I was asked about a year ago to write a statement of my teaching philosophy. I just came across it, and it still seems pretty accurate, so I thought I would post it here: The most fundamental thing I do in my work with middle school and high school students is help people relearn how … Continue reading Thoughts on a Philosophy of Teaching
teachers
Why I Quit, and Why Teach For America Should Too
A lot of Teach For America (TFA) alumni have been telling their stories lately. Here’s mine: In 1993, the year after I finished college, I joined TFA, which was still a new organization. At the time, there was a teacher shortage, and the whole point was that we were going to work in schools that … Continue reading Why I Quit, and Why Teach For America Should Too
Ossining, NY: A School District with the Freedom to Educate
This inspiring story by Jackie Mader in The Hechinger Report about the school district of Ossining, NY contains a lot of interesting information, but what struck me most was an innovative approach the district took to increase integration. They reorganized their four elementary schools so that each school, instead of serving a neighborhood, took one … Continue reading Ossining, NY: A School District with the Freedom to Educate
Teachers Want to Teach
Teachers love to teach. That may sound obvious, but it is an important fact that the public debate seems to be ignoring. There is nothing better, for a teacher, than seeing a child’s face brighten in comprehension. There are few things more exciting for teachers than a classroom full of engaged students, learning something new. … Continue reading Teachers Want to Teach
E. Steiger & Co. 