Diverse Classroom Library: Our classroom libraries are in trouble. Just as more teachers are learning that their libraries need books that reflect their student populations, they also have to fight policies at the district and state levels that ban many of these same books from their libraries. Florida, for example, is banning certain materials in classroom libraries […]
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Posted inOpinion
Florida’s MAGA Approach to Civics is Dangerous to Democracy
Have you signed up for The Educator’s Room Daily Newsletter? Click here and support independent journalism! I truly believe Ron DeSantis is on a one-man mission to put The Onion out of business. Each week it seems like there is a new stranger than fiction headline about the Florida governor’s policies. Most recently, I learned from EducationWeek that Gov. […]
Posted inOpinion
Education is Political and Governor DeSantis Is Playing a Dangerous Game
Guest Writer: Tamara Russell Education is political. This is an inescapable fact. Here in Florida, we are seeing a resurgence of public interest in how decisions get made around education. Let me tell you who is not getting asked about a darn thing: teachers. No one asked us if we thought it would be ‘normal’ […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
I Love Teaching Summer School or Am I a Glutton for Punishment?
I tell myself that I love teaching, in theory, I get summers “off”! But I realized recently that I have not taken a summer off in over 12 years! Some may ask why have I consistently worked during the summer? To be honest, the money is pretty good, since it’s my hourly wage without being […]
Posted inHow to Fix Education
“Young Voices Matter:” My Fifteen-Year-Old Sister’s Response to the Florida Massacre
Written by Sylvia Denice This is my sister Ellie. At fifteen years old, Ellie’s time is consumed mostly by school, swimming, and socializing. She’s an enthusiastic learner, listener, observer, and friend with a cheery disposition. Ellie has goals and dreams of her future, going to college to study Education or Journalism–no denying that relation! On […]
Posted inAsk a Teacher
Writing in Action: When Students Step Up
In years past, I assigned the following essay topic to some of my junior high students: Can your voice make a difference? I’ve read dozens of essays by students on this topic, and many seem to agree, that alone, one cannot impart change, but together things can be accomplished. Some students cited community efforts led by […]
Posted inConfessions of a Teacher
If That’s What it Takes, Students Should Be Outspoken, Feisty, and Rebellious
I’m mad. I’m furious. And I feel alone. According to EveryTown for Gun Safety Support Fund, “Since 2013, there have been nearly 300 school shootings.” How did we get here? How did we get to a society which broadcasts more violence and hatred than kindness and generosity? A society where people are more likely to turn […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
[OPINION] All “Armed” for Our Students
This is an opinion piece from one of our writers. To read more of our opinions around (not) arming teachers, please click Dear Generation X, #ArmMeWith Campaign, and many more here. In the wake of the recent tragedy in Florida, some people have been quick to call for (more) gun control. The usage of guns […]