Over a career of more than 30 years, I have taught some literature that has confronted students from late elementary grades straight through high school with the reality that human beings can do brutal things to each other. In works of literary nonfiction, as well as in fictionalized depictions of abuse and atrocities that we [...]
Many of my friends, family, and colleagues know how rewarding I find my career. It has not always been easy, nor has my profession always been kind to me. But my work has brought blessings to my life that I will always cherish. Today, I offer a brief meditation on my reasons for teaching. I [...]
At my school, the marking period ends this Thursday. I usually require students to write a reflection of their learning experiences so they can assess their growth. Part of this includes a review of how their skills and capacities have expanded, but another consideration altogether can make all the difference. I have an old wooden [...]
I received an important reminder some weeks ago regarding the need to regulate the social energy in a classroom. In my own room, I set the level on the first day of school. Cues can be friendly and still be effective. A student calls out a question or comment. I reply with, “You feeling all [...]
As an English teacher, I strongly advocate subtlety and nuance in language. Dichotomies often help me to draw out concepts. I have heard many adults–teachers included–say things such as, “Sometimes we need to let kids be kids.” Most people understand the rough idea of that statement, tautological though it may be. The same adults, however, [...]
The most effective teachers have a manner of engaging students that would make their class content seem incidental.
I find it ironic that I am a teacher–that I, of all people, would have lessons to impart to young people. I understand that I know things, particularly things that are related to writing, linguistics, and literary theory. My studies and pursuits have given me an understanding of my field that goes mostly unapplied to [...]
Language is our framework not merely for communicating but for perceiving and understanding. Our popular culture hardly promotes eloquence, and we have lost many words that informed the sensibilities of previous generations. As old-fashioned as some of them sound, introducing them to young people and reinforcing their meanings can add richness and resolution to their [...]
Students are the celebrity draw that can galvanize an entire community. We see this in part when families crowd auditoriums for school concerts and plays, and when they cheer at athletic events. Indeed, such occasions put on display a school’s important function in developing students’ potential beyond classroom learning. Classroom learning, however, also merits public [...]
Today’s students, fairly or unfairly, possess the only hope for changing the social trends that their parents and their culture have enabled, and they need the help of teachers and other adults in order to prepare for the task.
Real Teaching 