Fifty years ago today, Charlie Brown made a friend who would forever change the landscape of comic strips and societal norms. This friend, Franklin, was a groundbreaking character who sparked controversy and made a radical statement during a tumultuous time in American history. Many are wondering how a cute character became soo controversial in 1968? […]
History
Posted inHistory
The History of Memorial Day: Honoring the Fallen
Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May, is a time of remembrance and reflection for the brave men and women who have died in military service to the United States. This federal holiday, often associated with the beginning of summer, barbecues, and parades, holds a deep and solemn significance in the nation’s history. […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
From STEM, Let’s Pivot to the BRANCHES of the Humanities
There is no doubt that the neglect of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics – better known as STEM in educational circles – has come at our own peril. Our students’ achievement in mathematics is surely not where other Americans expect it to be, and the comfort of anyone saying “I hate math” is embarrassing. As […]
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 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, […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education
From the U.S. to Brazil, Educators Must Confront Far-Right Extremism
Have you signed up for The Educator’s Room Daily Newsletter? Click here and support independent journalism! The scenes are familiar – protestors wearing national colors, pushing down barricades, beating police officers. Government buildings broken into, offices ransacked, and national symbols desecrated. It sounds like a scene from the far-right attack on the U.S. Capitol two […]
Posted inOpinion
Teaching About Tragedy: The Execution of the Dakota 38
Have you signed up for The Educator’s Room Daily Newsletter? Click here and support independent journalism! December 26 marks the 160th anniversary of the largest mass execution in U.S. history. In 1862, at the height of the Civil War, 38 Dakota men were hanged in Mankato, Minnesota, on the day after Christmas. The events leading up to the war, […]
Posted inPedagogy
Use the World Cup to Score Higher Engagement with Middle Schoolers
Have you signed up for The Educator’s Room Daily Newsletter? Click here and support independent journalism! Studies have shown over and over again that students learn best when they find the content relevant and engaging. Lately, I’ve found my middle school students to be super engaged with the World Cup. Rather than repeating, “Guys, please […]