Mental Health Should Be a Top Priority at Schools This Fall

Mental Health Should Be a Top Priority at Schools This Fall

As COVID-19 disrupted school for children statewide, many educators were focused on maintaining academic progress. That’s certainly important. But in my ex

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If I Hadn't Been in Class the Day We Talked About 'Rules,' My Classmates Would Have Some Strange Ideas about Autism

If I Hadn’t Been in Class the Day We Talked About ‘Rules,’ My Classmates Would Have Some Strange Ideas about Autism

In class a few days ago, we started reading the book “Rules.” The book is about a girl about my age who has a brother with autism. This book is supposed to

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We Must Vote for the Candidates Who Will Implement the Right Policies for Our Kids

We Must Vote for the Candidates Who Will Implement the Right Policies for Our Kids

I first met Shennell McCloud when she was Director of Recruitment, and then as Director of Advocacy for KIPP New Jersey, a charter school network with scho

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I Hope I Never Lose Another Student to Suicide

I Hope I Never Lose Another Student to Suicide

“I’m going to end it!” Unsure of what I heard, I questioned back, “End what?”  Her response was, “My life!” This brief encounter led to a walk where Reagan

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Here’s How the Presidential Candidates Stack Up on Community Schools

Here’s How the Presidential Candidates Stack Up on Community Schools

When the families of Chicago’s Spry Elementary and I launched Spry Community Links High School, the city’s first community school serving students from pre

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Advocating for My Students Requires Being Political on My Own Time

Advocating for My Students Requires Being Political on My Own Time

With election season upon us, like clockwork, the collective efforts to stifle the political opinions of educators has begun. Navigating this climate requi

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Black Excellence Does Exist and It Lives in Our Kids

Black Excellence Does Exist and It Lives in Our Kids

I’m guilty of saying Black boys and girls are failing in school—a good chunk of us are. Going forward, I’m committing to correcting that language and minds

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Yes, White Teachers Still Need to Be Ready to Talk to Students About Race

Yes, White Teachers Still Need to Be Ready to Talk to Students About Race

“What’s the difference between a killing and a lynching?” The question popped up on my phone through the Google Hangouts app I installed in March. Since st

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How to Raise Children Who Celebrate Diversity

How to Raise Children Who Celebrate Diversity

Nearly a century ago, Father Flanagan, the founder of Boys Town, said, It costs so little to teach a child to love, and so much to teach him to hate. Recen

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