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 Profession Opinion What Does It Mean to 'Overspend' on Teacher Salaries?
Is it really possible for a district to spend too much money on teachers? Higher pay sows benefits beyond teachers' earnings.
Larry Ferlazzo, July 25, 2022
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3 min read
BRIC ARCHIVE
Teaching Opinion Differentiated Instruction Doesn't Need to Be a Heavy Lift
Sometimes adapting instruction is just about making decisions in the moment to reach all students, regardless of their gifts or challenges.
Larry Ferlazzo, July 22, 2022
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3 min read
Messed up puzzle pieces of an American flag on a dark blue background
iStock/Getty Images Plus
Social Studies Opinion Teaching Social Studies Isn't for the Faint of Heart
Few school subjects provoke controversy as much as social studies. Here's help for teachers to address topics head-on.
Larry Ferlazzo, July 20, 2022
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4 min read
family remote ed Opinion
Feodora Chiosea/iStock/Getty
Families & the Community Opinion How to Make Parent Engagement Meaningful
Parents can serve as valuable education resources for their children—and teachers.
Larry Ferlazzo, July 19, 2022
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4 min read
many monitors, some with students others empty
iStock/Getty
Classroom Technology Opinion Technology Is the Tool, Not the Teacher
Technology can be a powerful enhancement to student learning—when it's used wisely.
Larry Ferlazzo, July 15, 2022
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4 min read
Image of children in a classroom.
iStock/Getty
Teaching Opinion What Students Like (and Don't Like) About School
Students sound off on what makes a good teacher as well as the pros and cons of learning remotely.
Larry Ferlazzo, July 13, 2022
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3 min read
State Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, discusses his proposed measure to provide legal refuge to displaced transgender youth and their families during a news conference in Sacramento, Calif., March 17, 2022. Democratic lawmakers in more than a dozen states are following California’s lead in seeking to offer legal refuge to displaced transgender youth and their families. The coordinated effort being announced Tuesday, May 3, by the LGBTQ Victory Institute and other advocates comes in response to recent actions taken in conservative states.
State Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, discusses his proposed measure to provide legal refuge to displaced transgender youth and their families during a news conference in Sacramento, Calif., March 17, 2022. Democratic lawmakers in more than a dozen states are following California’s lead in seeking to offer legal refuge to displaced transgender youth and their families. The coordinated effort being announced Tuesday, May 3, by the LGBTQ Victory Institute and other advocates comes in response to recent actions taken in conservative states.
Rich Pedroncelli/AP
Equity & Diversity Opinion How to Challenge Normative Gender Culture to Support All Students
Teachers can play key roles in helping support LGBTQ and other students facing gender discrimination.
Larry Ferlazzo, July 11, 2022
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1 min read
A group of people help each other out.
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Teaching Opinion Student Motivation and Social-Emotional Learning Present Challenges. Here's How to Help
Student success hinges on whether they have the proper tools. Teachers offer tips for how to equip students.
Larry Ferlazzo, July 8, 2022
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6 min read
A clean face mask on top of scattered sharpened pencils
David Benito/iStock
Teaching Opinion Teacher Takeaways From the Pandemic: What Worked? What Didn't?
As tumultuous as the pandemic and the politicization enveloping it have been for schools, teachers have found ways to move forward.
Larry Ferlazzo, June 30, 2022
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8 min read
Illustration of a young person walking into the bright horizon
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Teaching Opinion The School Year Has Ended. What Are Some Lessons to Close Out Next Year?
Before teachers know it, the 2022-23 school year will be over. Plan early on the best ways to accomplish that.
Larry Ferlazzo, June 30, 2022
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1 min read
Image of a teacher in a classroom full of kids.
Getty
Teaching Opinion Classroom Management Starts With Student Engagement
Teachers in the know offer reams of advice about tackling one of the toughest tasks facing educators.
Larry Ferlazzo, June 29, 2022
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3 min read
Photo illustration of colorful school supplies
Vanessa Solis/Education Week and iStock/Getty Images
Teaching Opinion Schools Just Let Out, But What Are the Best Ways to Begin the Coming Year?
The No. 1 piece of advice from teachers: Get to know your students.
Larry Ferlazzo, June 24, 2022
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2 min read
People rallied ahead of the Newberg, Ore., School Board vote on whether to ban Black Lives Matter and Pride flags at the school on Sept. 28, 2021. The school board that recently banned teachers from displaying gay pride and Black Lives Matter symbols has abruptly fired the school superintendent, deeply upsetting board members who opposed the move.
People rallied ahead of the Newberg, Ore., School Board vote on whether to ban Black Lives Matter and Pride flags at the school on Sept. 28, 2021. The school board that recently banned teachers from displaying gay pride and Black Lives Matter symbols has abruptly fired the school superintendent, deeply upsetting board members who opposed the move.
Beth Nakamura/The Oregonian via AP
Equity & Diversity Opinion How to Best Address Race and Racism in the Classroom
Despite the challenges, teaching about the politically sensitive topic is important.
Larry Ferlazzo, June 21, 2022
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6 min read
Kindergarten teacher Karen Drolet works with a masked student at Raices Dual Language Academy, a public school in Central Falls, R.I., Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2022.
Kindergarten teacher Karen Drolet works with a masked student at Raices Dual Language Academy, a public school in Central Falls, R.I., Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2022.
David Goldman/AP
Teaching & Learning Opinion It Was Another Busy School Year. What Resonated for You?
See the most popular posts in Classroom Q&A over the past school year.
Larry Ferlazzo, June 20, 2022
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1 min read
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