When I was a first-year teacher many years ago, I stumbled upon a trick that almost always seemed to work as long as it was done with the “right” group of students: learn and occasionally use (I stress the word occasionally) the expressions, euphemisms, and slang of popular culture. The students find it amusing and if […]
Current Events in Education
Posted inCurrent Events in Education
Social Justice in the Urban Classroom: The Day After the #EricGarner Decision
In my younger years I yearned for a life where I did not have to worry about how I would provide for my kids. I wanted a life where I could provide a safe, stable environment for my family and enjoy the life I saw on The Cosby Show. So I did what all kids from the […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, Featured, High School, Opinion
Qualities of the Ideal High School Teacher
One day, while waiting for the lunch bell to dismiss them, a few students gathered around my desk to converse with each other; they had just finished taking their notes. Their conversation turned toward their experiences with different teachers. As they were airing grievances or defending their favorite teachers (I was merely a bystander at […]
Posted inAsk a Teacher, Current Events in Education, Featured, From the Front Lines, Opinion
What Am I Thankful For? A Damn Good Public Education
When people ask what one another are thankful for, there are a variety of great answers. Family, is notably and rightfully among the top answers. Many people are thankful for their friends who’ve helped give them guidance. Others are thankful for a home and a place to lie their head, or the food that’s on […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, Featured, Opinion
The Magical Solution Illusion: How Everyone Has “The Answer” to Education
A new week, a new theory about what ails America’s educational system. America’s education system is broken. Haven’t you heard? If you haven’t, it was on the cover of Time Magazine a few weeks back. It seems teachers win tenure too fast in this country, and the unions are more interested in protecting its membership […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, Featured, High School, Middle School, Opinion
Can Success Be Taught in Middle School?
By Guest Writer: Holly Winter When asking a class of middle school students to write about success, one girl wrote: “My mother was successful at smoking crack and my father was successful at getting himself murdered.” Her statements bring the ideas of success into focus. This student isn’t in jail, on drugs, and she doesn’t have a group […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, Educational Apps, Featured, Special Education, Technology
iPhones in the Classroom are Game Changers
Dyslexic Students Becoming Independent with Apple’s iPhone, iPad, and Mac Devices Imagine constantly being presented with the printed word and not able to read it. Imagine being in class listening to the teacher, actively participating in class discussions, but then the teacher hands out a worksheet that you can’t read. Imagine the frustration of knowing […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, Featured, Opinion, Uncategorized
Manifestation Meetings: Have You Experienced One?
I recently had a crash course in what is called ‘Manifestation Determination’ or ‘Manifestation Meetings’. I had never heard of these until this week. Now mind you, I am by no means a special education teacher, nor do I claim to know much about all of the forms and paperwork that these saints endure. I […]