Most of us remember teachers we liked and those we did not, but sometimes even the teachers who seemed difficult later become the teachers we learned much from. Other times that’s not the case and a difficult teacher is remembered negatively. But fortunately, most teachers make democratic public schools work, and many children move on […]
What I Believe Emily Hanford Misses About Reading
Emily Hanford has brought attention to reading, including several new podcasts, Sold a Story, claiming children have been harmed for years by reading instruction. She singles out programs she says failed. The stories about children are compelling. But she leaves out some history, and I don’t think she’s ever critical of any of the many […]
The Covid-19 “Leave No Crisis Wasted” School Plan that Failed…for Now
Learning loss complaints and teacher blame for school closures could be because the Covid-19 disaster plan to reimagine schools failed. Technology replacing public schools and teachers appeared to be the “leave no crisis wasted” plan, but it backfired. After Hurricane Katrina, the late privatization guru Milton Friedman coordinated replacing public schools in New Orleans with […]
15 Ways to Help Teachers During Covid, Instead of Turning Them Into Scapegoats and Making Them Quit
Teachers are continually being made into scapegoats over a virus not under their control. Here’s a list of classroom problems from the beginning of the pandemic. Here’s a checklist on how to quit scapegoating teachers and help them instead. Suggestions from teachers, parents, and students, especially teachers currently teaching, are welcome. 1. Doctors Since the […]
A Great Profession: Consider Teachers’ Needs
During this troubling time when we should be helping each other through one of the roughest patches we’ve faced as a nation, teachers have become scapegoats, blamed for everything involving social change and Covid-19. Teachers tried to protect themselves and their families during the pandemic and worried about protecting their students and now they’re blamed […]
How States Are Privatizing Public Schools to Tech Companies During the Delta Variant Uptick
It’s unconscionable that states and local school districts across the country have eliminated the remote learning option where children connect with their classroom teachers online. Instead, they’re opening virtual schools, outsourcing to for-profit companies, using the pandemic to privatize public schooling. Parents fearful of the Delta variant and in-person schooling, hearing dire warnings about sick […]
14 Reasons Why It Might STILL Be Dangerous to Open School Buildings
For parents and educators, many concerns still surround the virus and sending children back into school buildings. 1. It Seems Like The Virus Should Be Over—It’s Not! This summer looked like the end of the pandemic was in sight, especially if vaccinated. But now the Delta variant swirls around children, teachers, and staff inside schools. […]
Where’s the Biden Administration on School Problems Facing Students, Teachers, and Parents?
The pandemic showed us that public schools are critical. Understandably, Covid-19 has been front and center. But the Biden administration glosses over or is silent on critical school issues. Sometimes these topics are front and center not in a good way in State legislatures or ignored altogether. Frustrated parents will seek alternatives, and there’s a […]
The Loss That Matters This Mother’s Day
The loss important to understand this year, the most critical loss, is not learning loss. It involves the loss many children are facing after losing a mom or dad to Covid-19. Or it could be a grandma or grandpa, a beloved aunt or uncle, or sister or brother, even a friend. On this Mother’s Day, […]
President Biden’s Infrastructure Plan Should Include Teachers! Here’s Why
It’s good that President Biden is focusing on updating school buildings in his infrastructure plan. But there’s another crisis his administration should address. America needs a national movement to get well-prepared teachers into our public school classrooms. The teaching profession has been in crisis mode for years. Much of this crisis has been generated by […]