Parents, Stop Freaking Out, Teachers Aren’t Perfect Either

This year, there will be no more school bells. There will be no more pencils to sharpen or papers to pass out. There will be…

This Is the One Time I Actually Do Want to Hear From Betsy Devos

In the past few days, I have received countless correspondence from every online vendor I have ever purchased anything from—the gym, doctor’s office, restaurants, stores.…

Schools Like This One Might Have an Easier Time Going Virtual

As COVID-19 continues to spread across New Jersey, “long term school closures are inevitable,” said Governor Phil Murphy on Friday. All across the country school districts…

My School Let Me Work a Four-Day Week. It Changed Everything.

Last spring, as a teacher at Alma del Mar Charter Public School in New Bedford, Massachusetts, I got to participate in the pilot of something…

There’s Ineffective Teaching in Every School. It Doesn’t Have to Be This Way.

I recently heard a familiar, stinging remark from a policymaker: Allison, if we’re going to increase education funding significantly, we must address the issue of…

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…

Here’s How Teachers Can Support Their Experiences With Data to Improve Schools

Teachers aren’t asked nearly often enough what they think about the issues that are impacting our students, schools and profession. As teachers ourselves in Chicago…

Here’s Why Every Teacher Needs a Mentor

Regardless of your profession, mentorship can be powerful. We need long term teacher mentoring in education. This is one way to improve the quality of…

Not Everything Of Value in Education Can Be Captured By a Number

WHAT WE GOT RIGHT: In trying to capture the story of a decade in education, the temptation is to focus entirely on what can be quantified, from test scores to funding. In looking at these numbers, it can be easy to fall into the trap of focusing exclusively on what has gone wrong in schools.…

The Week Before Winter Break Doesn’t Have to Be a Nightmare

One of the hardest weeks of the school year is the week before winter break.  The turn up is real. Students start acting as if…