By: Eva Carafa What does the fight over Creationism, the ongoing skirmishes in Class Warfare, and Rush Limbaugh’s rants against Sandra Fluke and the GOP War on Women have to do with teachers, who find themselves fighting for their professional lives? Over the next few weeks, I’ll take a look at all these societal forces […]
Opinion
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, High School, Middle School, Opinion, The Unemployed Teacher
The Unemployed Teacher: A School Year Begins…Without Us
I took it for granted. I took for granted that once I found my passion and had seven years experience under my belt with it, I was safe. My passion is teaching Social Studies – I especially love Civics and Sociology, but have taught everything from Global Studies to US History. I had developed and […]
Posted inFrom the Front Lines, Opinion, Parents
{Movie Review} Won't Back Down -Told From A Teacher, Mother and Union Member!
The feature film, “Won’t Back Down” premiered this weekend, coinciding with the Education Nation Summit in New York City. I was thrilled to be a part of this amazing experience and excited to view the much talked about film. I was lucky enough to sit in on the interview with the movie’s stars and director […]
Posted inElementary School, From the Front Lines, How to Fix Education, Opinion, School Improvement, Uncategorized
Contextual Accountability
Every school is a microcosm of the community it serves—that is, every school that serves any and all students in the neighborhood. Peaceful schools are nestled in peaceful environs. If there are drugs or violence in the streets, educators will contend with drugs and violence working their way into the school like crickets through unseen […]
Posted inHow to Fix Education, Opinion, Parents
Critical Thinking in Kids
For those that may have read my blog, particularly a post on stagnation in our schools, you might gather that I highly support the teaching of critical thinking skills. It came as a shock, though, to find out that at least in Texas, critical thinking is looked down upon. You can actually read their […]
Posted inFeatured, From the Front Lines, Opinion, School Improvement, Uncategorized
The Pundit's Miseducation
If you want to find evidence that American schools are failing, your best bet is to look closely at the tortured logic and disingenuous argumentation issuing from today’s education reform movement. If these people were educated in American public schools, then it’s clear: we failed (miserably) to produce measured, ethical reasoners who rightly wield the […]
Posted inOpinion, Parents
{Parent's Corner} The Frustration of Teens & School
I’m frustrated and I don’t work well when I’m frustrated. My kids are the same way. Sending children to a virtual school is a challenge in and of itself. Sending them to a school that just opened can be even more so. Why? Because not only is your child adjusting to a new situation […]
Posted inAsk a Teacher, Current Events in Education, High School, Instruction & Curriculum, Opinion, Uncategorized
Support +High School Students = Success
I can’t tell you how many parents I’ve talked to that take a ‘hands-off’ approach to their child’s education once they reach high school. They seem to think that it is best to leave children alone since they are almost out of the house. Although the needs for high school students are different […]