Joe Biden and Kamala Harris Must Rise Above a ‘Woke’ Agenda That Limits School Choice

True confession: I didn’t watch the Democratic virtual convention Monday night. Currently I’m maintaining my mental health by mainlining “The West Wing,” sort of like…

As We Return to Learn, We Must Create Choices for Families

As we consider opening back up the nation, let’s not forget to examine the lessons we have learned from COVID-19. Educators and school leaders faced with…

Biden’s Unity Task Force Isn’t Building Education Back Better, It’s Holding Back Progress

I am a quintessential American Democrat, a New York Jew raised by teachers union members whose own parents endured brutal bigotry before they escaped Eastern…

Here’s Why ‘Work Hard, Be Nice’ Isn’t Enough

I am a KIPP alumnus, former teacher, a life-long KIPPster and I am in full support of KIPP’s decision to change their motto, “Work hard. Be nice.” …

White Progressives Have a Lot of Work to Do, and I’m Not Here to Help

When I ran for school board it was the former Minneapolis mayor who was the first elected official to endorse me. She asked me a…

I See Humanity in ‘Full Bloom’ in My COVID-19 Classroom

I used to leave my phone at the front of the classroom in case of emergencies at home. Of course, I didn’t advertise its place…

KIPP Schools’ Response to COVID-19 Went Way Beyond Academics

You often hear that a crisis usually brings out the best in people, and it was certainly the case at KIPP Schools around the country. I…

We Can Unify and Win Better Schools for Our Kids. Here’s How.

During my 33-year journey in public education, I’ve repeatedly experienced the power of unity in achieving desired student outcomes, especially since founding a charter public…

Presidential Candidates Do Not Think All Families Are Created Equal

I’m starting to notice a trend among the presidential candidates. I don’t think they’re vying to be a president who represents all Americans, just some.…

Now That Trump Is Abandoning Charter Schools, Democrats Are Free to Champion a Truly Progressive Education Platform

I could be Bernie Sanders’ daughter. After all, my parents were much like him, children of Eastern European Jewish immigrants who settled in New York…