Six Tips for Talking to Kids About Coronavirus

As much as we want to put on a brave face and continue living our life like “normal,” the underlying levels of anxiety continue to…

Here’s How Teachers Can Support Their Experiences With Data to Improve Schools

Teachers aren’t asked nearly often enough what they think about the issues that are impacting our students, schools and profession. As teachers ourselves in Chicago…

Project-Based Learning Can Show Students That What They Study Matters in the ‘Real World’

Both formal research and experience suggest that when students have fun, they are more likely to be engaged and retain the material they learn. But…

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?…

When It Comes to Teaching Reading, When Will We Get It Right?

This summer, it seems like nobody took time off from the debate about how best to teach children to read. Emily Hanford’s latest documentary explores…

Classroom Jobs Let Students Take Control of Their Own Learning

Is there anyone happier than a 6-year-old who has been entrusted with an important task? Kiddos, in my experience, like almost nothing better than to…

Charter Schools Must Be Part of the Solution for Desegregation

America is more diverse than it’s ever been, as are the students attending public schools, but you wouldn’t know it by looking at individual schools.…

I’m an Immigrant and a Student and My Voice Matters

When I was about 7 years old, I immigrated to the United States from Mexico. It was 2008 and I arrived in New York City…

I’ve Educated All Over North America and Now I’m Bringing That Experience to My Own Los Angeles School

Growing up it was difficult to escape discussions about education. Whether it was homework projects at the time or the future investments in my college…

My Sister’s Battle With Severe Mental Illness Taught Me Never to Stand for Pretense

My parents, Jerry and Emily, had three daughters. I’m the oldest, followed by Carla two years later, and then my youngest sister. Carla, I’m told,…