public education. And rightly so: from our curriculum to our disciplinary...
COVID-19
Why It's Time to Raise Hell About Reopening Schools
This week, teachers all over the country are holding demonstrations protesting plans to re-open schools for in-person learning. Obviously, there’s heated debate everywhere about how to handle the new...
