Here’s a Breakdown on Why I Told My Students I Was Racist

“Mr. Wright, are you racist?” “Absolutely,” I said. “I’m a White man in America. What else could I be?” So began a piece I wrote…

How Anti-Blackness Can Show Up in Our Teaching and We Don’t Even Recognize It

Just before winter break, my various timelines were awash with pictures of a young man forced to have his hair cut by a wrestling referee.…

Showing Up and Doing Well in School Should Lead to Better Opportunity But It’s Not Always True

Low-income and minority students are not being challenged nearly as much as their White peers in high school, according to a new study produced by…

My Student Asked Me If I Was Racist So I Told the Truth and Said Yes

“Mr. Wright, are you racist?” My West Philadelphia classroom, which had been filled with the sounds of shuffling papers, squeaking chairs, and the quintessential high-paced…

After a Year Like 2018, Teachers Can No Longer Stay Silent About Injustice

After a year like this one, I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting and questioning how so many injustices can still exist in our nation…

December Can Be Tough. Let’s Bring Empathy and Grace Into Our Schools in the New Year

Everyday moments have the power to transform our thinking around the most important ideas in education. I was stopped cold in my tracks by just…

How You Can Help Your Students Cope With Holiday Stress

Not all of your students look forward to the upcoming holiday season. Students may exhibit more frequent or new behaviors this time of year. The…

Trump and DeVos Should Know What It Means for Our Students of Color When They Remove Discipline Guidance

The 2014 federal school discipline guidance—which the Federal School Safety Commission today said should be scrapped—isn’t just about policy and data, it’s about Gee. This…

Yes, I’ve Been Hit by Students, But I Still Believe Suspensions and Expulsions Are Not the Answer

Betsy DeVos wants to end the Obama-era discipline guidance that addresses the over-suspension and expulsion of students of color. Betsy DeVos is wrong. And I…

I’m a Teacher Not a Boxer, and I’m Tired of Being Beat Up by My Students

I had a job interview recently in special education. Even though I am pretty well known for my work with older students I was interviewing for a K-2 special education classroom. There are lots of reasons for the change but there is one reason I have kept to myself. I’m kind of ashamed to say it.…