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
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
Read MoreWe 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
Read MoreI 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
Read MoreHere’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
Read MoreAdvocating 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
Read MoreBlack 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
Read MoreYes, 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
Read MoreHow 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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