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.
Equity & Diversity
Opinion
There's a Difference Between Equity and Equality. Schools Need to Understand That
Equity looks different depending on the situation, and it's not always straightforward. That can cause confusion.
Teaching
Opinion
What Students Say They Like About Their Teachers
Supporting students in a way that works best for how they learn is more art than science; being understanding is a good place to start.
Teaching
Opinion
What Does Successful Differentiated Instruction Look Like in the Classroom?
Many teachers struggle to adapt lessons, believing they lack resources, planning time, and classroom-management support. They don't need to.
Teaching Profession
Opinion
Teachers of Color Face Unique Challenges. Here Are Some of Them
Teaching is hard enough, but educators of color face additional—often invisible—tasks.
Teaching
Opinion
Student Debates Might Not Be Such a Great Lesson Idea. Here's Why
How we frame complex and pressing issues in classroom discussions are key to teaching students how to talk about them.
Teaching
Opinion
How to Support Students Afflicted by Trauma
A major goal of trauma-informed practice is to limit the negative impact on student learning and well-being.
Teaching
Opinion
What Should Anti-Bias Literacy Instruction Look Like in the Classroom?
A new book offers practical strategies for teachers and a way for them to understand how bias might affect their instruction.
Teaching
Opinion
How Do Restorative Practices Work? Educators Share Implementation Tips
Restorative practices are not just an alternative means to meting out discipline. They're also about building community.
Teaching Profession
Opinion
Teachers Offer Self-Care Tips in Just a Few Words
Teachers offer self-care advice for those tough school days when feeling positive can be a challenge.
Teaching
Opinion
18 Games to Play in the Classroom for Learning and Fun
How to sort through the many games that are available for the classroom? Teachers share their favorites.
Teaching
Opinion
Quick, Regular Check-Ins Promote Student Learning
Once teachers establish one-on-one meetings as a classroom routine, students realize they just need to do the work before the get-together.
Teaching Profession
Opinion
How Teachers Get Beyond Tough Days in the Classroom
In a single sentence, teachers philosophize—wisely, funnily—about hanging in there for the job, even after the worst of days.
Teaching
Opinion
Sticky Notes and Student Choice Can Go a Long Way Toward Boosting Engagement
Teachers don't have to revolutionize how they teach to improve their practice. Making small changes matters.
English-Language Learners
Opinion
The Best Ways to Make Content More Accessible to English-Learners
There are plenty of strategies for helping ELLs access content. Here are ones that are simple and easy to follow.