Starr Sackstein is a secondary educator and school leader in New York. She is the author of several books on education, on topics such as going gradeless, peer feedback, and blogging. This blog is no longer being updated.
Teaching
Opinion
I Am a Badass and So Are You
If you're looking for a good read and to start shifting your consciousness around some of the sticky areas of your life, I strongly recommend this book. This way you can be the best badass version of yourself.
Teaching
Opinion
Five Minutes Until Show Time, and I'd Like to Throw Up
If you have a message to share that people need to hear, take a risk and share. Whether you're writing/blogging, speaking, or sharing with your colleagues, remember that our stories matter.
Student Well-Being
Opinion
The End Is Coming, But I'm Not Giving Up
Education Week is making some changes to its blogs, and this blog will no longer be publishing new content. Thank you for your time and feedback over the last five years.
Teaching
Opinion
What Does It Mean to Be in Control in Education?
Control stifles potential. How can we ensure we are creating the best learning environments possible so that students can be inspired to learn?
Teaching Profession
Opinion
Making a List, Checking It Twice
Being an educator in the summer or a consultant all year long leaves a lot of unstructured time. Read on to see how to make sure the necessities get done and downtime is still achieved.
Teaching
Opinion
Why Do I Care So Much About My Replacement?
Since we are personally invested in the work we do, sometimes it is hard to let go of what we leave behind.
Student Well-Being
Opinion
6 'Harry Potter' Quotes That Inspire Character Development
"Harry Potter" novels have the power to teach important social-emotional lessons to help young people develop into kinder human beings.
Teaching
Opinion
When One Door Closes, Another One Opens
In order to grow as people and educators, we have to be willing to take risks and acknowledge when change is necessary, instead of allowing comfort to drive our decisions.
Student Achievement
Opinion
Grades Are Lousy Preparation for Life
By analyzing how to judge job performance, instead of just striving for high grades, students may be better prepared to succeed when they get a real job.
Teaching
Opinion
It's Not Goodbye, It's See You Later
Whether you are just leaving school for the summer or to move on to other adventures, it's important to make sure you reflect, reduce regret, and forge ahead.
Teaching
Opinion
Inspired by 'The Gifts of Imperfection' by Brene Brown
Education was a passion I developed later. Being a teacher filled my soul and fueled my passions.
Education
Opinion
Why Do We Design Failure Into Our Schools?
Ask anyone you know who was "held back," and they are more likely to say, "I flunked grade X." If we are going to harvest kids like a crop to start school, we might as well keep the crop together.
Education
Opinion
7 Strategies to Turn Around a Struggling School
Guest blogger Sarah Sanchez shares important tips to improve learning and engage students and teachers alike with the aim of helping turn around failing schools.
Teaching Profession
Opinion
Valuing Time: The One Commodity We Can't Change
What do you choose to do with the precious time you are given?