City Year Offers Schools a Research-Backed Guide to Plan for Next Year

When our students return to school this fall, it won’t be “business as usual” for them—or for any of us. Student success—particularly during this disruptive…

To Teach Black Children Superbly Is a Revolutionary Act

Dear Freedom School Literacy Team 2020, Across the nation, we started the summer of 2020, lighting up the streets with rage. We rage for George…

From West Philly to the Jersey Suburbs, We Can All Take Steps to Change the World

I remember my years at The University of Vermont (UVM) in the early 2000s as days of idealism—passionate people driven with passionate resolve to change…

My Students Want to Learn, But They Don’t Have Access to the Internet

As an educator, I learned early on that relationships are key to learning. I’ve always genuinely looked forward to coming to school, greeting my students…

I Used to Like Dr. Oz, But Now He’s Coming for the Children

Dr. Mehmet Oz says we need our mojo back! This week he appeared on “The Sean Hannity Show” to pontificate a possible plan for the…

Millions of Low-Income Students Are Being Denied Access to Internet

Access to public education is now a fundamental right. All 50 states mandate public education in their state constitutions. Once states made public education compulsory,…

If We’re Going to Be Home From Work, We Might as Well Make a Difference

Due to Covid-19, whether we want to or not, our work lives may have to be a whole lot closer to home. Those of us…

Here’s One Way to Talk With Teachers About Race in Schools

I’m five hours into facilitating a professional development on race for a group of teachers.  Overall, the morning was positive: everyone has remained engaged in…

We Need to Stop Pitting Cash-Strapped Schools Against One Another

Imagine a dinner table laden with food and drink, covered end to end with the finest china, porcelain and crystal. Wine glasses filled with the…

Here’s How We Can Attract, Prepare and Support Teachers to Improve Student Outcomes

Becoming a teacher isn’t sexy. For one, there is no economic incentive; for many people, completing teacher preparation programs means taking on even more student…