Y’all realize you can’t buy #antiracism, right? – Tiffany Jewell There’s something about the current times that has me in my feelings and my mind more than usual. About a week ago, Tiffany Jewell (support her on Patreon) posted “Y’all realize you can’t buy #antiracism, right?” on Twitter. At first read, I nodded my head…
Poetry is many things. It is: • an art form • a creative expression of emotions and feelings • a layered form of communication • FREEDOM As an ELA or social studies teacher, there are a number of ways to leverage poetry to delve into complex topics. One way I do this, is by making…
One question I often receive is “what are anti-bias and anti-racist actions I can take on a daily basis?” A great question, but I am no expert…who is? I am a teacher seeking to do better by my school community every time I step in front of students. That said, I get it wrong. I…
This is a guest post from Nicole Brisbane who is a former 6th grade ELA teacher and current New York State Director for Democrats for Education Reform. The latest presidential election had many classrooms abuzz with political chatter. Some students came in fearful about their immigration status and that of their parents and families’ abilities…
I told my 4th grade teacher that I wanted to be Oprah when I grow up. This was before Oprah was OPRAH, OWN Network, and the O Magazine. This was when (to me) she was simply the “black lady on tv everyday.” I vividly recall my teacher giggling and noting, “You can’t be that, pick…
“Why are the girls wearing their hoodies outside?” A few years ago, while teaching in Florida I had an interesting encounter with my principal. The entire 5th grade team was outside for field day when I spotted something that sent me back to my middle school experience. Almost all of the Black girls were wearing…
In the daily grind of teaching, we can get stuck in neutral when it comes to seemingly controversial issues. This is the point where our engine is on, we’re in the car, we can go anywhere, but choose to go nowhere. Neutral is comfortable. And safe. It’s clean cut and straight laced. But… Teaching is…
Guest Post: This post was written by a colleague, Jeff Reamer who shares my passion for real talk! He’s also willing to share additional resources and/or context. Please keep the conversation going in the comments! I was once at a professional development in which a group of predominantly white teachers was discussing the importance of academic…
Teachers are responsible for so much in a given day. Nothing is more important than ensuring that students are safe (emotionally and physically) and positioned to give their best effort. Teachers play a critical role in setting the tone and creating a strong classroom climate. Below are a few dos and don’ts that are a…
My school has student “expeditions” which are week long deep dives into a particular area of interest for students. The purpose of expeditions is to create a general learning experience that exposes students to a particular professional field. I was assigned to create “CSI” in my classroom (despite no background knowledge other than what…
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