Racism, Privilege and Implicit Bias: One Teacher’s Journey, Part 1
I can vividly remember the first time I encountered racism. A white student, a senior in high school, had just finished reading Richard Wright’s Native Son. It was, to my knowledge, the first book by an African-American writer that he had ever read. Another white student asked him whether it was difficult to read. “Well,…
Keep on Staying
After a long day at school, I will get on my phone and see what stories are in the news. I read lots of articles about teaching. Recently, I have been reading too many accounts of why teachers have chosen to leave the profession entirely. I find this distressing. Teaching is my second career. My…
Stop Celebrating Teacher Self Sacrifice
“My son’s teacher woke up early to attend his 8am baseball game & cheer him on the sidelines! She makes sure to attend one extracurricular activity for EVERY one of her students. Her love and support is so special.” “Mr. Tom is such a great teacher. He wakes up early every morning to get to…
First Believe, Then Achieve
“Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.” – Henry Ford I believe Henry Ford’s quote to be particularly true in the realm of education. When teachers and students believe they can learn, they will. But the same is true for the opposite. John Hattie, a professor and researcher in education…
Having Fierce Conversations with Kids Matters
While the term “fierce” may seem a little harsh, it got your attention. I’ve served as a teacher and literacy coach for years — and in those years, I’ve always had engaging and honest conversations with my students. Teachers do that. They care. They talk to their kids. I believe educators should set out to…
When My School Votes…
In the last midterm election, young people voted at record rates, and that is something we should all celebrate. However, even with this historic turnout, two-thirds of young people were missing from the polls. As we work to close opportunity gaps for the most underserved students in our nation, we must also work to close…
Missing the Mark: An Unexpected Journey
Blog, they say. Not a problem because I love writing. Write about not certifying the first time…my pen stops, my heart quickens not because I do not have anything to say but because there are so many emotions and so many things to say. Scores will be released soon; perhaps they already have been by…
Teachers Aren’t Soldiers
I am a National Board Certified Teacher and a ten-year veteran of the United States Army. Two things I know well are education and weapons. Let’s not mix them. There are companies that offer concealed carry permit classes to teachers. Politicians across the country have expressed that armed teachers are a good way to stop…
Inside the Story
The students in my International Baccalaureate Literature and Performance class recently read “The Bean Eaters,” a poem by Gwendolyn Brooks about an elderly, very ordinary married couple who share meager meals and memories: They eat beans mostly, this old yellow pair. Dinner is a casual affair. Plain chipware on a plain and creaking wood, Tin…
