Finding ‘Common Ground’ Will Be Tough in Virtual Classrooms

Some teachers may face addressing cultural differences virtually this fall, as school districts nationwide consider taking instruction online during the 2020-2021 academic year in response…

This Moment Demands a New, Race-Conscious Approach to Education

All across the country confederate statues are coming down, schools and road names are changing too. In my home state, New Mexico, we’re beginning to…

Culturally Relevant Teaching Isn’t ‘Indoctrination.’ It’s The First Step Toward Justice.

Back in 2018, I was really fed up with the major incidents of discrimination and hatred going on around the country. (Remember Charlottesville? Or when…

Native Families Have Used School Choice to Save Their Children for More Than 50 Years

When their sons were told they’d have to cut their hair to continue attending the local public school, Jerry and Pat Roy began homeschooling their…

I Refuse to Trick Latinx Educators Into Entering a Profession That Doesn’t Support Them

WHAT WE GOT RIGHT: I was a Latinx teacher. I loved it. I couldn’t afford to stay in it, but you need to, and I’ll help.…

10 Books to Help Your Students Find the Diverse Voices They Need to Hear

The day my teaching changed forever didn’t happen in a classroom. It happened at the local mall, in a bookstore that was going out of…

Here’s How to Help Your Students Find the Voices Missing From the Traditional Thanksgiving Story

In the elementary classroom, teachers often shy away from teaching a more critical viewpoint of “traditional history” for fear of how this shift will be…

Stop Spreading Lies About Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is upon us—in the air, in the trees, in the longer nights and anticipation of a long weekend. But also, in the grocery stores…

Culture-Based Education Looks Like This Wellness Program for Native Youth

Can outside speakers influence, inspire or motivate students if they just parachute in for the day and don’t have relationships with the young people with…

The ELL Population Is Growing, But Where Are the Teachers to Help Them Excel?

Your first year of teaching isn’t usually filled with victories, but I’ll never forget the brightest moment of mine. It was a Friday in early…