How many times did you visit your school library as a child? How often do you visit it now, as a teacher? For what purpose? If you ran a quick survey, you’d likely get a wide range of answers. Libraries have changed — we call them Media Centers, Information Centers, Learning Hubs — yet the […]
Instruction & Curriculum
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
Federal book ban bill advances, Drawing widespread opposition from the public
A controversial federal bill that would restrict access to certain materials in schools and libraries has advanced in the U.S. House, intensifying a national debate over censorship, student access, and the role of government in education. H.R. 7661, known as the “Stop the Sexualization of Children Act,” was introduced in February and advanced out of […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
History, Curiosity, and a Classroom That Thinks: The Inspiring Work of Ryan Donovan
Some teachers assign history. Others bring it to life. For Ryan Donovan, an AP U.S. History teacher at Boulder Creek High School, the goal isn’t simply to help students memorize dates and events—it’s to help them see themselves as active participants in democracy and lifelong learners of the world around them. That philosophy has helped […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
Washington County Board of Education member censured for calling a student “hot”
Update: The father of the underage high school student, whom a Washington County, TN school board member allegedly called “hot” and then touched on the shoulder has now publicly spoken out: “We have remained largely silent while focusing on supporting our daughter and carefully considering the appropriate path forward after the disturbing and inappropriate actions […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
Lawsuit Targets i-Ready Maker Over Student Data Privacy Concerns
A group of K–12 students has filed a federal class action lawsuit against Curriculum Associates, Inc., the maker of the widely used i-Ready educational platform, alleging that the company unlawfully collects and shares student data without proper consent. The case, M.C. v. Curriculum Associates, is emerging as a significant legal battle over student privacy in […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
When Students Think in L1 First: What Teachers Often Misunderstand About Language Learning
William’s mother sent me a message on WeChat after our first lesson together. “I can roughly understand why his English now sounds like Chinglish,” she wrote. “It’s because he’s been away from the teaching approach of that international school for about two years, and he’s read very few English novels in the past two years. […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
Everything Educators Need to Know About the Seal of Biliteracy Requirements: 5 Common FAQs
In an increasingly globalized world, multilingualism has become a highly valuable skill. The Seal of Biliteracy has become a prestigious benchmark in the American education system, serving as recognition of multilingual excellence among youth across the country. Given its widespread recognition and distinguished nature, it is imperative that educators understand the specific requirements and pathways […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
Beyond the Bell: A New Jersey Teacher’s Adventure of Learning, Healing, and Storytelling
Education does not end when the dismissal bell rings. For many educators, teaching is not simply a profession; it is a calling that extends into homes, communities, and the everyday moments that shape a child’s growth. After more than 30 years in education, teaching in Franklin, Piscataway, and Edison, I have come to understand that […]