Student Journalism Changed My Life

Every student deserves the chance to tell their story. Three years ago, to me, the daily proceedings at the vast majority of schools across my…

Before We Discuss ‘Equity in Schools,’ Tell Me What You Really Mean

To know me is to know my aversion to all things “buzzwordy.” My rule of thumb for education is that if it can fit on…

There’s a Difference Between a ‘Good’ School and Choosing Whiteness and Wealth

It’s nearly summer, and while for most that means the end of a school year, for many it also means transition. Preschoolers transition to kindergarten,…

I’m Not Willing to Trade Fixing Income Inequality for Better Schools. We Need to Do Both.

I don’t know about y’all but I get tired of seeing annual reports basically saying the same thing: Black people in America are suffering. Like…

Better Schools Have a Place in Creating a More Equitable America

As someone who spent the first portion of his career deep in the “education reform” movement, I wasn’t surprised when Nick Hanauer’s Atlantic article, “Better…

I’m Tired of My Community Not Having Access to the Schools We Deserve

My little brother is a 10-year-old who loves to create slime, play video games and make friends. He’s growing up in a time where a…

In 2016 I Gave Money to the Bernie Campaign. Now I’ll Be Damned If I Give a Single Penny.

In 2016, I gave money to the Bernie Sanders presidential campaign. It was and remains the first and only time I have ever given a…

Wealthy, White People Are Still in the Business of School Segregation

What’s causing school segregation? Some people say charter schools—I say it’s White people.   Before y’all get upset, I’m not saying it’s all White people—just…

As Long as There’s White Privilege, We’re Going to Need Affirmative Action

Affirmative action: For years, some people have balked at it, while others have been actively trying to dismantle it. But we need to embrace it,…

It Is No More Progressive to Take Dollars From Teachers Union Lobbyists Than It Is to Take Dollars From the NRA

This is for my fellow progressives and Democrats. Beware those who lambaste charter schools in the name of “public education.” Beware those who decry “privatization.”…