Another surprisingly emotional book journey: submitting my book for adoption for one of my Fall courses. So much of this book was woven together from class discussions & personal revelations I’ve had while teaching THIS course. It’s such a full-circle moment.

I push my pre/inservice teachers to reflect on how they are situated & positioned within oppressive social, political & economic structures because it helps them identify ways to (re)position themselves within efforts to disrupt, dismantle & transform them.

We need teacher ed programs that are no longer preparing passive practitioners, but rather empowering educators/leaders who embody the liberating approaches necessary to heal the generations of harm experienced in schools.

We need more teacher education programs that understand their mission should be to teach pre- & inservice teachers INTO their unique & authentic voices, not out of them. That’s where they’ll find their power to advocate for themselves, their students & the communities they serve.

I don’t know who needs to hear this (besides me), but rest is NOT unproductive.

Imagine how things would change if instead of funding trainings on how to deal with “disruptive students” we focused on providing schools/teachers with supports to identify and address what is “disruptive to students” both inside and outside of schools instead? #mondaymusings

The shift from "how do I deal with my disruptive students" to "how can I address what's disrupting my students" is such a powerful reframe that instantly (re)humanizes both student & teacher. #mondaymusings

After some sporadic engagement, I'm trying to find my voice in these social media spaces again. Bare with me folks & enjoy the multiple versions of my daily musings.

The word of the 2024-2025 academic year: BALANCE.

Haven’t posted much lately because most of my posts boil down to “treat students, particularly those at the intersection of marginalized identities, with humanity & provide them with what they deserve” and the need to keep repeating and justifying that is exhausting.

I read tons of student reflections on course content every semester but this semester that includes reflections on MY book and, as expected, your girl is feeling ALL the feelings. Mostly I’m proud. Proud of this book & proud of my students for digging deep!

Last night many wore costumes & masks to celebrate Halloween. But many of us wear masks and costumes every day as we navigate school, work & social settings because society often privileges & rewards conformity while punishing individuality & authenticity.