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
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
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
Recruitment & Retention Opinion How to Stop Hemorrhaging Teachers From the Profession
Even as some teachers seek other careers, school leaders can stem the flow.
Larry Ferlazzo, November 14, 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
Equity & Diversity Opinion 'Am I Doing Enough?': Chicago Teachers Share Their Heartache Over ICE Raids
Teachers in Latino areas describe the trauma and economic disruption federal raids are causing.
Larry Ferlazzo, November 7, 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
Reading & Literacy Opinion How Should Teachers Deal With Problematic Language in Literature?
Offensive prose does show up in books. Ignoring it doesn't help students.
Larry Ferlazzo, November 4, 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
Teaching Opinion 6 Words of Wisdom From Teachers for Teachers
Teachers dish on what makes them better at their jobs.
Larry Ferlazzo, November 3, 2025
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1 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 Teaching English Learners Is Complex. Here Are Some Tested Strategies
Teachers can start by shifting how we think about language development.
Larry Ferlazzo, October 28, 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
Teaching Opinion The Books That Teachers Say Made Them Better at Their Job
Educators have taken inspiration through books dealing with a diverse range of subject.
Larry Ferlazzo, October 27, 2025
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12 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 Your Students Should Be Setting Learning Goals. Tips for Teachers to Make It Happen
In her new book, educator Valerie Bolling offers tips for helping students set and carry out goals.
Larry Ferlazzo, October 22, 2025
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7 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
Families & the Community Opinion 'Constant Anxiety': What a Chicago Teacher Witnesses as ICE Swarms
What federal immigration agents are doing in Chicago doesn't look like democracy, an educator says.
Larry Ferlazzo, October 20, 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 How These Teachers Are Solving Their Biggest Challenges
Rare is the teacher who doesn't face obstacles. Here are strategies for overcoming some.
Larry Ferlazzo, October 17, 2025
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12 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 Practical Tips for Creating a Safe and Supportive Space for Students
Student learning, engagement, and behavior are all affected by stress. Learn to recognize the signs.
Larry Ferlazzo, October 14, 2025
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14 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 Schools Cannot Afford to Ignore Race and Identity
People often don't notice discrimination if it doesn't affect them directly.
Larry Ferlazzo, October 13, 2025
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13 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 In Today's Political Climate, Teachers Must Center Empathy
Kwame Sarfo-Mensah offers guidance on how teachers can model courage and leadership for students.
Larry Ferlazzo, October 8, 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
Teaching Opinion Teachers on When Their Administrators Get It Wrong
At times, administrators make decisions without considering the consequences.
Larry Ferlazzo, October 3, 2025
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6 min read
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