I felt it was my obligation to enlighten Americans that ALL students have favorable perceptions of Black educators. I wanted to break out of the monotonous and confining rhetoric that Black educators only impact Black and Brown students.
The latest research on reading intervention strategies, legal considerations for special education IEPs, and the elements of a high-quality clinical experience for prospective teachers aren’t exactly areas of expertise that the general population has. Even as a former high school math teacher who works full-time in education policy, I’m not an expert. But you know who is uniquely qualified to speak to these nuanced--and essential--issues? Teachers. I know, shocking answer, right? Well, if it’s so obvious, then why are teachers usually left out of policy-making decisions? The experts closest to the kids, and working daily inside the systems we hope to impact, are usually left without a chair at the table or without a microphone for their voice to be heard when policy decisions are being made.
Educators are far too familiar with lacking the financial resources to complete the tasks set before them. With funding at a minimum, teachers often dip into their own wallets to purchase classroom supplies, attend professional development, fund projects for their students, or even provide basic needs for students that could otherwise hinder their learning.
Although fundraising ideally shouldn’t be one more role added to a teacher’s plate, we know it’s often necessary. With that in mind, TEC wants to make the process as simple as possible. This post includes helpful tools and strategies for leveraging community and business partnerships to support your classroom and campus.
In the last three years, I have had the honor of spending my time as an educator to ESL students - those learning English as a second language. ESL students are typically tracked into the ESL program when they come from a different country and have been in the U.S. for two years or less. For many of these students, they are learning English as their second language but sometimes it is actually their third or fourth language! As beautiful as it is to be multilingual, being an English-learning student in today’s climate has brought on specific challenges. Let’s take a closer look at what this looks like and some strategies that have helped.
In my conversations with parents and family members recently the biggest request parents have made has been for more consistent and clear communications from teachers and schools. Many of the families I have spoken with are feeling alone in virtual learning, and as their student’s teacher, it is imperative that we do everything we can to ensure these families that we are still fighting the same fight on behalf of their child. Part of the remedy for this can be an educator just taking the time to ask some simple and helpful questions that ensure parents feel seen and heard during this time.
When you imagined your career as an educator, I’m confident you never pictured this school year. You’re now responsible for 30 different roles instead of the usual dozen or so. You feel tremendous pressure. You want to help guide students through a tumultuous time for our country. Many of you likely still have a combination of students in your classroom and on the other side of the computer screen. What you’re doing this year is hard in ways you never would have imagined when you first considering the hard things in your career choice as an educator…
I’ve returned to school along with fellow educators on the precipice of uncharted territory. With all the new factors in play, anxiety, tension and fear are running high. Amidst our strong emotions, we are implementing new systems as quickly as we can navigate them. As teachers, we support our schools by offering multiple modes of instruction to offer the best service options possible for families and students. As professionals standing before our colleagues and students, we must do all we can to empower each other in staying safe….
I’ve returned to school along with fellow educators on the precipice of uncharted territory. With all the new factors in play, anxiety, tension and fear are running high. Amidst our strong emotions, we are implementing new systems as quickly as we can navigate them. As teachers, we support our schools by offering multiple modes of instruction to offer the best service options possible for families and students. As professionals standing before our colleagues and students, we must do all we can to empower each other in staying safe….
You did it! You made it to the beginning of what will certainly be the most unique start to school in your career. As you sort through the conundrum of whether hand soap can sting if used too frequently or whether your mute is turned on during a Zoom call, should you also consider your own retirement? I think so.
The beginning of each school year often comes with twists and turns, but none quite like what educators will face when returning to school in a COVID-world. Thankfully, veteran educator and innovator, Shakeatha Butler, is here to help! Shakeatha's post shares practical principles for tackling the unique challenges of the 2020-21 school year, as well as specific recommendations and resources you can implement to ensure your classroom instruction remains strong, whether virtual or in-person.
With humor and stark honesty, Frank Jackson reflects on the impact of two pandemics converging - COVID-19 and racism. Through the lens of his personal experience as a Black educator, Frank offers clear action steps that every educator can take to combat racism and help students process the events of 2020.
In 2013, Ben Mackey moved to Dallas to take over as Principal at Dallas ISD’s School for the Talented and Gifted (TAG Magnet). In his first conversation with Mike Satarino (TAG’s legendary outgoing principal and Mackey's soon-to-be mentor), Mike said something that changed Ben's perspective and would, eventually, lead him to run for and be elected to the Dallas ISD School Board.
In just over six weeks, educators have transformed academia and its role in the life of our country. Local Kindergarten teacher, "Ms. V." shares the joy and inspiration she has experienced even through these unprecedented challenges, and reflects on the positive changes these trials will bring in the long-term. In her naturally poetic style, she invites educators to reflect on the their impact and value and celebrate the successes they have achieved.
Dr. Sandra Moore, Executive Director at Richardson ISD, shares her wisdom, and tips for landing your dream job! Whether you’re brand new to teaching or looking to take the next step in your education career, Dr. Moore’s vast experience in teacher recruitment and employee engagement provides all the insight you need to market yourself as the best candidate for the job and select the campus that’s right for you.
As educators we have a front row seat to the inequities, injustices, and hardships our students face on a daily basis. Dallas ISD educator Taji Wright shares the action steps she’s taken toward changing her city through the “one bite at a time” approach of community organizing and her involvement with Dallas CORE.
There is no other time when Black History is more spotlighted, honored and represented in education than during the month of February. David McDonald’s post in The Journal sheds light on the perspective of students, teachers, and people of color, urging and equipping educators with tangible ways to acknowledge and celebrate the richness and beauty of Black History year-round.
Registration is now open for the first set of events in our Spring 2020 Teachers Take the Lead series! From opportunities for service outside the classroom to one-on-one time with the region’s foremost education experts, these events will empower members to grow and engage as leaders in their campus, district, and community.
The spring semester is here and it’s time to get your students out of the classroom and off campus for an adventure! Planning and executing a field trip can be stressful on top of all the responsibilities you’re already juggling as an educator, so we’ve done some of the groundwork for you to find the hottest field trip destination spots in DFW.
In November, we wrapped up a fantastic two-month event series focused entirely on educator wellbeing.