“After all, we are the Legendary Thunder Hawks,” says Joan. “So you know our presentations for Black History Month are going to be legendary.” And that’s when I smile from ear to ear. For the last 15 years, my class has selected their own name. The Noble Lions survived Covid-they were fearless and encouraging at […]
pedagogy
Posted inBack to School
Transforming the Classroom with Morning Meeting
An inopportune time to learn something new does not exist. You are not too deep (or new!) into your teaching career to implement a fresh technique or strategy. Each wake-up boasts an untouched beginning that you can transform with one small change in your classroom. Let me suggest starting with this: Morning Meeting. I have […]
Posted inOpinion
Native American Deaf History is American Deaf History
Have you signed up for The Educator’s Room Newsletter? Click here and support independent journalism! As we celebrate another Deaf History Month, I am reflecting on the excitement I felt experiencing American Sign Language (ASL) highlighted in Super Bowl LVII. The unique and creative rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner” by Troy Kotsur, the first […]
Posted inPedagogy
Finding Jungles in the City
Sparking Scientific Curiosity Through Relevance One of the problems with STEM education in the United States is its accessibility. Specifically, the inaccessibility gap between students from well-resourced schools and those without. Having AP course offerings, funding for lab materials, access to structured readiness programs, and even something as simple as an Algebra II class can […]
Posted inPedagogy
Hang Up the Tattle Phone
Have you signed up for The Educator’s Room Daily Newsletter? Click here and support independent journalism! We never thought we’d be Instagram teachers. But here we are, watching our ideas spread on online forums. Social media has given educators an accessible and user-friendly platform to share thoughts about all things education. Without proper funding, professional […]
Posted inPedagogy
Why I Threw Out My Science Textbook
Students need access to BIPOC and LGBTQ perspectives across content areas Have you signed up for The Educator’s Room Daily Newsletter? Click here and support independent journalism! “I wish every month was Black History month.” “Shut up about it already and get over it; it’s over, accept it and move on.” A year later, this […]
Posted inPedagogy
Teaching Strategies for Gen Z Students
Have you signed up for The Educator’s Room Daily Newsletter? Click here and support independent journalism! As a teacher belonging to the older generations, Generation X, my personal style growing up featured Doc Martens boots, flannel shirts, and leather jackets. I have a deep fondness for classic arcade games such as Pac-Man and Space Invaders. […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
Black History is World History
Have you signed up for The Educator’s Room Daily Newsletter? Click here and support independent journalism! “Wait, can you go back to that slide!?” one of my students asked. It was the beginning of February, and I was teaching a World History class about the Enlightenment. After numerous slides highlighting the ideas of European men, […]