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.

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Teaching Opinion Want to Become a Better Teacher? Put Your Students Before the Content
One of the most valuable lessons for teachers to learn in their first year is to get to know and love their students.
Larry Ferlazzo, November 28, 2022
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16 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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School & District Management Opinion The Pandemic Revealed Several Truths About School Districts
School systems can make changes much quicker than most people thought possible and provide more flexibility for students.
Larry Ferlazzo, November 22, 2022
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14 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion The Most Important Lessons Teachers Impart Are Not Dictated by a Pacing Guide
For true learning to occur, lessons need to be put into context, not designed to be checked off a to-do list.
Larry Ferlazzo, November 21, 2022
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14 min read
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School & District Management Opinion 9 Lessons School District Leaders Should Learn From the COVID Pandemic
Throughout the crisis, leadership and staff glommed on to returning to "normal," but that had long not worked for many students.
Larry Ferlazzo, November 15, 2022
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13 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion Sage Advice From Veteran Teachers to Those New to the Classroom
Teachers can learn a lot by tapping into their fellow teachers and other school staff as well as students.
Larry Ferlazzo, November 14, 2022
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15 min read
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Teaching Opinion 11 Pieces of Advice Veteran Teachers Would Tell Their First-Year Selves
There's a steep learning curve during the first year of teaching, so don't sweat the small stuff.
Larry Ferlazzo, November 8, 2022
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11 min read
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Teaching Opinion What Students Want From Their Teachers: 7 Lessons
Teachers, you don't have to be your students' friend, but you do have to show you care about their work.
Larry Ferlazzo, November 7, 2022
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12 min read
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Teaching Opinion How to Build a Culturally Responsive Community of Writers
Acclaimed educators Gholdy Muhammad and Marie Moreno share insights into reaching all students in the classroom.
Larry Ferlazzo, November 1, 2022
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10 min read
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School & District Management Opinion Teachers Praise These School District Decisions
Team building and collective decisionmaking create a better school environment for staff and students alike.
Larry Ferlazzo, October 31, 2022
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13 min read
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School & District Management Opinion The 5 'Best' Decisions School Districts Have Made
What they all have in common is a philosophical shift to put the focus on engaging students.
Larry Ferlazzo, October 25, 2022
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11 min read
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Families & the Community Opinion How Should Educators Respond to Parents Who Criticize What's Being Taught?
Listening to parents' concerns and helping them understand the curriculum and its goals can head off upheaval.
Larry Ferlazzo, October 24, 2022
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20 min read
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Teaching Opinion Teachers, Be Brave in the Face of Unjust Laws
Particularly in these politically fraught times, all students need to be exposed to literature that invites diverse perspectives.
Larry Ferlazzo, October 19, 2022
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9 min read
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Teaching Opinion 10 Ways to Foster a More Culturally Responsive English Class
Start by uncovering your own biases and making students feel safe.
Larry Ferlazzo, October 17, 2022
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15 min read
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Teaching Opinion What Will Teachers Carry Over From the Pandemic Into ‘Normal Times’?
The pandemic also reinforced some of the instructional practices that teachers want to hold on to.
Larry Ferlazzo, October 13, 2022
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14 min read
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