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.

Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion Peer Observations Can Make Us Better Teachers. Here's How
Study what colleagues do in their classrooms to learn how to improve your craft and discover what to avoid.
Larry Ferlazzo, March 22, 2023
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18 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Ed-Tech Policy Opinion Should Teachers Be Allowed to Use Online Tools to Monitor Student Screens?
For some teachers, that's a no-no. Others see the merit in watching their students work in real time.
Larry Ferlazzo, March 21, 2023
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12 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion Teaching Is About the Messy Work of Being Human. Here's How to Embrace It
It's OK to feel uncomfortable as you work with your students; it can even be a better choice than trying to control the learning process.
Larry Ferlazzo, March 15, 2023
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15 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Equity & Diversity Opinion 11 Ways Teachers Can Eliminate Discipline Disparities
Many educators still tiptoe around social-justice inequities. They don't need to.
Larry Ferlazzo, March 10, 2023
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8 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion Teachers, To Succeed, It's Important to Be Flexible
Rigidity won't help your students, colleagues, or you in the short or long term.
Larry Ferlazzo, March 8, 2023
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17 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Equity & Diversity Opinion How to Get Rid of Discipline Disparities for Students of Color
Restorative justice and social-emotional learning are two good places to start.
Larry Ferlazzo, March 3, 2023
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8 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion Reflecting on Your Practice? It's Important to Slow Down
There are many ways that teachers can get a better understanding of what's working in their classroom. Here are 9 ideas.
Larry Ferlazzo, February 28, 2023
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14 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Equity & Diversity Opinion To End Discipline Disparities Affecting Students of Color, Challenge the Status Quo
Teachers and leaders can take specific steps to create humanizing rather than punitive environments.
Larry Ferlazzo, February 23, 2023
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8 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion How to Enhance the Craft of Teaching
Teachers who make it a practice to expand their knowledge and channel it into the classroom tend to engage student learning.
Larry Ferlazzo, February 22, 2023
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13 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion How to Become a Better Teacher. Here's What Teachers Have to Say
Never stop learning is one piece of advice, and try out new things is another.
Larry Ferlazzo, February 15, 2023
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15 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion 10 Concrete Ways Teachers Can Hone Their Craft
The prospect of improving your practice can feel overwhelming, but it needn't be.
Larry Ferlazzo, February 14, 2023
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15 min read
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Teaching Opinion What Teachers Have Learned From Students and Mentors
Sometimes just a moment in time or a one-off comment can change the way teachers view their practice.
Larry Ferlazzo, February 7, 2023
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12 min read
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Teaching Opinion 'Explain Less, Show More' and Other Advice Teachers Have Learned
Teachers share how their instruction has improved from listening to—and taking to heart—observations and feedback they have received.
Larry Ferlazzo, February 6, 2023
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14 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion Gholdy Muhammad Champions 'Unearthing Joy' in Her New Book
The esteemed educator explains the importance of bringing joy into the classroom and incorporating it into the curriculum.
Larry Ferlazzo, February 1, 2023
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15 min read
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