Nobody Likes a Teachers Strike. Here’s How We Can Work to Avoid Them.

Nobody likes a teachers strike. I know. I have lived through a number of them. And I’m doing it again this week. My life and…

Hosting the Super Bowl Is Nice But Atlanta’s Kids Need a Champion of Excellent Schools

As the mother of 11-year-old twins, I spend every day planning, supporting and coordinating their lives. I have also worked in their school, sat on…

I Almost Sided With the L.A. Teachers Union Until I Remembered They Weren’t Striking for Kids

Outrage: Teachers Strikes Aren’t for the Kids! This video about why teachers in L.A. were going on strike had me on the union’s side for…

School Choice Is Why I’ll Get Both a High School Diploma and an Associate’s Degree at the Same Time

In my life, I’ve attended five different types of schooling options, and I will graduate with my associate’s degree before I complete my high school…

I Know I’ve Made the Best Choice for My Son When School Feels Like Family

Gifts come in all different shapes and sizes—a family vacation, a surprise birthday party, or flowers on Valentine’s Day. But I have received one of…

Before a Child Can Learn They Need to Feel Safe and Cared For

The life of a high-powered literary agent in New York City seems about the farthest thing from my life as a teacher serving largely low-income…

I Don’t Want More White Apologies in 2019 Just More Schools for Us By Us

Outrage: White People, Keep Your Apologies in 2019 Dear White people, I don’t want your apologies in 2019. Future BBQ Beckys, Corner Store Carolines, you…

XQ’s 19th Super School Is an Oakland Diverse-by-Design Charter High School Founded by a Local Teacher

Today, Latitude High School becomes the 19th XQ Super School, and receives a five-year, $10 million grant to further its innovative work deepening students’ connections…

Every New Year Black Families Await the Promise of Better Schools

Almost every December 31, at 7:00 p.m., my family joins the Avenging the Ancestors Coalition (ATAC) to honor our ancestors who awaited in breathtaking suspense…

If We Really Want to Change Our Schools, We Need to Get Real About What’s Happening in Them

Thirteen years after Hurricane Katrina and the reunification of all schools under the governing of Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB), we are still having conversations…