Hey, New Teacher, We Want to Help You #TeachStrong

I see you, New Teacher. I see you scurry through the door each morning, loaded down like a pack mule with your teacher bags and…

Teach For America Experience Should Not Discredit DeRay

As a resident and teacher in Baltimore City, I have been paying close attention to the mayoral race, and the debate about DeRay Mckesson’s ability…

Truth Is, I Don’t Want to Be a Helicopter Mom But What Are My Options?

“Hi! I’m Ra’Son’s mom, Ramie, nice to meet you.” It’s the same sentence I’ve uttered every August for the last four years, the same one…

If You Think How We’re Educating Black Kids Has Nothing to Do With Gentrification, You’re Wrong

Let’s take a look at how we are educating black kids. This is a national issue, but I’ll focus on the place I live, Oakland.…

Don’t Be Fooled by Biased Financial Literacy Programs

Can I be honest? The politically right thing to say in financial literacy circles is that we need educators—from elementary to high-school level—to teach our…

We Feel You, Bey. Ed Reform Suffers From the Same Biases.

Blaming Beyonce for police officer killings puts a shiver down my spine. Even someone so beloved pays a price for challenging the status quo. It…

Coffee Break: Kaya Henderson on Smashing Disbelief, Lessons for Reform and Beachside Sunsets

Following the departure of Michelle Rhee, Chancellor Kaya Henderson has brought leadership strength and stability to District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS). And the bold reforms and academic…

A Long Island High School Where ‘You Never Run Into a Closed Door’

The first time Dr. James Hunderfund entered Malverne High School, the hallways felt “hostile.” “You didn’t want to stay in one place too long,” he…

John King Is a Leader Who Knows Firsthand the Power of Great Schools

John King knows that a great school can make the difference between hope and despair for a child. He became a teacher because his life…

Every Kid Needs a Champion, and Mrs. Saxon Was Mine

If you haven’t seen this video demonstrating the power of a good teacher, stop reading this blog now and watch it. You’ll see the tearful surprise…