On September 11th, 2001 at a little after 9 in the morning, I walked through the front doors of my high school. I had PE …
Legacy Pedagogy Baggage
I wonder if almost every teacher was an A+ student as a child. Or if the majority of folks who become teachers do so because …
I’ve Seen Racism From Both Sides Of That Desk
The transition from the predominantly white elementary school I attended to the largely marginalized middle school was the closest thing to culture shock this “native …
5 Life Lessons Students Can Learn From Social Media
Why haven’t teachers utilized the ways in which students can learn from social media? Social media can be a powerful tool for engaging students and honoring …
The Poverty Mindset
At work, I have been told that I am a “stir stick”. Meaning that I am one inclined to stir things up. This is one …
Wishing Bad
After legendary black cultural icon Tupac Shakur passed away in the fall of ’96, his hip-hop archnemesis, rapper Biggie Smalls, was quoted saying, “I would …
All These Certified Teachers
I take my job very seriously. I have since the day I became a certified teacher. I think a teacher plays an important role in …
Emotional Intelligence
We need to come to our senses when it comes to teaching. I’ve been told that teaching kids to memorize their times-tables don’t matter anymore. …
I Think My Neighbors Think I’m Selling Dope
Millionaire rapper, J. Cole, made a song titled Neighbors “inspired” by a SWAT raid on his house after his rich white neighbors called the police …
Teaching During Ramadan
In the last few years of my life I’ve found it increasingly difficult to burn off that late night pizza slice or the friday burger …