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 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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Families & the Community Opinion Lessons Teachers Have Learned From Students' Families
Reaching students comes easier if teachers see themselves as equal partners with families.
Larry Ferlazzo, April 4, 2022
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11 min read
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School & District Management Opinion What the Teacher and Classified-Staff Strike in Sacramento Means for the Country
If school district leaders changed their mindset about the concept of sharing power, students would be among the beneficiaries.
Larry Ferlazzo, March 31, 2022
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6 min read
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Professional Development Opinion Want Successful Professional Development? Try Promoting Curiosity
Some hallmarks of fruitful PD include partnering with colleagues and asking students to take part.
Larry Ferlazzo, March 31, 2022
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10 min read
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Professional Development Opinion The Importance of 'Learner-Centered' Professional Development
The best PD sessions help teachers learn by doing and steer clear of sit-and-get presentations.
Larry Ferlazzo, March 29, 2022
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12 min read
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Professional Development Opinion Professional Development Doesn't Have to Be Boring and Painful
Students and subject-matter experts offer some of the best professional development.
Larry Ferlazzo, March 25, 2022
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14 min read
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Teaching Opinion Practical Ways Schools Can Support Student Learning Now
Instead of engaging in unrealistic solutions, schools should focus on those that will make students' lives better immediately.
Larry Ferlazzo, March 22, 2022
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8 min read
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