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
Mathematics Opinion Teachers, Here's How to Make Science and Math Relevant in the Classroom
Students don't want a bunch of memorization tricks. They want to know why and how a lesson is relevant to their lives.
Larry Ferlazzo, December 6, 2024
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8 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 Profession Opinion How Teachers Can Prepare for Retirement
After years in the classroom, the time is approaching to move on. So the big question is, what’s next?
Larry Ferlazzo, December 5, 2024
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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
Equity & Diversity Opinion No, Culturally Responsive Education Is Not a Synonym for CRT
If you're confused about what culturally responsive teaching means, here is guidance from educators on how to avoid common misconceptions.
Larry Ferlazzo, November 26, 2024
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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
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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9 min read
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