The Teaching Now blog explored the latest news on the teaching profession, from practical classroom tips to raging policy debates. This blog is no longer being updated, but you can continue to explore these issues on edweek.org by visiting our related topic pages: teaching, teaching profession, and curriculum.
School Climate & Safety
Rep. Giffords and Sandy Hook Mother Co-Author Anti-Violence Lesson Plan
In anticipation of the one-year anniversary of the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., in which 20 students and six teachers were killed by an intruder last December, former U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.) has collaborated with a victim's mother and a teacher to write an anti-violence lesson plan for schools.
Curriculum
Does Free Time Trump Class Time for Innovative Teens?
Reflecting on recent news about another teen software genius, a Catholic school educator wonders how schools can better support advanced students who have creative interests outside of conventional academic areas.
Job Hunting Tips & Advice
Do Education Leaders Need More Teaching Experience?
The Huffington Post recently published a list of 11 high-profile education leaders who've never been teachers.
Teaching Profession
Setting the Bar for Teacher Licensing
The developers of a new performance-based teacher-licensing test have a clear message for states that want to use it: Set the passing bar high, but not too high.
Teaching Profession
NAEP Scores Spark Debate on Toughening Teacher Accountability
Some have been quick to cite changes to teacher evaluation and tenure processes as explanation for the NAEP gains in Tennessee and D.C. But it's more complicated than that.
Curriculum
Teacher: Struggling Readers Need More Stories
Ariel Sacks, an 8th grade language arts teacher in New York City, argues that the best way to help students who can decode text but struggle with comprehension is not to focus on particular tricks or strategies but to give them time with good stories.
Teaching Profession
Physics Teacher Wows Harlem Globetrotters
This is just plain fun.
David Hovan, a sixth-year AP physics teacher at St. John's College High School in the District of Columbia, demonstrated a most impressive talent for his students—spinning a basketball on top of a pen while writing. A resourceful high schooler, of course, caught it on video:
David Hovan, a sixth-year AP physics teacher at St. John's College High School in the District of Columbia, demonstrated a most impressive talent for his students—spinning a basketball on top of a pen while writing. A resourceful high schooler, of course, caught it on video:
Teaching Profession
Teachers in High-Poverty Schools Eligible for $25,000 Prize
TNTP, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that "all students get excellent teachers," is now accepting applications for the 3rd annual Fishman Prize for Superlative Classroom Practice. Teachers working with low-income students are eligible for the prize, which is awarded to four teachers annually. Winners receive $25,000 and participate in a six-week summer residency. TNTP also publishes papers by winners about their teaching experiences and offering advice to other teachers.
Education Funding
N.J. Gov. Chris Christie Meets a 'Badass Teacher'
At a campaign event in Somers Point, N.J., teacher Melissa Tomlinson approached New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and asked why he'd called his state's schools "failure factories."
Mathematics
PBS Launches New Video Series to Make Math 'Cool'
PBS Math Club's interactive video series seeks to relate math to students' interests to make it more interesting to a middle school demographic.
Classroom Technology
Teacher App Watch: Texting Students Without the 'Creepiness'
A new tech tool, backed by $3.5 million in financing, is designed to let teachers communicate efficiently with their students outside of class without having to resort to social-media or text-message appeals that might come off as "creepy."
School & District Management
Report: Teacher-Evaluation Policies Becoming Increasingly 'Rigorous'
The Washington-based National Council on Teacher Quality released its annual report rounding up states' teacher-evaluation policies, which have become increasingly stringent over the last few years.
Job Hunting Tips & Advice
Buzzfeed Offers Teacher Gift Ideas
The ever-enticing Buzzfeed published a list of "24 Thoughtful Gifts for Teachers." And commenters weren't too happy about the selections.
School & District Management
Should Teachers Be More Mindful?
An initial study of CARE For Teachers finds that the program increases well-being, efficacy, and mindfulness for teachers, while helping them cope with burnout.