Capturing the Spark: Energizing Teaching and Schools
From October 2015 to October 2017, veteran English teacher David B. Cohen explored what drives quality teaching and strong student engagement in schools. Cohen is a veteran high school English teacher from Palo Alto, Calif., and former associate director of Accomplished California Teachers. Follow him on Twitter: @CohenD. This blog is no longer being updated, but you can continue to explore these issues on edweek.org by visiting our related topic pages: student motivation & engagement.
Teaching
Opinion
Teaching Supply and Demand Should Embolden New Educators
The law of supply and demand favors new teachers right now. It will be good for education broadly if they seize their opportunity.
Education
Opinion
Will the Government Protect Student Interests?
A variety of changes in federal policies under a Trump administration are likely to harm our students.
Teaching
Opinion
Checking Out Books By Teachers Who Write
Teacher-authors bring classroom sensibility and practicality to their writing. Here are some worth checking out.
Education
Opinion
Unions Support Educational Progress
I'm going to pull back the curtain and expose some of the inner workings of my own teachers' union.
Teaching
Opinion
High School Students' Views of the Election Process
Students' overall faith in the system doesn't stop them from expressing a number of well-known concerns regarding voting.
Teaching
Opinion
Scaling Down to Help Teachers Communicate
How can large secondary schools ensure teachers confer regarding shared students?
Teaching
Opinion
The Right and Wrong Kinds of Pressure
It's not just for athletes: let's see how teachers can step up to deliver clutch performances under pressure.
Teaching
Opinion
A Culture of Gratitude
A few years ago, they started saying "Thank you" after each lesson, and it made a difference.
Education
Opinion
California Reforms Accountability
California just made school accountability much more complicated. And that's good.
Teaching
Opinion
New Discoveries in Classic 'Mockingbird'
Even if you teach the same content five, ten, twenty times or more, find ways to stay curious, deepen your understanding, and keep the experience fresh.
Teaching
Opinion
Arts for Everyone
Preparations for the new school year should include planning for arts integration, whatever subject or grade level you teach.
Teaching
Opinion
Election Year Opportunity and Risk in the Classroom
An election year provides teachers with a chance to foster political and civic awareness. Mindful of the risks, we should take advantage of the opportunity.
Teaching
Opinion
Teaching in Disturbing Times
I've averted my gaze from the videos, but I can't look away from what people are feeling and dealing with this week. How will it affect my teaching?
Education
Opinion
Stakeholder Input for State ESSA Plans
States are directed to gather input from education stakeholders regarding ESSA implementation plans. Here are my observations and suggestions from one meeting in California.