This post written by Catherine Durkin Robinson originally appeared on the RedefinED blog. I’ve been a militant advocate, organizer and member of the Democratic Party for 30 years. A few months ago, I quit identifying as a Democrat. It had been building within me for a while. I could no longer stomach the Democratic Party’s support […]
If You Want Great Schools, Build Great School Climates
Seeds don’t grow in bad soil. It doesn’t matter how much water or sunlight you give them or how much you drown them in Miracle-Gro. If you plant a seed in rocky soil, don’t expect much to happen. School climate – characterized by high expectations, positive relationships, student engagement, and more – is the soil […]
Some Teachers Are Making a Big Mistake With Recent Tenure Study
Some teachers in Florida are holding up a new study by the Brookings Institute as proof that state leaders should stop meddling with certain parts of our education system. They shouldn’t. The title of the report raises a provocative question: Did Tenure Reform In Florida Improve Student Test Scores? Read a couple paragraphs in and […]
Florida Lawmakers Say Pretending to Evaluate Teachers Is Vital to Fixing Schools
(Disclaimer: This is satire. To all those who think the politicians mentioned and quoted in the article below would actually admit to these realities, thank you for your faith in humanity.) Florida has a long, proud history of pretending to evaluate teachers and two Republican lawmakers, Rep. Rene Plasencia and Sen. Debbie Mayfield, say they’re […]
When Legends Support Innovative Teachers
John Legend says half his freshman class made it 4 years to graduation. He not only graduated second in that class, but went on to college on a scholarship. Now as a successful songwriter, he attributes his success to teachers who believed in him. Now, he’s cofounded LRNG Innovators to fund great teachers leading exciting […]
She Was A Racist Teacher And She Didn’t Even Know It
This teacher, and educational leader, bravely shares her journey toward humanity. She’s calling out her own fears, the hard road of learning to be an anti-racist and recognizing her white privilege. I see with new eyes the huge advantage I’ve been given by being born White, how it has opened doors for me, but I […]
Tired Summer Parents’ Open Letter To Teachers
Dear Teachers and Administrators, Welcome back. We hope you are well rested and ready for our babies because they are ready for you! We can’t wait to see you on the first day of school. From our average working-class family to yours, there are a few things you should know about how my family will […]
Real Talk With A 3rd, 7th, 8th and 10th Grader At The End Of Summer
We head back to school next week. And, though I’m trying to squeeze in a few more late nights and summer beach bummin’ I have to admit I’m ready for them to head back to the classroom. But while there is a motley crew of age groups rolling around in my house on the last days of summer, I decided to interview them. Here’s what an 8 […]
Safety in the Classroom Faces New Threats
Teaching is a noble profession. Isn’t that what we say? I kinda think we say that because it’s sacrificial… like being a soldier. After all, don’t we always talk about our teachers being on the “frontlines” and “fighting” for our kids? Sounds sacrificial to me. So, are we protecting teachers? Are we showing them great honor for their “sacrifice”? I think at the very […]