Is there another industry where decision-making is dominated by so many without any experience or advanced training in the field?
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My Reverse Ark
Do you have any elephants or gorillas in your ark? You might want to consider letting them out.
They’re stinking up the place.
Long Overdue
Here’s to the best of the best: talent that we don’t deserve, but that our children do.
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Teaching: Should It Really Be Like Selling Christmas Trees?
Teaching, learning, and leading, is apparently a part-time job. And, to me, it says a lot about what we value.
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The Teacher-Evaluation Autobahn
In a recent post entitled “Principal-Proof Evaluation” on the National Council for Teacher Quality website, I stumbled upon some baffling commentary. Obviously, I am still a bit confused, or I wouldn’t be responding. (I was supposed to be following up
Read MoreOops. I Used My Outside Voice.
So, read at your own risk and have your blood pressure medication nearby. I’m about to defend Teach For America.
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How Do Ya Like Them Apples? (And Oranges?)
Here’s a quiz for you. Who was a better player: Michael Jordan or Babe Ruth? Joe Montana or Wayne Gretzky? Ali or Pele? I’m sure this would be a fantastic discussion starter at your local sports bar, particularly if
Read MoreTwo Fronts and Many Voices
The climate is toxic and the vultures are circling. Union partnerships are being used against educators in the court of public opinion in a way that shifts the conversation from exemplary teaching to benefits and bargaining. They are important topics
Read MoreWe’ll Get What We Get, and We Should Throw A Fit
If we do go down this path, there has to be an increase in up-front compensation for teachers. Who is going to invest $30,000 or more into the rising cost of a university education to go after a job that will leave them in debt and incapable of raising a family on its income? We’ll get what we pay for: a lack of talent and major shortages of quality instruction.
Read MoreYou’ve Been Served
I've been serving my teachers quite a bit, lately. For the past few weeks I've had to publish several versions of potential and varied staffing assignments and share a whole host of ominous news about the looming funding crisis for
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