The debate over uniforms in school is one that resurfaces every fall as parents prepare for back-to-school shopping. Whether your school has a uniform policy or not, chances are they still have some restrictions. The most common restriction is not allowing young girls to wear leggings to school. Dress codes have been around forever and […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
5 Tips for Welcoming First-Time Virtual Students
Virtual learning has its share of issues–slow internet, social disconnection, a lack of cohesion between teacher and student.
Posted inBack to School
5 Important Things To Tell Your Entire Class From Day One
“Just don’t smile until Christmas,” a more veteran colleague once advised me at the start of the school year. It never struck me as particularly wise when teaching a class of students. Having had 23 classes of students since then, I’ve learned a lot about what to do and what not to do long before […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
“Unveiling Bias in G.E.D.: The Untold Stories of History
A professor revisits standardized testing, immigration policy, and the salience of Paulo Freire in times of cultural war. This is in a series on a teacher’s experience teaching a cross-cultural G.E.D. To read the first article, click here. One issue surrounding the G.E.D. has gotten shorter shrift among educators and academics: the test’s somewhat jingoistic […]
Posted inClassroom Management
Change Your Classroom Culture From Day One: Give It A Name
“After all, we are the Legendary Thunder Hawks,” says Joan. “So you know our presentations for Black History Month are going to be legendary.” And that’s when I smile from ear to ear. For the last 15 years, my class has selected their own name. The Noble Lions survived Covid-they were fearless and encouraging at […]
Posted inAdult Learning
Going Back to High School to Teach a G.E.D. Class in a Language Not My Own
A professor revisits standardized testing, immigration policy, and the salience of Paulo Freire in times of cultural war
Posted inBack to School
Transforming the Classroom with Morning Meeting
An inopportune time to learn something new does not exist. You are not too deep (or new!) into your teaching career to implement a fresh technique or strategy. Each wake-up boasts an untouched beginning that you can transform with one small change in your classroom. Let me suggest starting with this: Morning Meeting. I have […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
Beyond the Test: LeBron James I Promise School is Transforming Lives…and Being Scrutinized for It.
I Promise School: In the most disadvantaged neighborhoods of Akron, Ohio, students can’t seem to pass the state standardized math test. They also struggle to get three meals daily, adult supervision, or a physically and emotionally safe place to live. Children living in poverty suffer from chronic stress and poor nutrition. They rarely visit a […]