“Ms Lamons, do you remember meeting me online? Honestly, that whole year is a bit of a blur.” It just hit me. I met my incoming seniors for the 2023-2024 school year for the first time online. I met them behind the infamous Black Square Boxes. I engaged with them for an entire school year […]
Current Events in Education
Posted inCulturally Responsive Teaching
Florida State Board of Education implements stricter regulations on DEI programs and educational content
The day after celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday, the State Board of Education in Florida introduced regulations restricting public funds for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, activities, and policies within the Florida College System (FCS). The new rule, adopted by the Board, prohibits institutions within the FCS from utilizing state or federal funds […]
Posted inCulturally Responsive Teaching
College Board unveils revised framework for AP African American Studies
The Advanced Placement African American course that ignited controversy among conservative lawmakers, released its revised framework today by the College Board. Set to officially launch in the 2024-25 school year, this course has been developed to introduce students to the diverse and rich history of the African-American community. The development of this course framework involved […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
The Need for Restorative Justice: The Zwerner and Taylor Story
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 […]
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 […]