In Alabama abstinence is the best form of birth control, except when it is not. Although the teenage pregnancy rate has dramatically decreased in the USA, Alabama remains a state where teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection are actually rising. [bctt tweet=”In Alabama abstinence is the best form of birth control, except when it […]
Current Events in Education
Posted inCurrent Events in Education
What Teacher Choice in PD Should Look Like
We all know how it feels to attend a half-hearted PD session we don’t think will be useful in our classrooms. Maybe it’s the content that feels irrelevant or the structure of the session. Whatever the cause, teachers are tired of attending PD that doesn’t fit our personal needs or the needs of our school […]
Posted inCollege and Career
Activists Are Needed in Education
The year: 1980 Activists in education are needed now more than ever. I was thirteen years old when I saw this coming. A smug ex-actor with Brylcreemed hair dropped a condescending line in a presidential debate. That isn’t a big deal by itself, especially when you consider how low the presidential decency bar currently is. […]
Posted inParents
Your Children Are Not Your Students
Your Children Are Not Your Students Parent guilt is a beast all by itself. Whenever it can show up, it does. When I want some “me time” after I’ve raised my voice, or when I’ve given them something I know they shouldn’t have, it’s right there waiting. But for me, it’s been showing […]
Posted inMiddle School
An Experiment In Gratitude
I had the most positive student teaching experience I could have ever imagined. I was mentored by phenomenal, passionate, effective, caring educators who graciously answered my questions and modeled by their example what it meant to do what’s in the best interest of students as not just learners of academics but learners of life. I […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
The Only One: The Two Percent Issue in Education
I grew up abroad. In elementary school, I was often the only Black male in my class. Even though there were probably racist conversations had around me, I was oblivious. I was aware I was different from most in my class, but my family instilled pride and confidence in me at a young age. However, […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
But You’re Such A Strong Teacher
“But You’re Such A Strong Teacher” “But you’re such a strong teacher. I hate this phrase. As a new teacher, it took me a while to understand what this phrase meant. At first, I believed it to be a compliment. I thought it meant I was doing a good job in my classroom and with […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
It’s time to talk about the culture of fear around standardized testing
The temperatures are warming. The skies are bright. The birds are chirping. Spring fever is in full effect, and everyone is awaiting summertime! Unfortunately for educators and students, there is a huge hump to get over…standardized testing. End of the year assessments are looming over us. It seems like the entire school year comes down […]