Opinion Blog

Classroom Q&A

With Larry Ferlazzo

In this EdWeek blog, an experiment in knowledge-gathering, Ferlazzo will address readers’ questions on classroom management, ELL instruction, lesson planning, and other issues facing teachers. Send your questions to lferlazzo@epe.org. Read more from this blog.

An award-winning English and Social Studies teacher at Luther Burbank High School in Sacramento, Calif., Larry Ferlazzo is the author of Helping Students Motivate Themselves: Practical Answers To Classroom Challenges, The ESL/ELL Teacher’s Survival Guide, and Building Parent Engagement In Schools.

Conceptual illustration of classroom conversations and fragmented education elements coming together to form a cohesive picture of a book of classroom knowledge.
Sonia Pulido for Education Week
English Learners Opinion Teacher Tips for Supporting English Learners
Students' stress over learning a new language in a new environment can affect their academic success. Proper support can ease that.
Larry Ferlazzo, November 19, 2024
•
11 min read
Conceptual illustration of classroom conversations and fragmented education elements coming together to form a cohesive picture of a book of classroom knowledge.
Sonia Pulido for Education Week
Teaching Opinion What Helps Teachers Do Their Best Work, According to Educators
When teachers are happier and more fulfilled, their students are, too.
Larry Ferlazzo, November 14, 2024
•
12 min read
Conceptual illustration of classroom conversations and fragmented education elements coming together to form a cohesive picture of a book of classroom knowledge.
Sonia Pulido for Education Week
Federal Opinion With Trump in Office, Schools Should Ask Themselves These Questions
The incoming administration could change many laws and rules that would affect public education. Larry Ferlazzo explains how to respond.
Larry Ferlazzo, November 13, 2024
•
5 min read
Conceptual illustration of classroom conversations and fragmented education elements coming together to form a cohesive picture of a book of classroom knowledge.
Sonia Pulido for Education Week
Teaching Opinion 5 Small Classroom Changes for Big Rewards
Most educators know that building relationships is crucial to student learning. Small actions by teachers can help foster them.
Larry Ferlazzo, November 6, 2024
•
10 min read
Conceptual illustration of classroom conversations and fragmented education elements coming together to form a cohesive picture of a book of classroom knowledge.
Sonia Pulido for Education Week
Teaching Opinion Post-Election Advice for the Classroom From a Teacher
What educators can say to their students or families if they express concerns or anxiety about election-related classroom discussions.
Larry Ferlazzo, November 4, 2024
•
7 min read
Conceptual illustration of classroom conversations and fragmented education elements coming together to form a cohesive picture of a book of classroom knowledge.
Sonia Pulido for Education Week
Teaching Opinion 3 Stories About How Teachers Turned Things Around With a Student
Some students struggle with learning how to function in a classroom. With patience and understanding, teachers can change that dynamic.
Larry Ferlazzo, November 1, 2024
•
9 min read
Conceptual illustration of classroom conversations and fragmented education elements coming together to form a cohesive picture of a book of classroom knowledge.
Sonia Pulido for Education Week
School & District Management Opinion 9 Ways Schools Can Improve Life for Teachers and Students
Educators suggest low-cost strategies to improve the education experience for teachers and learners alike.
Larry Ferlazzo, October 29, 2024
•
8 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
iStock/Getty
Recruitment & Retention Opinion Want to Retain Teachers? Here's What Districts and Schools Can Do
Severe teacher shortages persist. Educators suggest what schools and districts can do to fill those posts.
Larry Ferlazzo, October 23, 2024
•
11 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
iStock/Getty
Teaching Opinion 5 Urgent Classroom Issues for Teachers, According to Larry Ferlazzo
What educators and researchers need to know.
Larry Ferlazzo, October 22, 2024
•
3 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
iStock/Getty
Equity & Diversity Opinion You Need to Understand Culturally Responsive Teaching Before You Can Do It
Too often, teachers focus solely on the content. They need to move beyond that and get out of their comfort zones.
Larry Ferlazzo, October 16, 2024
•
11 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
iStock/Getty
Teaching Opinion Teachers Have to Endure Plenty of Short-Sighted Mandates. Here Are 3 of Them
There’s so much bad advice about teaching that it can be hard to choose the worst. These teachers tried anyway.

Larry Ferlazzo, October 15, 2024
•
9 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
iStock/Getty
Teaching Opinion How to Make Rigorous Curriculum Accessible to All Students
Culturally responsive teaching is research-based. Here's why that matters for the classroom.
Larry Ferlazzo, October 11, 2024
•
7 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
iStock/Getty
Equity & Diversity Opinion Equity or Equality: Only One of These Sets Students Up for Success
Three educators offer ideas for how to create an equitable classroom learning experience for students.
Larry Ferlazzo, October 10, 2024
•
9 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
iStock/Getty
Teaching Opinion What Do Students Think of Their Teachers?
Teachers who get high grades from students show they care for the person beyond the student.
Larry Ferlazzo, October 8, 2024
•
7 min read
Load More ▼