Judith Heumann’s passing is a reminder to teach about inclusivity and disability rights Have you signed up for The Educator’s Room Daily Newsletter? Click here and support independent journalism! I have taught for nearly two decades, and I have had the privilege of working with diverse students, each with unique backgrounds, experiences, and struggles. These […]
Equity
Posted inCurrent Events in Education
Struggling to Learn: How Decreasing SNAP Benefits Will Hurt Students
Have you signed up for The Educator’s Room Daily Newsletter? Click here and support independent journalism! In the state that I teach in, one in three students depend on SNAP benefits for food. More than half of my state’s students come from low-income households. On a single teacher’s salary, my two children qualify for free […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education
We Still Need Affirmative Action
Race, Merit, College Admissions, and the Long Ghost of San Antonio Independent School District v. Rodriguez. Have you signed up for The Educator’s Room Daily Newsletter? Click here and support independent journalism! On October 31, 2022, the United States Supreme Court heard arguments in the case of Students for Fair Admissions Inc. v. President & Fellows […]
Posted inPedagogy
Honor Mother Languages in Your Classroom
Have you signed up for The Educator’s Room Daily Newsletter? Click here and support independent journalism! As a young girl, newly immigrated from Guatemala, I wondered whether my new teachers and classmates saw the real me -an individual with diverse thoughts, ideas, language, and culture. I felt alone and scared as I tried to overcome […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education
My Teaching Skills Put Me On the School Board
Have you signed up for The Educator’s Room Daily Newsletter? Click here and support independent journalism! It was nothing like what I thought it would be. Running for a seat on my local school board turned out to be more than just filing my candidacy, putting up a few yard signs, and waiting for the […]
Posted inOpinion
Remove Heteronormativity from Your Classroom Valentine’s Day Celebrations
Have you signed up for The Educator’s Room Daily Newsletter? Click here and support independent journalism! Every teacher knows that classrooms are buzzing with excitement on Valentine’s Day. Students are eager to share cards and candy with their classmates; some even have a special someone they plan on giving a gift to. But, unfortunately, on […]
Posted inOpinion
Don’t Be Afraid of Your Student in the Wheelchair
Teachers Must Ensure Equity and Inclusion for Their Students with Disabilities Students in wheelchairs “Hi, I’m Kelly, the district physical therapist,” I say as I walk into the classroom. “I emailed a couple of days ago, but I’m sure you’re absolutely swamped with email right now.” “I’m here because you have Aiden* in your class […]
Posted inFrom the Front Lines
My Union Showed Up for Me, and I’ll Never Forget It
Have you signed up for The Educator’s Room Daily Newsletter? Click here and support independent journalism! In my 20-plus years in education, the union has been in the background of my career until very recently. I have always known that the union negotiates contracts and would provide support if I needed legal assistance, but I […]