Very few professions have to defend their existence the way teachers do. There seems to be an insatiable need to critique teachers and “fix” education via “fixing” teachers. Often what this looks like is formulas and best practices compiled in a rubric meant to facilitate teacher accountability and increase effectiveness. Teachers pushback with some iteration… Continue reading The Politics of Teaching
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The Power of Whiteness
The day after Trump was inaugurated as President of the United States millions of Americans took to the streets. The Women’s March was reported to be the largest single-day protest in American history. For a moment, one could be forgiven for feeling a tinge of optimism and hope amid the tragedy of the election. As… Continue reading The Power of Whiteness
The Incivility of White America: #WhiteAmnesia
Apparently there is an “uncivil war” breaking out in America. The declaration follows some high profile incidents such as Sarah Huckabee Sanders being asked to leave the Red Hen, Homeland Security Secretary Kirsjten Nielsen being jeered, booed at and, eventually, forced to leave a D.C. Mexican restaurant, and Stephen Miller, the Trump advisor largely seen… Continue reading The Incivility of White America: #WhiteAmnesia
The Purpose of Public Education
To begin to answer this question, or move towards the more important question of what SHOULD be the purpose of public education in America, first we must start with what WAS the purpose of education in America. Thomas Jefferson, widely considered the most adamant supporter of public education among our country’s founders, proposed a two-track… Continue reading The Purpose of Public Education
We Choose Truth
“The educator has the duty of not being neutral.” ― Paulo Freire Last month politicians in the Minnesota legislature introduced a bill titled the Academic Balance Bill. The stated objective of the bill is “Public education courses are not for the purpose of political, ideological, religious, or antireligious indoctrination” The bill requires “the school to provide… Continue reading We Choose Truth
A Requiem for John Brown: road map for 21st Century Abolition
“I, John Brown, am now quite certain, that the crimes of this guilty land will never be purged away, but with blood.” – John Brown Saturday marked the 158th anniversary of John Brown’s execution. The passionate and dedicated abolitionist believed that logic and moral arguments would not end the practice of slavery, that only… Continue reading A Requiem for John Brown: road map for 21st Century Abolition
Unmasking Whiteness: Trump, NFL, and Interest Convergence
To many, this weekend felt like a trip through the twilight zone. For months Colin Kaepernick and those he inspired endured the outrage of NFL fans who insisted they were disrespecting the military and the flag by not standing for the national anthem. Kaepernick, after meeting with Nate Boyer, modified his protest from sitting down… Continue reading Unmasking Whiteness: Trump, NFL, and Interest Convergence
