Teachers, If You Want a Say in What Happens at Your School, You Have to Speak Out

Welcome to a new school year! Amidst the busyness of planning and preparing, remember to take a step back and reflect on how you want…

Want to Help All Students Succeed? Here Are 6 Ways to Walk a Mile in Their Shoes

I recently learned that our building had something really cool happen this school year. A local shoe company donated shoes for students in our building.…

A Charter School Gave My Son Opportunity. Isn’t That What Democrats Should Stand For?

Tonight, the Democratic candidates for president will hold yet another debate, and likely, say very little about education. That’s why I rallied last night with…

Here’s Why We Must Open Schools to Authentic Parent Partnership

When I taught first grade on the Navajo Nation, I’ll never forget when one of my fellow teachers—now my wife—wanted to host an event that…

A Charter School Helped Me Achieve My Dreams, And Now My Kids Are Achieving Theirs, Too

I was born and raised in Monterrey, Mexico, by my Mexican-American mother. Since my mother is American, I inherited American citizenship. But at the age…

Here’s Why Awards Over Rewards Is a Better Approach to Student Motivation

Student motivation can be an elusive goal for teachers. We try to think of “out of the box” strategies to get our kids to feel…

Here’s How a Once-Bullied Kid Became a Fierce Advocate for Students and Education Freedom

As a kid, I was surrounded by people who were making awful choices—choices that led to many of my friends and family members being in…

My School’s Dual Language Immersion Program Helps Immigrant Students Blossom Into Leaders

It’s the first week of the 2018-19 year in my second grade classroom at Munger Mountain Elementary School, and one girl sits apart from the…

Here’s How Teachers Can Help All Students Thrive, Even After Trauma

Fall has always been my favorite season. Having the opportunity to join hundreds of educators at the recent LEAP InnovatED Summit, just days before most…

Why We Need LGBTQ+ Curricula

In 2018, GLSEN’s national school climate study indicated that 59.5% of LGBTQ students “felt unsafe at school because of their sexual orientation and 44.6% felt…