January 20, 2018, brought America the first anniversary of the inauguration of President Donald Trump. The day after his inauguration, January 21, 2017, millions of women and their male allies took to the streets to protest the things they object about Donald Trump. His campaign seemed to be filled with racism, misogyny, and vitriol. These […]
Current Events in Education
Posted inHow to Fix Education
The Positives of Being Sick
I have had a job since I have been legally able to work. I’ve endured the crummy hours, the long shifts, the underpaid positions where the male boss puts you in a corner (literally). And I believe I have a very strong work ethic. I enjoy working. I don’t like to leave tasks undone and […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education
As a Teacher and Michigan State University Alum, I’m Embarrassed and Hurt
When I decided to attend Michigan State University in the spring of my Senior year, I was beyond excited. I was a first-gen college student, couldn’t wait to get out of my parents’ house, and was looking forward to everything MSU had to offer. Although I secretly felt pretty unprepared, I was confident enough in […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education
Barbie Doll Teachers: Is That What We Want?
Should teachers be politically androgynous? Barbie Dolls, besides lacking correct anatomy and proportions, perpetually smile-at everything. Their vapid expressions often connote brainlessness or at least ignorance. In essence, Barbie Dolls are passive, happy toys. For some Americans, the ideal image of a teacher is similar to that of a Barbie Doll: pleasant, non-confrontational, amusing, and […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
How stress is causing students to comitt suicide: What has changed and how can we help?
A school district 204 in Naperville, Illinois, was not on the news, not for its awesome test scores and stellar college acceptance rates. Last school year alone, District 204 experienced three student deaths, two of which were ruled to be suicides. According to Michelle Rusk, a suicide expert, she claims that the “community pressure placed […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education
Donald Trump Isn’t the Problem…The U.S. Education System Is
When You Can’t Repeat the President’s Words… Last week The Washington Post reported that Donald Trump had an issue with immigrants from Haiti, El Salvador, and African countries coming to the United States. You probably heard about his choice of language, so I won’t repeat it here. As usual, there was outrage and condemnation from […]
Posted inTeacher Leaders
Commentary: I am Wasting my Time Teaching about “Shithole” Countries!
From The Washington Post… “Why are we having all these people from shithole countries come here?” Trump said, according to these people, referring to countries mentioned by the lawmakers. Trump then suggested that the United States should instead bring more people from countries such as Norway, whose prime minister he met with Wednesday. The president, […]
Posted inTeacher Leaders
The Pastor and the President: Race in the American Classroom Today
I am writing on the eve of Martin Luther King, Jr Day, 2018 not just as a social studies teacher, but as an American citizen. I am a pastor’s kid, so I grew up hearing the Christian message of loving one’s neighbor as oneself and to love mercy, do justice, and to walk humbly with […]