Gianna Was Right, Her Daddy Changed the World

Four weeks ago, a Black man was lynched. In 2020. I remind myself of that fact each day so that I do not forget what…

Let’s Make This Juneteenth Our Collective Independence Day

As I look at the world right now, I see a lot of belief statements and acknowledgment of past hurts—a reckoning to finally accept that…

I Haven’t Been Doing a Great Job Talking About Racism With My White Children. It’s Time to Step It Up.

I’m going to admit something: I have not been doing a super job talking about racism with my four White stepkids. And part of the…

Our Children Need Us Not to Grow Weary in the Work of Anti-Racism

I am finding it difficult to get through most days without crying, without feeling like water is rising above my head, without feeling a great…

Teachers Must Hold Themselves Accountable for Dismantling Racial Oppression

This week began with a hike in the woods for my family and me in the Shenandoah Valley State Park. Pre COVID-19, our outings consisted…

With a Little Radical Imagination, We Can Prepare Our Students to Become Leaders

Early in the school year, after our daily Pledge of Allegiance, my fifth grader, Cassandra, asked, “Why are people mad when Colin Kaepernick kneels during…

I Can’t Imagine Not Being Able to ‘Dap Up’ My Students Next School Year

Handshakes are a deeply ingrained part of our society, and they play an important role in daily life. Handshakes, or one of their various cultural…

I’m a White Mom With a Black Daughter and I Worry About Her Safety Every Day

I’m a White mom raising a strong, smart and beautiful Black daughter. We look different. I think about this all the time—that she is the…

Don’t Just #RunWithMaud, #Teach4Maud

I laced up my sneakers after quietly rolling out of bed, hoping not to wake up my son, who often sneaks into my room at…

Mrs. O’Brien Wasn’t Always My Favorite Teacher, But She Is Now

I have a long list of students who think I am a pretty good teacher. However, the list of teachers who thought I was a…