Opinion Blog

Classroom Q&A

With Larry Ferlazzo

In this EdWeek blog, an experiment in knowledge-gathering, Ferlazzo will address readers’ questions on classroom management, ELL instruction, lesson planning, and other issues facing teachers. Send your questions to lferlazzo@epe.org. Read more from this blog.

An award-winning English and Social Studies teacher at Luther Burbank High School in Sacramento, Calif., Larry Ferlazzo is the author of Helping Students Motivate Themselves: Practical Answers To Classroom Challenges, The ESL/ELL Teacher’s Survival Guide, and Building Parent Engagement In Schools.

Conceptual illustration of classroom conversations and fragmented education elements coming together to form a cohesive picture of a book of classroom knowledge.
Sonia Pulido for Education Week
Equity & Diversity Opinion Minnesota Students Are Living in Perilous Times, Two Teachers Explain
The federal government is committing the "greatest constancy of deliberate community harm."
Larry Ferlazzo, January 14, 2026
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6 min read
Conceptual illustration of classroom conversations and fragmented education elements coming together to form a cohesive picture of a book of classroom knowledge.
Sonia Pulido for Education Week
Equity & Diversity Opinion 'Survival Mode': A Minnesota Teacher of the Year Decries Immigration Crackdowns
Federal agents are creating trauma and chaos for our students and schools in Minneapolis.
Larry Ferlazzo, January 13, 2026
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5 min read
Conceptual illustration of classroom conversations and fragmented education elements coming together to form a cohesive picture of a book of classroom knowledge.
Sonia Pulido for Education Week
Equity & Diversity Opinion 'Fear Is a Thief of Focus.' A Teacher on the Impact of ICE and Renee Nicole Good's Death
At a time that feels like a state of emergency, educators are doing their best to protect students.
Larry Ferlazzo, January 12, 2026
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4 min read
Conceptual illustration of classroom conversations and fragmented education elements coming together to form a cohesive picture of a book of classroom knowledge.
Sonia Pulido for Education Week
Teaching Profession Opinion For Teachers With the Novel-Writing ‘Bug,’ Authors Have Advice
How do I start to write a novel? How do I get it published? Look here for those answers and more.
Larry Ferlazzo, January 6, 2026
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11 min read
Conceptual illustration of classroom conversations and fragmented education elements coming together to form a cohesive picture of a book of classroom knowledge.
Sonia Pulido for Education Week
English Learners Opinion 10 Ways to Support Instruction for English Learners
Graphic organizers, anchor charts, questions to ask yourself, and more can simplify instruction.
Larry Ferlazzo, December 30, 2025
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10 min read
Conceptual illustration of classroom conversations and fragmented education elements coming together to form a cohesive picture of a book of classroom knowledge.
Sonia Pulido for Education Week
Policy & Politics Opinion Larry Ferlazzo’s 10 Education Predictions for 2026
Gazing into his crystal ball, Larry Ferlazzo divines what's ahead for education next year.
Larry Ferlazzo, December 18, 2025
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3 min read
Conceptual illustration of classroom conversations and fragmented education elements coming together to form a cohesive picture of a book of classroom knowledge.
Sonia Pulido for Education Week
Teaching Opinion The Best and Worst of 2025's Education News
Larry Ferlazzo offers his thoughts on cellphone bans, absenteeism, vouchers, and more.
Larry Ferlazzo, December 17, 2025
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8 min read
Conceptual illustration of classroom conversations and fragmented education elements coming together to form a cohesive picture of a book of classroom knowledge.
Sonia Pulido for Education Week
Artificial Intelligence Opinion What Guidelines Should Teachers Provide for Student AI Use?
The goal is to teach students to harness AI to bolster learning and preserve their work's integrity. 
Larry Ferlazzo, December 15, 2025
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11 min read
Conceptual illustration of classroom conversations and fragmented education elements coming together to form a cohesive picture of a book of classroom knowledge.
Sonia Pulido for Education Week
Equity & Diversity Opinion 'Classrooms Sat Half-Empty': How ICE Activity Turned These Communities Upside Down
Nothing is normal about teaching or learning in fear-plagued communities.
Larry Ferlazzo, December 10, 2025
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8 min read
Conceptual illustration of classroom conversations and fragmented education elements coming together to form a cohesive picture of a book of classroom knowledge.
Sonia Pulido for Education Week
Teaching Opinion The Small Teaching Moves That Offer Big Wins
Educators meticulously plan lessons to reach students. Here’s how to have a bigger impact.
Larry Ferlazzo, December 9, 2025
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10 min read
Conceptual illustration of classroom conversations and fragmented education elements coming together to form a cohesive picture of a book of classroom knowledge.
Sonia Pulido for Education Week
Science Opinion Strategies to Help Students Embrace Science Instruction
Knowing how to redirect science denial in your classroom is a strong way to start.
Larry Ferlazzo, December 4, 2025
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9 min read
Conceptual illustration of classroom conversations and fragmented education elements coming together to form a cohesive picture of a book of classroom knowledge.
Sonia Pulido for Education Week
Equity & Diversity Opinion Scrubbing Critical Conversations About Racism Isn't Helping Your Students
Five ways to create "brave spaces" for your classroom while also embracing humanity.
Larry Ferlazzo, December 1, 2025
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4 min read
Conceptual illustration of classroom conversations and fragmented education elements coming together to form a cohesive picture of a book of classroom knowledge.
Sonia Pulido for Education Week
Teaching Opinion If Students Understand Their Emotions, They Learn Better
Equipped with the right skills, students can navigate tough situations in and outside school.
Larry Ferlazzo, November 19, 2025
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11 min read
Conceptual illustration of classroom conversations and fragmented education elements coming together to form a cohesive picture of a book of classroom knowledge.
Sonia Pulido for Education Week
Teaching Opinion How Are Trump Administration Policies Affecting the Classroom?
Leaders cry in coaching sessions. Still, they show up brave and stand strong.
Larry Ferlazzo, November 18, 2025
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7 min read
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