I’m One of the Most Well-Known LGBTQ Teachers in the US and I Was Called Out by a Fourth-Grader for Failing to Be Gender Neutral

I messed up today. I messed up, and a nine-year-old called me out. In front of the whole class. That’s right, one of the most…

My Student Turned His Life Around Thanks to Hands-On Learning

When I first met Oscar, a junior at Health & Science High School in Beaverton, Oregon, he was an extremely disengaged, cynical young man. He…

We Have to Treat Every Student Like They’re Our Own, That Includes Transgender Students

Our job is about a promise to every parent who leaves their child with us. We promise to watch over their children and teach them.…

Yes, I’ve Been Hit by Students, But I Still Believe Suspensions and Expulsions Are Not the Answer

Betsy DeVos wants to end the Obama-era discipline guidance that addresses the over-suspension and expulsion of students of color. Betsy DeVos is wrong. And I…

I’m a Teacher Not a Boxer, and I’m Tired of Being Beat Up by My Students

I had a job interview recently in special education. Even though I am pretty well known for my work with older students I was interviewing for a K-2 special education classroom. There are lots of reasons for the change but there is one reason I have kept to myself. I’m kind of ashamed to say it.…

I Thought I Knew How to Support Students of Color Until I Learned This

A few months into my time as Oregon’s Teacher of the Year I was asked to speak to the largest gathering of teachers in my…

I’m Sick of Being a Token, It’s Time for Some Real Student Voice

With the surge of student activism after the Parkland, Florida, mass shooting, such as student walkouts, students have entered a critical moment: Are decision-makers finally…

Stephen Hawking Showed Us That Every Student Has Hidden Talents, Even Those With Profound Disabilities

Last night, I heard the news of Stephen Hawking’s passing. He and I had been corresponding these past few weeks and I knew he had…

This Story About Justin Bieber and Mac and Cheese Is Why I Love Teaching

I want to tell you a little story about macaroni and cheese and the battle of Lawrence Welk versus Justin Bieber. I could not write…

Teachers, We Are Failing Our LGBT Youth. But There’s Something You Can Do Right Now.

I’m a numbers guy. I love a good debate or emotional plea, but nothing moves me more than good old solid math. If you want…