In a Season of Gratitude, I’m Thankful for Our ‘Village’

It was late August, and suddenly, the moment I’d been anticipating for years had arrived. My husband and I were dropping off our baby, Nyanja,…

Here’s How Cutting-Edge Charter School Leaders of Color Engage Families for Student Success

For decades, parents and charter school administrators have cultivated best practices to build inclusive, welcoming and student-centered school communities across the country. From single-site schools…

I’m a Teacher and I Don’t Want Your Blind Support. I Want You to Challenge Me.

I am a teacher. I care about my students and work really hard. I have spent my entire 14-year career working in urban schools, and…

How to Throw a Big Ass House Party and Change the Game for Our Kids

Got you with the title, didn’t I? LOL! But since I have you here, let me tell you how to throw a big ass house…

Every Parent-Teacher Conference Should Look Like This

I have a confession to make. I am an educator who doesn’t enjoy participating in parent-teacher conferences as a parent. Our son is a junior…

These Parent-Teacher Conferences Are Harder to Get Into Than a Jimmy Buffett Concert

First, a 30-minute student-led parent-teacher conference with one child’s homeroom teacher. Then, six five-minute conferences with another son’s individual subject teachers. And lastly, a 10-minute…

They Won’t Just Fix the Schools for Us, We Have to Make Them Do It

Dear parents, Guess what? If you hate your child’s school or aren’t satisfied with the quality of education they’re receiving, you shouldn’t expect anyone to…

Want to Help All Students Succeed? Here Are 6 Ways to Walk a Mile in Their Shoes

I recently learned that our building had something really cool happen this school year. A local shoe company donated shoes for students in our building.…

Families Are the ‘Sleeping Giant’ That Will Redefine Education

It’s no surprise that I work in education. It’s in my blood. My grandmother Alberta, a proud Chicana, lived in the projects in downtown Denver…