Recently, after reading a troubling article in the New York Times detailing students’ alarming pranks against teachers, I found myself drawn to the comments section. While I shared in the outcry for discipline and action, I couldn’t help but cringe at the focus on the perceived lack of empathy displayed by the students. Research indicates […]
From the Front Lines
Posted inAsk a Teacher
Teach with humility; Achieve the impossible in teaching expectations
It seems to me that being a modern-day teacher is more challenging than ever before. On average, 15% of students nationwide receive IDEA services for individualized education plans (NCES, 2023). In addition, national movements to improve outcomes for struggling learners (eg. multi-tiered systems of support) have vastly shifted the roles and responsibilities of the traditional […]
Posted inFeatured
Teachers, The Ted Lassos of the Educational World
Warning: Spoiler alert to Ted Lasso Season 1-3! A friend recently recommended that I watch Ted Lasso. For those not in the know, it’s a show about an American coach who takes over an English football club. Despite what at times seems like the entire world against him, Ted Lasso keeps positive and as he […]
Posted inFrom the Front Lines
Equity In TAG Implementation: Pull-Out Services Vs. Differentiated Instruction
My son, Atticus, was nominated to be tested for the Talented and Gifted (TAG) program in first grade. He got on a school bus for the very first time and spent 4 hours taking tests at a nearby school. A few months later, we were shocked to learn that his scores officially placed him into […]
Posted inBook Review
Teacher Fired for Teaching Dear Martin
A former North Carolina teacher sued a North Carolina public school in federal court, alleging that he was fired from his job for teaching students the novel Dear Martin about racial justice after white parents complained. On Monday, June 12th, Markayle Gray sued Charlotte Secondary School Inc. in North Carolina in federal court Monday. The allegations include […]
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 inFrom the Front Lines
My Union Showed Up for Me, and I’ll Never Forget It
Have you signed up for The Educator’s Room Daily Newsletter? Click here and support independent journalism! In my 20-plus years in education, the union has been in the background of my career until very recently. I have always known that the union negotiates contracts and would provide support if I needed legal assistance, but I […]
Posted inPrincipals' Corner
Adaptive Intelligence, a Powerful Tool for School Leaders
Have you signed up for The Educator’s Room Daily Newsletter? Click here and support independent journalism! Adaptive Intelligence: Leading from the Head, Heart, and Gut Adaptability as a school leader is a great skill. A typical day in a school is filled with ever-changing moments. Putting out fires throughout the day keeps you on the […]