A Thank You to My Principal, Tim Liles
When our school received the news that our principal had passed from a private battle with brain cancer, it shook the staff, students, and entire community to the core.
Classroom Perspectives
Mrs. Kramer’s 1970s Childhood Challenge
It’s said that there is always a blessing in dark times, and this was it: my chance to share my 1970s childhood with 25 children of 2020.
A Seat at the Table: Equality in the Classroom
We may believe we are creating inclusive, “multicultural” teaching environments, all while being completely unaware of the systemic racism that still impacts our students.
Keeping Kids Reading During the Age of Remote Learning
It is my job to motivate and mold my students, to keep them engaged, to build reading and writing confidence in all who enter my virtual classroom.
Finding Purpose in Teaching ESL
As I stood in my empty classroom surrounded by piles of boxes, I couldn’t help but wonder: what was I going to do now?
Teaching About Pride
I started my teaching career at a public middle school in Toronto about two decades ago. At that time, I was not comfortable being personally out to my students.
Breaking the IEP-to-Prison Pipeline
The first steps a student takes after graduation are as critical as graduating itself. While some students have a clearly defined plan and purpose, many others do not.
Teaching from Behind a Screen
Once the school where I teach began giving lessons online through Google Meet, it didn’t take long to realize that teaching behind a screen is not the same as teaching in a school.
Accepting My Stutter Made Me a Better Teacher
Stuttering is a hidden disability that affects up to 9% of children, meaning it's likely that many teachers will encounter a student with this speech impediment in their classroom.
Making Rights Real: Teaching the UNCRC
"What do you mean, we have rights as minors?” Thirty pairs of quizzical eyes met mine. Brows furrowed in confusion. “Aren’t rights made by adults, for adults?”