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.

Teaching Opinion Assessing the Needs of Black Students During the Coronavirus Crisis
Jamila Lyiscott, Ph.D., writes about the challenges facing Black students before and during the Coronavirus crisis and how schools must invite them to help identify their own needs.
Larry Ferlazzo, April 30, 2020
6 min read
Teaching Opinion Teacher Reflections After a Month of Distance Learning
Four educators offer their reflections after a month of distance learning, including the importance of showing grace to students and ourselves and reaching out to parents.
Larry Ferlazzo, April 29, 2020
12 min read
Teaching Opinion 'We Do the Best We Can': Lessons From Six Weeks of Remote Teaching
Four educators share lessons from six weeks of remote teaching, including the importance of communication and community and what they've changed in that time.
Larry Ferlazzo, April 28, 2020
16 min read
Teaching Opinion Four Ways to Support African American Students Through the COVID-19 Emergency
Educator Adeyemi Stembridge, Ph.D., shares strategies to bolster African American students during our present emergency, such as inviting them to share their stories and their art.
Larry Ferlazzo, April 27, 2020
8 min read
Education Opinion Visualization of 'Tips for Remote Teaching With ELL Students'
Teacher Wendi Pillars shares a visual illustration of the points made in Larry Ferlazzo's video, "Tips for Remote Teaching With ELL Students."
Larry Ferlazzo, April 26, 2020
1 min read
Education Opinion Encouraging Student Engagement in Remote Learning
Teacher David Sherrin discusses ideas on how to motivate students in distance teaching and learning and shares some online resources he has created for his classes.
Larry Ferlazzo, April 24, 2020
7 min read
Education Opinion Spanish-Language Visualization: '7 Tips for Parents Supporting Remote Learning'
Educators Wendi Pillars and Xatli Stox collaborate to create a Spanish-language version of Wendi's original visualization of "7 Tips For Parents Supporting Remote Learning."
Larry Ferlazzo, April 23, 2020
1 min read
Teaching Opinion Supporting African American Students During the School Closure Crisis
Two educators describe how schools can directly respond to the needs of African American students during the COVID-19 crisis, including by regularly contacting their homes and developing a student-centered curriculum.
Larry Ferlazzo, April 23, 2020
11 min read
Reading & Literacy Opinion Six Ways to Teach Poetry
Five teachers share strategies for teaching poetry, including by using a "Poem of the Week" to promote social justice and by using photos to prompt student engagement.
Larry Ferlazzo, April 22, 2020
15 min read
Education Opinion Video: 'Tips for Remote Teaching With ELL Students'
Larry Ferlazzo continues with his video series offering advice on dealing with the school closure crisis. In this one, he provides suggestions to teachers of English-language learners, including developing a student-driven curriculum and creating opportunities for one-to-one conversations.
Larry Ferlazzo, April 22, 2020
1 min read
Professional Development Opinion Six Ways Educators Can Support LGBTQ Students During COVID-19
During the best of times, LGBTQ students often have a tough time navigating safely through the negative actions thrown their way. Two educators explain how teachers can help these students remotely.
Larry Ferlazzo, April 21, 2020
7 min read
Teaching Opinion Reading & Writing Instruction in the Age of the Coronavirus
Keep it simple, keep it flexible, and keep the routine familiar are among the suggestions three educators give in assigning students work while distance learning.
Larry Ferlazzo, April 21, 2020
12 min read
Education Opinion Spanish-Language Infographic: '7 Tips for Parents Supporting Remote Learning'
Educator Xatli Stox translates Lindsay Kuhl's infographic on helping parents support distance learning into Spanish.
Larry Ferlazzo, April 20, 2020
1 min read
Teaching Opinion All Classroom Q&A Posts on the Coronavirus Crisis
You can find links here to all Classroom Q&A posts related to supporting teachers, students, and parents during the school closure crisis.
Larry Ferlazzo, April 20, 2020
6 min read