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.
Assessment
Opinion
We Need to Stop Overrelying on Student Test Scores
These four educator strategies offer approaches for improving how we evaluate achievement.
Teaching
Opinion
The Most Popular Instructional Strategies That Don't Work
Not every instructional approach is a winner. What to use and what to drop.
Families & the Community
Opinion
'Easy, Positive, and Judgment Free.' How Families Can Support Their Children
Educators share their best advice for working with parents and guardians on student learning.
Student Achievement
Opinion
Should Teachers Offer Extra Credit? Yea or Nay?
Educators discuss whether extra credit warps grading or reinforces skills students will use later.
Teaching Profession
Opinion
‘Whoa, What Are You Doing Here?’: Why This Professor Subs in K-12 Classrooms
Here's how stepping back into the K-12 classroom keeps “Ivory Tower Syndrome” at bay.
Teaching
Opinion
An Iranian American Educator Speaks From a Broken Heart
The Iranian children will carry their fear, confusion, and loss of safety forever.
Reading & Literacy
Opinion
What the 'Science of Reading' Movement Has Meant for English Learners
We should think of reading instruction for multilingual learners as a bridge, not a checklist.
School & District Management
Opinion
‘This Isn’t Working’: Educators Share Unsolicited Advice for District Leaders
How can superintendents improve student outcomes—without micromanaging teachers?
Teaching
Opinion
From the Mouths of Teachers: Sage Advice in Six Words or Less
Educators on the front lines offer guidance to their peers in the classroom.
Teaching
Opinion
We All Agree Student Voice Matters. But What Do You Actually Do With It?
Start by assuming that students come to the classroom with important things to say.
Recruitment & Retention
Opinion
Want to Retain Teachers? Ask the Right Questions Before Hiring Them
Teachers will want to stay in schools that meet their needs as professionals and as humans.
Teaching
Opinion
How Teachers Are Solving Classroom Problems by Doing Their Own Research
Educators share how they are using their own data and self-reflection to support their students.
Equity & Diversity
Opinion
The Myths and Realities of Culturally Responsive Teaching
It's time to stop thinking of culturally responsive practices as one more item on the to-do list.