Voices off and eyes on me, in three, in two, and one. The class expectation is 100% engagement while the teacher gives the ‘stand and deliver’ routine for an hour. G is taking notes in her binder. And she is one of three students who’s raising her hand and adding insight to the conversation. She […]
Pedagogy
Learning and Teaching While White: A White Educator’s Review
Have you signed up for The Educator’s Room Daily Newsletter? Click here and support independent journalism! Learning and Teaching While White: Antiracist Strategies for School Communities by Jenna Chandler-Ward and Elizabeth Denevi is one of the latest entries to the growing market of antiracist education books. With favorites like We Want to Do More than […]
They’re Not Lazy: A Closer Look at Students Who Refuse to Try
Have you signed up for The Educator’s Room Daily Newsletter? Click here and support independent journalism! As teachers, we’ve all seen it before. You’ve taught a lesson, modeled the practice together, and then all the students get started. Or, at least most of them do. Sitting there quietly, hoping not to get noticed, is a […]
Racial Equity Work That Actually Works: Lessons from Dr. Lori Watson
Have you signed up for The Educator’s Room Daily Newsletter? Click here and support independent journalism! I’ve experienced many racial equity trainings for teachers over the past two decades that were intended to transform my school’s culture. Recently, my school began working with Dr. Lori Watson, and it made me rethink what’s possible. What Hasn’t […]
Jump Start Student Writing with Google Docs
Have you signed up for The Educator’s Room Daily Newsletter? Click here and support independent journalism! As a young teacher, I spent a lot of time bemoaning the fact that my students didn’t follow even the smallest instructions. I told them how to format their papers using careful MLA guidelines, and they would turn in […]
Teaching Central America Week Is October 3rd-October 9th
Here’s Why You Don’t Want to Miss It And How to Get Started Have you signed up for The Educator’s Room Daily Newsletter? Click here and support independent journalism! Across the USA, it’s National Hispanic Heritage Month. Here in San Diego, my class and I are celebrating the contributions of great artists and courageous leaders like […]
Why I’m Running for School Board (And You Should Too!)
Have you signed up for The Educator’s Room Daily Newsletter? Click here and support independent journalism! In March of 2020, when the pandemic hit, I had already been contemplating retiring. I had been teaching English at a Northern California high school for 31 years, and it seemed like the end of the 2020 school year […]
Everything I Know About Standards-Based Teaching I Learned in Karate Class
Have you signed up for The Educator’s Room Daily Newsletter? Click here and support independent journalism! It’s equally compelling as it is hilarious – this inside look at a kindergarten karate class. There’s joy in this room. Parents laughing, smiling, and taking video. Proud little ones with big dreams willing their limbs to strike out […]