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 Advice for Beginning—and Veteran—Teachers
Larry Ferlazzo offers advice for new teachers gleaned from his many years of experience in the classroom.
Larry Ferlazzo, June 3, 2025
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 Students Can Easily Fall for Dangerous Messaging. What Teachers Can Do
Bad feelings and alienation can plague young people. You can address those emotions in the classroom.
Larry Ferlazzo, May 29, 2025
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 Improve Your Teaching With These Easy-to-Prep Strategies
Educators share easy steps that teachers can take to bring about big differences in their instruction.
Larry Ferlazzo, May 22, 2025
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 Students Are Regularly Exposed to Sexist Content Online. What Should Teachers Do
Andrew Tate's messaging about the "manosphere" is just one example of the dangerous messages students are receiving.
Larry Ferlazzo, May 20, 2025
5 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
Artificial Intelligence Opinion AI Tutors Can Be Both a Help and a Hindrance in the Classroom, Explain Teachers
Chatbots are no silver bullet, and there's much to caution about them, but they do offer some promise.
Larry Ferlazzo, May 9, 2025
8 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 My Grandson Is Becoming a Teacher. Here's What I Want Him to Know
Larry Ferlazzo, who retires from teaching at the end of this year, offers guidance for new and veteran educators.
Larry Ferlazzo, May 5, 2025
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 Teachers Share Their Best Advice—in 6 Words or Less
Veteran educators know their stuff and share it—succinctly.
Larry Ferlazzo, April 30, 2025
2 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 COVID Still Affects Classrooms. Here's How
Five years after the start of the pandemic, educators witness its ongoing consequences.
Larry Ferlazzo, April 29, 2025
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
Reading & Literacy Opinion Don't Underestimate the Power of Graphic Novels for the Classroom
Not just an easy read: Comics and graphic novels can teach a host of skills, three educators explain.
Larry Ferlazzo, April 23, 2025
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
Teaching Opinion Want to Up Your Teaching Game? Listen to These Students
Students explain what makes them feel connected to their teachers and learning.
Larry Ferlazzo, April 22, 2025
9 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 5 Books That Have Inspired Teachers
Teachers talk about the books that have helped them strengthen their classroom instruction.
Larry Ferlazzo, April 17, 2025
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
Teaching Opinion Enough Already With the New Initiatives. Give Teachers a Break
School leaders should not only ask if new approaches will aid learning but what teachers can stop doing to make room for the new task.
Larry Ferlazzo, April 9, 2025
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
English Learners Opinion Students Make Mistakes. How Teachers Correct Them Matters
Lessons learned from correcting language learners can be used across subject areas.
Larry Ferlazzo, April 8, 2025
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 Educators Share Their Best Ideas for Unlocking Student Learning
Teachers need to look beyond perceived biases and low expectations to help students succeed.
Larry Ferlazzo, April 4, 2025
9 min read