In January of 2023, a 1st-grade teacher, Abigail Zwerner, was shot by her student; the bullet tore through her left hand and collapsed one of her lungs. Zwerner described the situation as a “monstrous event.” According to her statement: “He pointed the gun directly at me… I lost myself. I can’t teach again. I’ve lost […]
Current Events in Education
Posted inBook Review
Scholastic reverses censoring “Share Every Story, Celebrate Every Voice” collection
In a letter addressed to their authors and community, Scholastic Trade Publishing President Ellie Berger revealed that Scholastic has reversed its previously contentious decision regarding the optional status of diverse texts at Scholastic Book Fairs. This letter was not released to the public but posted on social media last night by several authors, who addressed […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education
Dyslexia Awareness Month: A student and her mother’s journey
October is Dyslexia Awareness Month. As a twenty-two-year veteran teacher, I admittedly am not very familiar with it, but I know about the importance of seeking out the experts. As a lifelong learner, I wanted to learn more about how I can help these students who might enter my classroom. But what better way to […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education
Teaching about the events happening in Israel and Gaza in the Classroom
I woke up Monday morning jolted into action about what was happening in the Middle East with tears in my eyes. The terror attack from Hamas against Israel resulting in the declaration of war by Israel against Hamas in the Gaza Strip has led to unprecedented causalities and injuries for both sides. In addition, with […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education
Controversial Literature on Wheels: Banned Books Wagon Touring the American South”Banned Books Wagon will tour in the American South
Next week is Banned Books Week, and to bring awareness to the continued banning of books in school districts across America, the Penguin Random House’s Banned Book Wagon will be traveling throughout the American South to bring awareness to the banning of books. In conjunction with the Freedom to Read Foundation, PEN American and Free […]
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 inFeatured
The School Plague You Never Heard About Adverse Childhood Experiences
Adverse Childhood Experiences: Nadine Burke Harris begins her must-see TedTalk by referencing an “exposure that dramatically increased the risk for seven out of 10 of the leading causes of death in the United States.” That included 3x the risk for heart disease and lung cancer and a 20-year slash in life expectancy. The issue she is talking […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
Cultural Exchange Teachers in the United States: Supporting The Need for Effective Mentorship Programs
The Cultural Exchange Teacher program of the United States State Department has been in existence since 1967, where teachers from diverse countries like the Philippines, Ghana, Mexico, and China have the privilege and opportunities to experience professional and personal growth and development in various areas of teaching specialization – including mathematics, science, English, and special […]