February is Black History Month. It is a time to highlight Black excellence and learn about Black people who have made a difference. Pictures and facts about Dr. King, Rosa Parks, Frederick Douglass, Sojourner Truth, and Harriet Tubman are shared in schools across the nation. Sometimes, prominent Black people such as Oprah, the Obamas, musicians,…
The protests and activism that took place last year had an impact on schools. School districts are adding diversity, equity, and inclusion roles and stating what their commitments will be to ensure all students and staff matter. These actions are a step in the right direction, but only if it lends itself to meaningful change….
For years, I have stated I am unapologetically pro-school choice. I believe that children should be able to attend the school of their choice that best suits their needs. Earlier this school year, I was able to attend a professional development provided by the IDOE and led by Dr. Anthony Muhammad called “Overcoming the Achievement…
Last week, Governor Holcomb gave his 2021 State of the State Address. Educators who tuned in to listen wanted to know what promises Holcomb would provide for education. Two years prior, during his 2019 State of the State address, he announced the creation of the Next Level Teacher Compensation Commission which was tasked with studying…
Schools are an integral part of every community; however, too many times, the community gets left out of the education conversation. This needs to change. High performing schools are great for the community and the children that are educated in those schools. Community members should be able to have their voices heard. In Washington Township,…
Dr. Devon Horton, Evanston/Skokie District 65 superintendent, and former IPS superintendent finalist, accused a few parents in his district of having “white supremacist thinking.” This accusation is in response to emails from those parents who expressed concern about having no in-person option for their children. In response to those concerns, Horton said: In the world…
Amanda Gorman, the 22-year-old National Youth Poet Laureate, read her poem “The Hill We Climb” on Wednesday at President Joe Biden’s Inauguration. Her poem provided hope for what we, as Americans, can aspire to in order to move the nation forward in a positive direction. Some students might have watched the poem recited live if…
On January 20, 2021, Joseph R. Biden was sworn in as the 46th President of the United States of America. Shortly after his inauguration, he began issuing executive orders. One of those orders dissolved the 1776 Commission. This commission was a counter to The New York Times’ 1619 Project. The 1619 Project aimed to provide…
The pandemic was the last straw for some educators, and they walked away from the classroom. Before the pandemic, teachers across the country were leaving the profession for a variety of reasons such as teacher pay, school culture, and workload. To ensure vacancies are filled, it is important to have a steady stream of people…
I’m a huge “Twilight Zone” fan. During the pandemic, my husband, sons, and I spent time together watching episodes on Netflix. We have always watched episodes during the annual Syfy channel “Twilight Zone” marathon on the first day of the year. There are two episodes, “The Monsters are Due on Maple Street” and “The Shelter”…