The captain of the Umoja Step Team popped into my classroom as she is apt to do at least two times a day. As she was leaving, she patted the advertisement posted on my classroom door for the upcoming Black History Celebration, hosted by the team. Turning towards me, she stated: “A girl in my […]
Search results
Posted inCurrent Events in Education
Teaching Black Consciousness and White Privilege
One matter we have gotten over very quickly as a country is the notion, beginning in 2008 and carried throughout the Obama presidency, that we now live in a “post-racial” society. Â The fact that an African American was twice-elected to the nation’s highest office gave rise to the idea that racial discord can now be […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education
Why “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” Still Matters in 2017
In April 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King and several other Civil Rights activists, including the Reverend Ralph Abernathy, were arrested in Birmingham, Alabama, in the midst of a massive non-violent protest campaign against that city’s segregation practices. Dr. King ultimately spent 10 days in jail that April, and while he was there, he penned one […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, Featured, Opinion, Social Justice
Police, Black Students, and Teachers
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve watched the video clip of Ben Fields, Richland County (SC) school resource officer, where he picked up a young lady (who was black) and pulled her from her chair. I’ve done so because it astounds me that this situation occurred in our schools, but what also stuns […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, Featured
The Importance of Black History Month
It is Black History month. Some schools read a little quote in the morning from an African American author, some put on full programs, and others ignore it all together. One of the most terrifying things that could happen to this country is to forget where we come from. Black history is essential to understanding […]
Posted inCulturally Responsive Teaching
College Board unveils revised framework for AP African American Studies
The Advanced Placement African American course that ignited controversy among conservative lawmakers, released its revised framework today by the College Board. Set to officially launch in the 2024-25 school year, this course has been developed to introduce students to the diverse and rich history of the African-American community. The development of this course framework involved […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education
Teaching about the events happening in Israel and Gaza in the Classroom
I woke up Monday morning jolted into action about what was happening in the Middle East with tears in my eyes. The terror attack from Hamas against Israel resulting in the declaration of war by Israel against Hamas in the Gaza Strip has led to unprecedented causalities and injuries for both sides. In addition, with […]
Posted inOpinion
What Ida B. Wells Can Teach Educators About Fighting for Truth
Have you signed up for The Educator’s Room Daily Newsletter? Click here and support independent journalism! Editor’s Note: Over the past year there has been a growing number of states seeking to surveil teachers and curtail the content and curriculum they teach. Many states have implemented laws that limit conversations about race, racism, LGBTQ+ identities, […]