“Do you want me to carry a gun?” The controversial question I ask my students the day we return after the mid-winter break. The responses vary each class block. Some kids, say “yes,” others giggle. Most shake their heads negatively. Each of my four sections of sophomore-level Global History is distinct in their desire to […]
Instruction & Curriculum
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
The White Nationalist Teacher and The Implications For Other Teachers
A White Nationalist Teacher is Exposed On March 3rd, HuffPost reported on a Florida middle school teacher with a double life as the host of a white nationalist podcast. According to the article, “Dayanna Volitich, a 25-year-old social studies teacher at Crystal River Middle School in Florida, has been secretly hosting the white nationalist podcast […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
Diverse Books to Read For Women’s History Month (K-5 Edition)
In 1987, Congress declared March as National Women’s History Month with loads of fanfare and every year since a special Presidential Proclamation is issued which honors the extraordinary achievements of women. However, how does that look in our classrooms? What books can we use to teach students about the extraordinary contributions of women in […]
Posted inElectives & Special Areas
Using Popular Music in the Secondary Classroom
Teachers born between 1950 and 1980 makeup both the baby-boom generation and those known as “Generation X.” The music with which they grew up is a reflection of the historical periods that produced it – Vietnam, the Cold War, the Fall of Communism, September 11, 2001, and the events that followed. Teachers of social studies […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
Reinforcing Literacy Skills in Mathematics
I work primarily with students who struggle with mathematics. My students are awesome kids and I would estimate that about 98% of the time, their struggles have little to do with their computation abilities, and more to do with solving word problems and the critical thinking that accompanies them. When I give my students a […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
[OPINION] All “Armed” for Our Students
This is an opinion piece from one of our writers. To read more of our opinions around (not) arming teachers, please click Dear Generation X, #ArmMeWith Campaign, and many more here. In the wake of the recent tragedy in Florida, some people have been quick to call for (more) gun control. The usage of guns […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
Students: The Original American Revolutionaries
Students: The Original American Revolutionaries Stop. Hey, what’s that sound Everybody look what’s going down Young people speaking their minds Getting so much resistance from behind… The lunch counter sit-ins The Children’s March in Birmingham Freedom Summer Chaney, Schwerner, and Goodman The Little Rock 9 Kent State Jackson State DACA & Immigration walkouts […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
A Teacher’s Letter to a Parent: Susie Didn’t Get Straight A’s
By Guest Writer: Nicole H. So, little Susie didn’t get straight A’s. Well, straight 1’s, because little Susie is too young for letter grades. And you’re bummed. No, you’re mad. You’re thinking she won’t get into a good college. She won’t ever become the doctor you want her to be. Everything is ruined and she […]