Columbine occurred when I was still in the classroom. My heart broke for those who lost their lives as well as those who survived and had to live with the trauma. I remember being asked by friends if I was going to school the next day. I didn’t hesitate to say yes. Most of them […]
school shootings
This is Why Teachers Quit
Looking for a message about your value as an educator? Well then, an over-the-top active shooter drill is a perfect addition to the “reasons why teachers quit” list. Teachers know there are better ways to save lives. Subjecting children, schools, and teachers to the sick, sad theater of these drills is just one more trauma […]
[Opinion] Ending School Terrorism
Guest Writer: Doug Carroll, Ed. D. In a free society, there is an expectation in the exchange for protection by the government a certain amount of personal liberty will be voluntarily sacrificed. Since the terror attacks on 9/11, U.S. citizens have invested trillions of dollars to protect the homeland from terror attacks diverting scarce financial […]
In a Time When Its Hard to be a teacher, I look to Stoneman Douglas Students for strength
Since the events at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland Florida on February 14, 2018, has anyone else been wondering if we are living in an alternate reality? I hear arguments from people (people whom I used to think were rational), claiming that teachers need to be armed. I’ve seen ads for bulletproof, pod-like structures […]
Are the Kids Alright? Student Reflections on School Shootings
If an event is taking place out in the world, I want my students to know my classroom is a safe space for them to discuss those situations inside our classroom. Â As a literacy coach and teacher, it is important I give my students the time to process and reflect before we have discussions. Â To […]
[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 […]
Dear Generation X: It is Now, or Never.
I see us on Facebook. On the soccer field. In the classroom. We are the generation born between 1961–1981. We are now finally of age. We thought adulthood began at 18, but that was just a stepping stone. No, we are now parents, for fuck’s sake. We are in charge. Many of us are educators. […]
#ArmMeWith Starts a Movement Among Teachers
Last night Twitter and Instagram exploded with thousands of photos of teachers with a sign detailing what teachers really need for their classrooms using the #ArmMeWith hashtag. This movement was in a show of solidarity with the students from Parkland, Florida who are advocating for common sense gun laws following 17 students and teachers killed […]