I’m All for Seeking Out Different Perspectives, but Let’s Teach History With the Truth in Mind

You’ve all heard the phrase. You might have even said it yourself: Schools should teach history from the perspective of the time. It certainly sounds…

Three (Ignorant) Arguments Used to Ban Critical Race Theory

To understand the legislative attacks on Critical Race Theory (CRT) that aim to make teaching CRT in schools—including concepts like white supremacy, systemic racism, and the like—illegal,…

Since Critical Race Theory Is Being Called ‘Indoctrination,’ Let’s Go There

I wanna have a heart to heart with my Black people real quick. Last week I found out Idaho passed a bill to ban the…

For Teacher Appreciation Week, Let’s Give Teachers Something They Really Want

I wanted to write the standard feel-good piece for Teacher Appreciation Week. I really did, but it just felt inauthentic. Don’t get me wrong. I…

We Can’t Protect Our Students From Racism, But We Can Prepare Them to Combat and Reject It

On January 6, when an angry mob stormed the Capitol, I was in the middle of teaching my 7th grade English language arts students about…

The Only Cure for White Supremacy Is To Teach Students Real American History

On January 6, as my students were learning about the history of trench warfare during World War I, I had no idea that our own…

For Black History Month, Start with Local History

February is Black History Month. It is a time to highlight Black excellence and learn about Black people who have made a difference. It’s also…

Students Don’t Just Study Black History, They Are Black History

*Mic check* (Ahem). Educators: Are you aware that this month is Black History Month? Have you asked your students, specifically your Black students, what they’d like…

There Is a Right Way to Process Current Events With Your Students

The certification of the electoral votes from the 2020 election was already going to be a contentious issue, but the events that transpired go far…

Our Students Need More Than Our Outrage, They Need Dialogue

On the afternoon of last Wednesday’s attempted insurrection at the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C., Twitter was a refuge. While living and working in…