How English Learners Got Left Behind in the Drive Towards Equity

WHAT WE GOT WRONG: Many years ago, back in 2014, when the world was young and American politics had not yet gone wholly off the rails, I launched a policy research team to focus on young English learners (ELs). …

Believe It or Not, Trump and DeVos Have Done Some Good for American Education

WHAT WE GOT RIGHT: I’ve been leading Getting NYC Kindergarten and Getting Into NYC High School workshops for New York City parents for approximately 15 years. But only since the 2016 presidential elections has the question began popping up during the Q&A portion: How is (Education Secretary) Betsy DeVos going to affect my child’s education?…

Here’s Why You Should Be Podcasting in the Classroom

Six years ago, my school, Ames High School went one-to-one and handed every student a laptop. This was a major shift for many of our…

Here’s What Students Stand to Gain From the Chicago Teachers Strike

On Wednesday, the Chicago Teachers Union’s (CTU) House of Delegates approved a tentative agreement in a tight vote. The CTU deal includes good pay and holds the line…

If You Are Latina and They Say You Can’t Achieve, I’m Here to Say Si Se Puede!

As a sixth-grader, I stood near my new school’s entrance, trying to find solace in a corner. It was my first day attending school in…

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…

I’m Latina, and That Matters for My Students

I sat in my third grade classroom staring at the board with panic in my chest. I was worried that the kids would think I…

My School’s Dual Language Immersion Program Helps Immigrant Students Blossom Into Leaders

It’s the first week of the 2018-19 year in my second grade classroom at Munger Mountain Elementary School, and one girl sits apart from the…

A Teacher’s First Year: The Good, The Bad and the Beautiful

Joining a new school community comes with a unique set of challenges. In addition to the difficulties inherent in any new school year, new teachers…

Teaching English Language Learners Starts With Putting Yourself in Their Shoes

When teaching English Language Learners (ELLs), the most important and beneficial thing you can do is put yourself in their shoes.  Imagine moving to a…