6 Steps Towards Restorative Justice in Your School

In all the talk about the importance of reducing suspensions and other exclusionary discipline practices in schools, one question looms large for most educators and…

Excellence Is Not a ‘White Thing’

“Mom, the kids at school said I act White,” my daughter told me one afternoon a few weeks ago. I asked her why. “Because I…

DeVos Will Recommend the Removal of Civil Rights Protections for Students of Color

Any day now we’re going to hear the news that Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos and the Trump administration are removing guidance meant to reduce…

Stop Trying to ‘All Lives Matter’ the Black Struggle for Educational Justice

Outrage: White People Won’t Be Satisfied Until We Make Our Struggle About Them I get tired of people trying to “All Lives Matter” my advocacy—especially White…

I’m a Teacher Not a Boxer, and I’m Tired of Being Beat Up by My Students

I had a job interview recently. Even though I am pretty well known for my work with older students I was interviewing for a K-2 classroom. There are lots of reasons for the change but there is one reason I have kept to myself. I’m kind of ashamed to say it.…

Here’s What Happens When You Incorporate Equity Into Every Part of a School

In 2015, I co-founded Kingsman Academy Public Charter School. We welcome all high school students and center those who are overage and under-credited, who have…

If You’re Going to Teach Culturally Diverse Students, You Have to Check Your Worldview

Often, there are instances in multicultural education that teachers are flat-out not ready for. Situations that can arise teaching low-income or students of color become…

I Thought Watching Another Teacher Get Right What I Got Wrong Would Hurt. Instead, It Inspired.

A couple weeks ago, I had one of those days. After writing a whole post about how nice my room is, a post that included…

My Ancestor Was in the Confederate Army. That Matters When I’m in Front of Students.

In my current role as an assistant professor of practice at a graduate school of education, one of the things I try to impart to…

D.C.’s School Report Cards Set a New Standard for Community Engagement

As parents dropping our children off at school, many of us may wonder, will they have a good day? Will they do their best? Will…