Teachers, I Hate Feedback as Much as You, but Sometimes We Need to Hear It

Once, many years ago, I was arguing with a colleague. I have no idea what we were arguing about. I am sure, however, that I…

We Can Unleash the Genius of Our Students by Putting the Arts at the Center

This essay is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Patrick Pritchard from Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia, who recently passed away on March 6, 2021.…

We’re Not Even Close To Realizing Dr. King’s Dream

Two years ago I was fortunate enough to attend a showing of “Hamilton” in my hometown of Atlanta. A huge group from Atlanta Public Schools…

I Can’t Expect Some Magical Black Character to Declare Me ‘Good White People.’ I Have to Do the Work.

It was a year ago that I tried sweet potato pie for the first time. Now, I am white and, though I have lived in…

Black Boys Don’t Need You to Fix Them

White people need to watch the new film, “Black Boys.” There is only one problem—I am worried that it will prove to be a siren…

Join the National Day of Action Demanding #InternetForAll

There are at least 15 million students in this country who don’t have reliable access to the internet. With schools closed during a pandemic, that…

Demand #InternetForAll for 15 Million Students Who Are #LoggedOut

On Wednesday, August 26, education activists and organizations around the country are staging a national day of action, demanding that every student have access to…

America, I Know You’re Tired: A Letter From a Virtual Teacher

Dear America, Let me get this out of the way first thing: I am a public school teacher, and I wish I were in the…

Today Should Have Been Our First Day of School

For 14 years I have taught math at the same high school. The entirety of my career—three thousand students, eighty classes, 13 preps, five rooms,…

Families Don’t Have Tech Support They Need for Remote Learning

To create a truly successful distance learning program, you need more than just devices and connectivity.  In the midst of the flurry of news regarding…