My son, Atticus, was nominated to be tested for the Talented and Gifted (TAG) program in first grade. He got on a school bus for the very first time and spent 4 hours taking tests at a nearby school. A few months later, we were shocked to learn that his scores officially placed him into […]
From the Front Lines
Posted inBook Review
Teacher Fired for Teaching Dear Martin
A former North Carolina teacher sued a North Carolina public school in federal court, alleging that he was fired from his job for teaching students the novel Dear Martin about racial justice after white parents complained. On Monday, June 12th, Markayle Gray sued Charlotte Secondary School Inc. in North Carolina in federal court Monday. The allegations include […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
From STEM, Let’s Pivot to the BRANCHES of the Humanities
There is no doubt that the neglect of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics – better known as STEM in educational circles – has come at our own peril. Our students’ achievement in mathematics is surely not where other Americans expect it to be, and the comfort of anyone saying “I hate math” is embarrassing. As […]
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 […]
Posted inPrincipals' Corner
Adaptive Intelligence, a Powerful Tool for School Leaders
Have you signed up for The Educator’s Room Daily Newsletter? Click here and support independent journalism! Adaptive Intelligence: Leading from the Head, Heart, and Gut Adaptability as a school leader is a great skill. A typical day in a school is filled with ever-changing moments. Putting out fires throughout the day keeps you on the […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
What A Trip to Colombia Taught Me About the US Testing Frenzy
Have you signed up for The Educator’s Room Daily Newsletter? Click here and support independent journalism! Testing Frenzy Déjà Vu In recent news, NAEP scores fell dramatically due to COVID-19’s impact on learning. Every media outlet has a take on the situation, and everybody seems concerned. The Secretary of Education said recently that we all need to “raise the bar and […]
Posted inMental Health
Teachers and Students Need More Mental Breaks
Have you signed up for The Educator’s Room Daily Newsletter? Click here and support independent journalism! I’m sitting down to write this piece on the last official day of my fall break. Tomorrow will be the weekend rush to make sure that the house is ready for my kids and me to return to our […]
Posted inAsk a Teacher
Ask The Educator’s Room: A Mindset Reset and Protecting Trans Students
Have you signed up for The Educator’s Room Daily Newsletter? Click here and support independent journalism! Welcome to our advice column! Today we’re helping a teacher who’s less than excited about teaching a former student. We’re also helping a teacher who is trying to support trans and gender non-conforming students at her Christian school. See what our writers have […]