Teacher Professionalism

Read more about efforts to professionalize teaching and improve its status, and hear what teachers think about their profession
Teaching Profession Opinion Nancie Atwell Gets It Exactly Right
Teaching in America has been systematically de-professionalized. It's no longer a job where experience and creativity are valued. The evidence around that--beginning with test score-based teacher evaluation, and ending with federal funding for Teach for America-- is incontrovertible. We keep saying we want teacher leaders at the table, informing policy. But when Nancie Atwell was given a seat at a big, shiny international table, we're stunned when she tells her truth?
Nancy Flanagan, March 28, 2015
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3 min read
Assessment Opinion I Love My Job. Really.
You cannot measure self-esteem, self-worth, or readiness to face the world. You cannot quantify these teachable moments, ever. The more you try to do this, the more you tell me that my professionalism is equated to the scores that a set of my kids have received on a test that has no relevance to their daily life, the more you demean the battle against poverty, adolescence, and apathy that I fight each day.
Nancy Flanagan, March 24, 2015
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2 min read
School & District Management Opinion Garden-Variety Teacher Leadership
I worry that teacher leadership is being commodified--that teachers with exceptional talents in instruction, curriculum development, mentoring, analyzing district politics and influencing decision-making will not be seen as leaders unless they have a title or a stipend. I worry even more about how formal teacher leaders are "chosen"--just whose water they're expected to carry.
Nancy Flanagan, March 2, 2015
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2 min read
Equity & Diversity Opinion Standardized Testing Is Bitter (But Necessary) Medicine
The only thing worse than annual statewide standardized testing is not testing kids at all.
Cristina Duncan Evans, February 11, 2015
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2 min read
Teaching Profession Opinion Nine Reasons Teachers are Unwilling to Stand Up for Their Profession
If teachers are ever going to establish themselves as fully professional, they will need to develop an authentic, very public voice and vehicles to advocate for their professional interests and control over their own work. What did the teachers in one state believe were the core reasons for apparent teacher apathy, compliance and unwillingness to speak out against destructive policies and practices?
Nancy Flanagan, January 29, 2015
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4 min read
Standards & Accountability Opinion A Passion for STEM: Q & A With Teacher Melissa Collins, Ph.D
Second grade teacher and Ph.D Melissa Collins explores the intersections of STEM and elementary education.
Cristina Duncan Evans, December 23, 2014
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5 min read
Teaching Profession Opinion Crappy Lessons, Quarterbacks, and Giving Teachers Space to Experiment
America Achieves Fellow and New York City Math Teacher John McCrann offers a thoughtful commentary on due process rights.
Cristina Duncan Evans, November 17, 2014
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6 min read
Teaching Profession Opinion The Human Element: Why Classroom Management Matters
A viral video from Baltimore raises important questions about classroom management.
Cristina Duncan Evans, October 29, 2014
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3 min read
School & District Management Opinion Teacher Investment Makes or Breaks Education Policy
A new focus on getting teacher investment in new evaluation systems seems promising—but is it too little, too late?
Cristina Duncan Evans, October 21, 2014
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2 min read
Professional Development Opinion Why Is Collaboration So Controversial?
Recent articles about teacher collaboration hint at important Common Core implementation challenges.
Cristina Duncan Evans, August 27, 2014
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3 min read
Teaching Profession Opinion Letter to a Ninth-Year Teacher
Cristina Duncan Evans reacts to the many open letters directed at first-year teachers by penning one to veteran instructors.
Cristina Duncan Evans, August 20, 2014
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3 min read
Teaching Profession Opinion Teacher Interview Demo Lesson: Deal Breaker or Deal Maker?
Use demo lessons to assess teacher candidates' potential, not just their performance.
David Ginsburg, May 14, 2013
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1 min read
Teaching Profession Opinion From Struggling Teacher to Star Teacher
David Ginsburg shares his process for helping struggling teachers become star teachers.
David Ginsburg, December 18, 2012
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1 min read
Teaching Profession Opinion The New Digital Divide
Tweeting. Texting. Messaging. Friending. Skyping.
David Ginsburg, September 2, 2012
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3 min read
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