We Can’t Just Teach About Heroes and Holidays and Call It Culturally Responsive

In a recent training on culturally responsive teaching, I was introduced to a theory called the “Stages of Multicultural Transformation.” It goes something like this.…

I Don’t Want ‘Well-Behaved’ Students, I Want Students Who Will Challenge the Status Quo

“Well-behaved women seldom make history.” I have pondered over this Laurel Ulrich quote for several years after hearing it, and especially during Women’s History Month.…

Haifa Was Forced to Choose Between Her Faith and School, She Chose Faith

There are students who admire the change and influence of great women in history. And then there are students who use their own influence to…

In the Wake of Christchurch, Sanaa Kahloon Refuses to Let Hatred Win

After the recent mass shooting at a mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand, new attention has been called to the fears that Muslims experience every day.…

Heyssis Castillo Cut Her Hair in High School to Prove a Point About Beauty Standards

Throughout her four years at Codman, Heyssis was a pillar of leadership, individuality, strength and professionalism. Like all students, Heyssis underwent her own journey of…

Whether It’s Science Olympiad or Dungeons & Dragons, Lindsey Gwilt’s Taking Charge

Lindsey Gwilt is a young woman who is going places. Born in Albany and raised in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, she has been a student at BART…

Women’s History Month Is a Time for Young Girls to See Themselves

March is Women’s History Month. For those of us who are history buffs and/or have the job of teaching history, these themed-month celebrations are really…

Going to a Women’s HBCU Inspired Me to Fight for College Access for Everyone

At my small high school in East St. Louis, Illinois, going away to college was not accessible to all. The few most promising students were…

Black Girls Need More Than Michelle Obama

There’s danger in the singular Michelle Obama Black girl role-model narrative. There has been a beautiful picture circulating of a young African-American girl looking up…

Here’s How You Know When You Need to Check Your Microaggressions at the Front Door

If I had money to wager, I’d bet that if you’re a female teacher, this has happened to you. You’re in a meeting and you…