Student Well-Being & Movement Blog

Capturing the Spark: Energizing Teaching and Schools

From October 2015 to October 2017, veteran English teacher David B. Cohen explored what drives quality teaching and strong student engagement in schools. Cohen is a veteran high school English teacher from Palo Alto, Calif., and former associate director of Accomplished California Teachers. Follow him on Twitter: @CohenD. This blog is no longer being updated, but you can continue to explore these issues on edweek.org by visiting our related topic pages: student motivation & engagement.

Education Opinion What Are You Really Deciding?
It's not hard to "decide" we must reduce school suspensions, but instead of offering quick fixes that yield better statistics, policy makers must focus on deeper systemic improvements.
David B. Cohen, December 21, 2015
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5 min read
Teaching Opinion Analyzing Decision Quality
The study of decision quality reveals a number of reasons that teachers need autonomy as instructors, and must be integrally involved with decisions that shape or become school policies.
David B. Cohen, December 9, 2015
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5 min read
Teaching Opinion Honoring Depth and Dimensions in 'Mission High'
Anyone who works in schools or cares about schools will appreciate the years of research that went into Kristina Rizga's outstanding book about the educators and students who make Mission High School a special place.
David B. Cohen, December 2, 2015
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6 min read
Teaching Opinion Conferences Calling
Some teachers like a conference where you come away with "something you can use on Monday morning." I'm looking for learning that's more complicated, that expands my understanding of teaching and schools.
David B. Cohen, November 16, 2015
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5 min read
Teaching Opinion Let Love Be Your Guide
When all is said and done, teaching must be first and foremost an act of love! - Richard Lakin
David B. Cohen, November 4, 2015
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4 min read
Teaching Opinion Understanding 'Best, Wrong, Confidence'
Teachers need to be skilled at creating learning experiences and opportunities, and experts at making sense of students' work in order to support their progress.
David B. Cohen, October 21, 2015
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6 min read
Teaching Opinion The Most Professional Professional Development
What does it look like when professional development days are not only highly professional, but celebratory, and inspiring?
David B. Cohen, October 16, 2015
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5 min read
Teaching Opinion Building on Strengths
Teachers want to grow in their practice and help their schools improve. How do we capture the spark that helps educators build on their strengths?
David B. Cohen, October 2, 2015
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4 min read
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