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.

Conceptual illustration of classroom conversations and fragmented education elements coming together to form a cohesive picture of a book of classroom knowledge.
Sonia Pulido for Education Week
Teaching Opinion The Ins and Outs of Effective Culturally Responsive Teaching
Understanding different cultures is a skill all students need.
Larry Ferlazzo, September 25, 2025
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12 min read
Conceptual illustration of classroom conversations and fragmented education elements coming together to form a cohesive picture of a book of classroom knowledge.
Sonia Pulido for Education Week
Teaching Opinion Zaretta Hammond: Teachers Can Rebuild Students' 'Learning Power'
In a new book, Zaretta Hammond likens the role of teachers to that of athletic trainers building students' academic muscle.
Larry Ferlazzo, September 24, 2025
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7 min read
Conceptual illustration of classroom conversations and fragmented education elements coming together to form a cohesive picture of a book of classroom knowledge.
Sonia Pulido for Education Week
Social Studies Opinion Over Half My Students Saw Video of Charlie Kirk’s Murder. Here’s How I Responded
An established classroom routine to discuss current events can help educators navigate hard conversations with their students.
Larry Ferlazzo, September 16, 2025
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4 min read
Conceptual illustration of classroom conversations and fragmented education elements coming together to form a cohesive picture of a book of classroom knowledge.
Sonia Pulido for Education Week
Teaching Opinion Students Make Mistakes. Here Are Better Ways to Correct Them
Teachers need to take care in how they give feedback so they don't break trust with students.
Larry Ferlazzo, September 11, 2025
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10 min read
Conceptual illustration of classroom conversations and fragmented education elements coming together to form a cohesive picture of a book of classroom knowledge.
Sonia Pulido for Education Week
Teaching Opinion Simple Teacher Moves to Improve the Classroom
Educators suggest ideas that can easily be incorporated into daily lessons without disrupting the flow of instruction.
Larry Ferlazzo, September 9, 2025
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14 min read
Conceptual illustration of classroom conversations and fragmented education elements coming together to form a cohesive picture of a book of classroom knowledge.
Sonia Pulido for Education Week
English Learners Opinion How to Teach English Learners the Right Way
Teaching English learners can be challenging. These veterans offer guidance.
Larry Ferlazzo, September 5, 2025
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12 min read
Conceptual illustration of classroom conversations and fragmented education elements coming together to form a cohesive picture of a book of classroom knowledge.
Sonia Pulido for Education Week
School & District Management Opinion Here's What Educators Want Superintendents to Know
Maintaining a positive attitude is one key ingredient for district leaders.
Larry Ferlazzo, August 28, 2025
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11 min read
Conceptual illustration of classroom conversations and fragmented education elements coming together to form a cohesive picture of a book of classroom knowledge.
Sonia Pulido for Education Week
Student Well-Being & Movement Opinion 3 Ways Schools Can Support Students' Mental Health
Childhood trauma and adversity are now acknowledged. Educators need strategies to respond to them.
Larry Ferlazzo, August 19, 2025
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3 min read
Conceptual illustration of classroom conversations and fragmented education elements coming together to form a cohesive picture of a book of classroom knowledge.
Sonia Pulido for Education Week
Teaching Opinion How Can Teachers Meet Their Many Challenges?
If the education system focused on students' strengths instead of weaknesses, teachers and students alike would benefit.
Larry Ferlazzo, August 15, 2025
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10 min read
Conceptual illustration of classroom conversations and fragmented education elements coming together to form a cohesive picture of a book of classroom knowledge.
Sonia Pulido for Education Week
Teaching Profession Opinion How to Help Teachers Advance
Executing a few different strategies can foster supportive, empowering environments for teachers.
Larry Ferlazzo, August 12, 2025
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14 min read
Conceptual illustration of classroom conversations and fragmented education elements coming together to form a cohesive picture of a book of classroom knowledge.
Sonia Pulido for Education Week
Equity & Diversity Opinion Culturally Responsive Teaching Is a 'Journey of Discovery.' Here Are Tips to Guide You
How teachers can tap into the many factors that contribute to students' cultural identity, according to educators.
Larry Ferlazzo, August 6, 2025
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12 min read
Photo of teachers having a discussion.
Education Week + Getty
Teaching Profession Opinion Teachers' Advice to Their Colleagues—in 7 Words or Less
Bite-sized advice that's big on wisdom.
Larry Ferlazzo, August 4, 2025
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1 min read
Conceptual illustration of classroom conversations and fragmented education elements coming together to form a cohesive picture of a book of classroom knowledge.
Sonia Pulido for Education Week
Teaching Profession Opinion 'The Worst Rule I Ever Had to Live With ...': The Policies Teachers Hate
Sometimes, teachers are baffled by the directives coming their way.
Larry Ferlazzo, July 31, 2025
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9 min read
Photo of teacher and student talking.
Education Week + Getty
Teaching Profession Opinion What Teens Really Want From Their Teachers
High school students share what works for them.
Larry Ferlazzo, July 28, 2025
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1 min read
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