A former writing teacher, Marilyn Anderson Rhames was the Manager of Alumni Relations at a charter school in Chicago. She holds master’s degrees in education and journalism, is a former Teach Plus</a> policy fellow, and a founder of the nonprofit Teachers Who Pray. In 2013, Rhames received the Educator’s Voice Award for her blog and was also named “Commentator/Blogger of the Year” by the Bammy Awards. Follow her on Twitter @MarilynRhames. This blog is no longer being updated.
Teaching Profession
Opinion
When an African American Teacher Just Feels Black
Recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings, the critical state of Nelson Mandela, and other news events makes one teacher re-assess her feelings about being called an African American verse just being called black.
Education
Opinion
Teaching and Living in Chicago is Great ... in My Dreams
Things are getting chaotic in Chicago. As much as I love the city of my birth, I cannot recommend anyone relocating here—especially if you are a teacher.
Education
Opinion
Texting Between Classes Can Get You Fired ... or Pregnant
For most of my nine-year teaching career I have held to the self-imposed policy that my cell phone remains turned off and in my bag during the day. Then my timer broke—my trusty, use-it-constantly-in-class, perfectly sized and sounded timer. I changed the batteries three times but it still wouldn't work.
School & District Management
Opinion
Education Blogger Bans the 'Blame Game' in Chicago, the Whole Nation
Who's to blame for the crisis of education in Chicago? Read this post--you may be surprised.
Education
Opinion
Parents, More Than Teachers, Are the 'Silver Bullet' for Students in Poverty
Guest Blogger Pérsida Himmele
I remember a conversation that I had with my dad. It was short, mostly one-sided, and incredibly memorable. With a thick Spanish accent, and a somewhat intimidating look, my dad asked, "Pérsida, to what college you go?"
I remember a conversation that I had with my dad. It was short, mostly one-sided, and incredibly memorable. With a thick Spanish accent, and a somewhat intimidating look, my dad asked, "Pérsida, to what college you go?"
Teaching Profession
Opinion
The Cop Who Wouldn't Take My Teaching Job
Who has the tougher job: Teachers or Police Officers? Read this post and you decide.
School & District Management
Opinion
Am I Good Enough? The Burden of Privilege and Poverty
School reform is rooted in the belief that when it comes to children, privilege or poverty should not determine the quality of their education. Oh, but it does.
Education
Opinion
'It Happened to Them': Student Stories that Must Not Go Untold
The Kids in my family tell me incredible stories about what goes on in their schools. But their school horror stories are not as unique as one might think. Teachers play a vital role in helping children cope with the struggles they face in and outside of school.
Teaching Profession
Opinion
How a First-Rate Principal Stopped the Infamous "Revolving Door"
Guest blogger Whitney Bubenzer credits her principal for nurturing her teaching career and showing her the enormous potential found in urban education.
Education
Opinion
Numbers Don't Lie: Why Closing 54 Schools Won't Fix Chicago's Money Mess
The promise of lowering CPS'$1 billion deficit was the primary justification for proposing to close 54 neighborhood schools. Unfortunately, the math is not adding up.
Education
Opinion
Closing 80 Schools in Chicago Would Be Psychological Warfare
Can Chicago Public Schools have the capacity to safely and efficiently close up to 80 schools at one time? I dare say NO.
Education
Opinion
Gotta Have Faith: Black Churches May Hold the Key to Educational Ills
Unfortunately in our current public school system, the quality of education a child receives is largely based on the income level and race of his parents. This is evident in the long-standing achievement gap that exists between white and Asian on the upper tier and blacks and Hispanics on the lower tier. There are multiple external contributors to this sad reality: Lack of parental engagement, joblessness, crime, and poverty.
Teaching Profession
Opinion
Dear Teacher, With Love: When Student Letters Change Your Life
My dad died last month. I grieved hard for two weeks, too distraught to teach most days. The first day I returned, I told my six classes what had happened. I broke down each time I said it.