Teacher Voices

NY’s teachers are committed educators who sometimes feel at odds with their leaders and/or the Department of Education. They seek meaningful professional development, a more diverse teaching staff, and adequate support to serve our children.

Looking Past The Attitude: What Black Teachers See In Black Students That Other Teachers Don’t.
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Looking Past The Attitude: What Black Teachers See In Black Students That Other Teachers Don’t.

Vivett DukesLeave a comment

The other day I was watching a video on Instagram where a little girl in daycare/pre-kindergarten was telling her teacher how she needs a day off from her (the teacher) and these “kids” that get on her nerves. I was in stitches watching it and I thought to myself, “this little girl is really smart!”… Continue reading Looking Past The Attitude: What Black Teachers See In Black Students That Other Teachers Don’t.

The Entitlement of Opting Out in Suburbia: A Superintendent Speaks Out.
Accountability · Blog

The Entitlement of Opting Out in Suburbia: A Superintendent Speaks Out.

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This is a guest post by Raymond Ankrum, Sr., the Executive Director of Riverhead Charter School. It was originally posted here on his blog. I work on Long Island as a school superintendent of the only K-12 charter school in Suffolk County.  Given the history of our school, the power of the teacher’s union on LI,… Continue reading The Entitlement of Opting Out in Suburbia: A Superintendent Speaks Out.

It’s The Two-Sided Teacher! Meet the Grizzly Bear and the Teddy Bear.
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It’s The Two-Sided Teacher! Meet the Grizzly Bear and the Teddy Bear.

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Glenn Mason is a former CPA who spent over 25 years in a variety of roles in corporate America. He is presently a New York City public high school teacher. This is in his twelfth academic year in his newfound career and his fourth guest post with New York School Talk. “Mister, can I speak… Continue reading It’s The Two-Sided Teacher! Meet the Grizzly Bear and the Teddy Bear.

My Health or My Careers: How Do I Choose? Why Do I Have To?
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My Health or My Careers: How Do I Choose? Why Do I Have To?

Vivett Dukes1 Comment

This is a difficult post to write, but I’m up for because my voice must be heard. This issue pertains not only to me, but to any other teacher for whom what you’re about to read rings true. I’m not comfortable sharing specific details, but I will say that recently life is happening to me… Continue reading My Health or My Careers: How Do I Choose? Why Do I Have To?

Are Our Social-Emotional Needs Being Met? No! NY Students Are Hurting And So Are Their Teachers.
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Are Our Social-Emotional Needs Being Met? No! NY Students Are Hurting And So Are Their Teachers.

Vivett DukesLeave a comment

This school year started off on a not-so-good note for me. My dad’s favorite uncle died and my siblings and I had to accompany our father to Jamaica, West Indies for the funeral. This caused me to miss the first three days of back-to-school. You see, just as we adults have troubling things going on… Continue reading Are Our Social-Emotional Needs Being Met? No! NY Students Are Hurting And So Are Their Teachers.

Conflict Resolution, Or, The Story of My Nephew Henry.
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Conflict Resolution, Or, The Story of My Nephew Henry.

Kalyca Adesina ThomasLeave a comment

“Our challenge is to see the seed or opportunity buried in the soil of conflict.” Dedicated to my heart, my nephew E. Henry Phoenix, Arizona is hot! Muy caliente! It’s so hot that afternoon school sports teams often practice in the evening, after the sun has set. Like many schools, the day begins by 8:00… Continue reading Conflict Resolution, Or, The Story of My Nephew Henry.

If You Can’t Teach My Black Children, Admit It and Move On.
Finding the Right School · School Choice

If You Can’t Teach My Black Children, Admit It and Move On.

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Today the New York Times’ Dana Goldstein has an article on a new trend: advocates taking states to court to demand integrated schools. In the piece she quotes one particular education advocate who questions the assumption that integration is a panacea for inequity. That advocate is Khulia Pringle whose daughter attended a St. Paul charter… Continue reading If You Can’t Teach My Black Children, Admit It and Move On.

“Mr Mason, this is Jesus.” A NYC Teacher Learns From His English Language Learners and Newly-Immigrated Students.
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“Mr Mason, this is Jesus.” A NYC Teacher Learns From His English Language Learners and Newly-Immigrated Students.

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Glenn Mason is a former CPA who spent over 25 years in a variety of roles in corporate America. He is presently a New York City public high school teacher. This is in his twelfth academic year in his newfound career and his third guest post with New York School Talk. Glenn’s first post is… Continue reading “Mr Mason, this is Jesus.” A NYC Teacher Learns From His English Language Learners and Newly-Immigrated Students.

My Friend’s Daughter Was Called a “Nigger” Today at Her Summer STEM Camp
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My Friend’s Daughter Was Called a “Nigger” Today at Her Summer STEM Camp

Vivett Dukes1 Comment

My friend’s daughter was called a nigger yesterday at her University of Miami STEM camp. Her angry mother, after experiencing and responding to this event, wrote the following. Toxic white women and toxic white feminism starts as little girls crying crocodile tears on the playground after they deny Black children their humanity. I wish I… Continue reading My Friend’s Daughter Was Called a “Nigger” Today at Her Summer STEM Camp

Teachers, Can You Explain This Survey to Me? Because I’m Really Confused.
Accountability

Teachers, Can You Explain This Survey to Me? Because I’m Really Confused.

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This is a guest post by my friend and colleague Lane Wright, Director of Policy Analysis at Education Post. He is focused on telling stories that help families understand how their schools are doing, how to make them better, and how policy plays a role. He’s a former journalist and former press secretary to Florida’s governor.… Continue reading Teachers, Can You Explain This Survey to Me? Because I’m Really Confused.