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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School & District Management Opinion Principals: Supporting Your Teachers Doesn't Have to Be Such Hard Work
Principals can show teachers they care by something as simple as a visit to their classrooms or a pat on the back.
Larry Ferlazzo, May 24, 2022
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12 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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School & District Management Opinion 7 Ways Principals Can Support Teachers
Listening more than talking is one vital piece of advice for school leaders to help teachers.
Larry Ferlazzo, May 23, 2022
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13 min read
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English Learners Opinion Crystal Ball Predictions: What Will Education for ELL Students Look Like in 10 Years?
In the next decade, schools just might appreciate English-learners for whom they are and the language skills they possess.
Larry Ferlazzo, May 17, 2022
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12 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teacher Preparation Opinion Make Teacher Prep Practical, Not Theoretical
Ready teachers for the rigors of the classroom—how to plan lessons, differentiate instruction, and all the elements of educating students.
Larry Ferlazzo, May 16, 2022
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18 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teacher Preparation Opinion Teacher Prep Should Include Classroom-Culture Training
Great teachers foster environments where students want to be.
Larry Ferlazzo, May 10, 2022
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12 min read
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Teacher Preparation Opinion Are Teacher-Prep Programs Out of Touch?
Teacher-prep courses are frequently taught by instructors who have been away from the K-12 classroom a long time.
Larry Ferlazzo, May 9, 2022
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15 min read
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Teaching Opinion Boost the Power of the Teaching Team by Enlisting Other School Staff
Show respect to classified staff members. Asking them to mentor students goes a long way toward that.
Larry Ferlazzo, May 3, 2022
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12 min read
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Teaching Opinion Everyone's a Teacher in Schools. Take Advantage of It
Secretaries, custodians—all staff members—can help students. Teachers would be wise to treat them as partners.
Larry Ferlazzo, May 2, 2022
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10 min read
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Teaching Profession Opinion Ignore the Negativity. Be a Teacher
Every day in the classroom offers new experiences, as well as the opportunity to have a major influence on students' lives.
Larry Ferlazzo, April 27, 2022
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12 min read
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Teaching Profession Opinion Would You Urge a Young Person to Go Into Teaching? What Teachers Say
There's no one answer to explain why teachers would recommend (or not) their profession. What is clear: It's rewarding.
Larry Ferlazzo, April 25, 2022
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12 min read
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Teaching Opinion Educators: Want to Contribute to This Blog?
Classroom Q&A is on the lookout for talented educators who can offer helpful advice to teachers.
Larry Ferlazzo, April 19, 2022
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1 min read
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Teaching Opinion A Good Colleague Can Make or Break Any Teacher
At the heart of learning for teachers is the support, wisdom, and inspiration of colleagues—whether in Year I or during crises.
Larry Ferlazzo, April 18, 2022
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18 min read
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Teaching Opinion The Lessons Educators Have Learned From Colleagues
Take risks is one of the valuable lessons teachers can learn from their peers. Risks after all lead to growth.
Larry Ferlazzo, April 9, 2022
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14 min read
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Families & the Community Opinion Parents Are Among Teachers' Best Assets
Don't view parents as obstacles. See them as partners to enhance student learning.
Larry Ferlazzo, April 5, 2022
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11 min read
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