First Person
Teaching Profession
Opinion
Teaching Never Gets Any Easier. But It Gets Better
Justin Minkel used to dream of when teaching would feel easier. He's realized that that day won't arrive, but that he's now a better teacher.
School & District Management
Opinion
How My Students Led a Voter Registration Drive, and Why Yours Should, Too
When students organized a drive to register their fellow students, they found their voice and their power, writes teacher Jacqulyn Whang.
School & District Management
Opinion
In These Scary Times, Here's the 'Welcome Back to School' Letter I Wish I'd Received
As a Latina educator and parent, Victoria Onodera wishes she’d gotten a welcome-back letter from school leaders that acknowledged families' fears in this political climate. So she wrote one.
Teaching
First Person
I Tried a Flexible-Seating Classroom. Here's What I Learned
Experimenting with new types and arrangements of furniture can radically change your students' classroom experience, writes Julia Cin.
School Climate & Safety
Opinion
The Urgent Need for Anti-Racist Education
In the wake of an uptick in hate crimes, we need to teach students to actively work against racism, writes Christina Torres.
Teacher Preparation
Opinion
I Knew Toni Morrison. She Was a Gifted Teacher
An unexpected friendship with the author and Nobel laureate gave this professor—and her preservice teachers and their middle school students—insight into Morrison’s talents as a teacher.
Teaching Profession
Opinion
How Growth Mindset Makes for Better Student Writing
When students begin to value their own improvement, and see their weaknesses as opportunities, the grades will come, writes teacher Stephanie Curtis.
Teaching Profession
Opinion
Why Teachers Should Write
Whether writing for an audience or reflecting for themselves, teachers can make sense of life in the classroom by putting pen to paper.
Teaching Profession
Opinion
I'm a Black Teacher Who Works for a Black Principal. It's Been a Game Changer
After years of working for white principals and feeling sidelined and misunderstood, teacher Gemayel Hazard sought out a principal of color. Now, both his and his students’ needs are being fully addressed, he writes.
Reading & Literacy
Opinion
Teaching Vocabulary Takes More Than Just Talking About Words During Read-Aloud
Time pressures cause some teachers to ignore important components of literacy, writes 1st grade teacher Brittany Oakley. Explicit vocabulary instruction is one of them.
Reading & Literacy
Opinion
Why We Shouldn't Teach Literature With Excerpts
Reading an excerpt of a book is like looking at a corner of a painting, writes teacher Ariel Sacks. Students miss out on the experience of the piece as it was intended.
Teaching Profession
Opinion
Complaining About Students Is Toxic. Here Are 4 Ways to Stop
In teachers’ lounges & copy rooms all over the country, teachers complain about their students. But it’s toxic for students & for teachers.
Teaching Profession
Opinion
We've Said Goodbye to This Year's Students. Now It’s Time to Take Care of Ourselves
Every teacher should make time to answer an existential question, writes Justin Minkel: Who are we when we’re not teaching?
Teaching Profession
Opinion
Enrichment Isn't Just for Gifted Students
All students should have the chance to follow their passions and explore their curiosity, write teachers Stephanie Curtis and Adrienne Stanley.
