Teaching Profession Blog

Leading From the Classroom

This blog was written by Patrick Ledesma, a National Board-certified teacher and School Based Technology Specialist in Fairfax, Virginia, where he focused on instructional-technology integration and special education at the middle school level. For the 2010-2011 school year, Patrick served as a Classroom Fellow with the U.S. Department of Education’s Teacher Ambassador Fellowship Program, as well as working on teacher recruitment and outreach for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. This blog is no longer being updated, but you can continue to explore these issues on edweek.org by visiting our related topic pages: teacher leaders.

Education Opinion RESPECT Teachers, Don't STICK it to Them
Two important education related news events occurred this week.
Patrick Ledesma, February 18, 2012
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5 min read
Education Opinion Teacher Leadership and Implementing the Common Core Standards
Marsha Ratzel is a National Board Certified Teacher who teaches middle school math and science in Kansas. Her blog, Reflections of a Techie, focuses on technology integration in the classroom.
Patrick Ledesma, February 12, 2012
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3 min read
Education Opinion Do Teachers Need a Rebranding to Improve their Public Image?
Do you remember seeing your first portrayal of teachers?
Patrick Ledesma, February 6, 2012
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2 min read
Education Opinion How Will You Use Technology to Revolutionize Your Learning?
Last week, I wrote about Apple's Potential Game Changer in Education. Apple's announcement of tools to empower anyone to be a textbook publisher on the iPad met various positive and critical reviews.
Patrick Ledesma, January 30, 2012
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1 min read
Education Opinion Apple and the iPad's Potential Game Changer for Education
As you may have heard today, Apple announced their E-Textbook Initiative to enter and revolutionize the textbook market, specifically centering these initiatives to highlight the potential of the iPad in education.
Patrick Ledesma, January 19, 2012
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3 min read
Education Opinion What is Missing in Teacher Leadership? A Roadmap & Destination
As preparations are being made to develop an online community for educators to share ideas, resources, and have discussions about teacher leadership and the Teacher Leadership Standards, I think of my own experiences that have enhanced my own understanding of teacher leadership.
Patrick Ledesma, January 16, 2012
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4 min read
Education Opinion Has the Accountability Movement Run its Course?
With the 10th anniversary of No Child Left Behind, the Thomas B. Fordham Institute hosted a panel discussion entitled, "Has the Accountability Movement Run its Course?" on January 5th.
Patrick Ledesma, January 9, 2012
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3 min read
Education Opinion Learning About Technology, Public Engagement, and Independence ... From a Comedian
Real world success stories are the most convincing testaments for the potential of technology. We can learn a lot by examining the success of specific individuals and see if any lessons can be applied to education.
Patrick Ledesma, December 19, 2011
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2 min read
Education Opinion What Age Should Children Start Using iPads, Education Apps, and Technology?
It's Thanksgiving week! It's that special time of the year when we recognize the special people and events in our lives. Then, after pausing to give thanks while eating lots of food, we will battle each other for parking spaces and limited quantities door buster sale items.
Patrick Ledesma, November 21, 2011
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2 min read
Education Opinion iPads in Schools: Replacing Backpacks?
Do you believe that all students will have tablet computers within 5 years?
Patrick Ledesma, November 14, 2011
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4 min read
Education Opinion What Makes a Good Teacher?
Can you define what makes a good teacher?
Fareed Zakaria aired a Global Public Square (GPS) Special: Fixing Education on November 5 on CNN.
Patrick Ledesma, November 7, 2011
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3 min read
Education Opinion Technology Experts in Schools: Teacher Leaders or Technicians?
Are you a teacher who leads others in using technology? Or, are you a technology specialist in your school?
Patrick Ledesma, October 23, 2011
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5 min read
Education Opinion How Can Teacher Evaluation Improve Teaching?
Did your formal evaluation give meaningful feedback to improve your teaching and leadership?
Patrick Ledesma, October 17, 2011
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3 min read
Education Opinion Technology Mastery for Liberal Arts: Thank You, Steve Jobs
In a 1996 interview with Terry Gross from National Public Radio (NPR), Steve Jobs highlighted his philosophy of "Computer Science Is A Liberal Art" that, in hindsight, would by followed by over a decade of innovative products that made technology easily accessible for millions of people.
Patrick Ledesma, October 6, 2011
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2 min read
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