Have you signed up for The Educator’s Room Daily Newsletter? Click here and support independent journalism! “Thank you for helping me feel seen.” As educators who advocate for equity in education, some of us might expect this statement from a student. So would it surprise you that this was from a teacher? I recently returned […]
community building
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
What If School Was More Like Summer Camp?
Every March, the fourth grade class at my school takes an annual overnight trip to a YMCA Camp. For many of our students, this is a novel and unforgettable experience; and, it has proven to be just as formative a trip for me as a teacher. I observe levels of interest, engagement, and enthusiasm at […]
Posted inTeacher Leaders
Three Simple Steps to Positive Classroom Culture
Many teachers know what it’s like to work in a toxic work environment. I had a brief stint as the director of an after-school program, so I’ve been on both sides of the situation. The year I managed those nine after-school educators was a disaster in many ways, but it taught me an unforgettable lesson […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
Teaching: Taking on the Moral Imperatives (Part II)
So now you’re fierce, are you? Fierce like, how? For Part II, I want to talk more about being fierce. It’s not just standing up against the onslaught of union-bashing and data mashing designed to demean teachers. It’s being unafraid to fight for what kids really need And it’s about actively pursuing greater understanding in order […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
Can Teachers Give Up Power and Keep Their Authority?
When I started teaching in 2007, I came in with very democratic ideals. I wanted my classroom to be a place where kids’ voices were honored. But as a first-year teacher with just seven weeks of training to prepare me, I was totally unequipped to make this vision a reality. At the end of that […]
Posted inFeatured
Why We Need Stubborn Teachers
Teacher burnout is a problem and we all know the statistics. Roughly half of teachers leave the profession within their first five years. The percentage of teachers who leave is especially high in schools with over 80% of students qualifying for Free or Reduced Lunch. You know there’s a morale problem in your profession when the […]