Every so often, Twitter is abuzz with literary “hot takes.” Some are anti-Shakespeare. Others want only contemporary literature in schools. Most of the time, they are about how awful some classic literature is. They talk about the classics, and how overrated they are. The comments range from agreement to shock. The Classics and Language One […]
education reform
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
Shaking Up the Literary Canon
As an English teacher, I’ve noticed that most students tend to gravitate towards contemporary novels, rather than classic literature. Many of them tend to relate better to the characters in modern literature. It makes sense that students would be drawn to these stories, with themes that can relate directly to their lives and struggles today. […]
Posted inConfessions of a Teacher
#RealTalk Why We Haven’t Quit Teaching
Quit teaching: The past few articles I’ve written have been controversial. The craziest response I’ve received has been, “Wow! Can tell you are young and have a long way to go! In fact get out now! Your students and parents deserve it…” When I first read this response, my “irritated, frustrated, and over it” reaction […]
Posted inThe State of Education
Let’s talk about Testing Anxiety in Children
I can still remember how I felt as I looked at the tears falling from one of my brightest students as she sat in her assigned seat for the Georgia Milestones Assessment last spring. Because I was mandated to sign my life away on a form acknowledging the serious nature of standardized testing, all I […]
Posted inHow to Fix Education
Is Teaching Even About Teaching Anymore?
“Teaching isn’t even about teaching anymore.” When these words flowed from my fellow coworker’s mouth, I felt my heart skip a beat. She was absolutely right. Although I’m still considered a newbie in this game called teaching, I knew exactly what she was talking about. Teaching Has Become a Business From my limited view, I […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
Cory Booker Is No Friend Of Public Education
The field of Democratic presidential candidates is wide open. Senator Elizabeth Warren, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Senator Cory Booker, and Senator Kamala Harris have all dipped their toes in the chilly water that is the 2020 election. Choices are usually positive in most things, except when it comes to school choice. Of all the politicians mentioned above, Cory […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
Opinion: Age-Grading is Stupid
Age-grading is, in a word, stupid. It is built on a cultural conception of development that precludes the ability of individuals of different ages to have healthy, appropriate interactions and learn from one another. Unless, of course, a clear power dynamic defines the relationship: teacher-student, babysitter-child, employer-worker, coach-player etc., then the interaction is sanctioned. Instead […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
Why the Most Powerful & Revolutionary Idea in Education Could Happen
“For the growing good of the world is partly dependent on unhistoric acts; and that things are not so ill with you and me as they might have been, is half owing to the number who lived faithfully a hidden life, and rest in unvisited tombs.” – George Elliot No, Educational Fatalism Is NOT Classroom […]