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 This blog is no longer being updated, but you can continue to explore these issues on edweek.org by visiting our related topic pages: student motivation & engagement.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
Parenting as a Teacher, Teaching as a Parent
My oldest child is now the same age as my students. I'm taking stock of how each role - teacher and parent - has helped me in the other.
Teaching
Opinion
Educating Ourselves on Race
Teachers committed to their own learning, over the summer and beyond, should commit part of their learning to understanding and addressing issues of race and diversity.
Teaching
Opinion
For Teachers, May Is the Cruelest Month
Teachers understand the cruelty of springtime. It's just too much. Especially May.
Teaching
Opinion
Equity and Technology, In That Order
If we don't acknowledge, protect, and cultivate great teaching, then great technology won't make a dent.
Education
Opinion
Appellate Ruling Faults Vergara Plaintiffs, Judge
A unanimous appeals court sides with the defense, finding that the Vergara plaintiffs and trial judge failed in every key aspect of the case.
Teaching
Opinion
Teachers Need Less Training, More Learning
Trying to improve everything at once doesn't work. What if we suspended new professional development for a year to concentrate on our own deeper learning?
Teaching
Opinion
We Need Teacher Engagement Too
As teacher shortages grow, inspiring teachers to stay in the classroom is a legitimate consideration in the design of schools, courses, and curriculum.
Teaching
Opinion
Teaching and Learning Conference Returns
It's time once again for the National Board's Teaching and Learning Conference. Here's what I'm looking forward to learning, and presenting.
Education
Opinion
Appealing for Vergara Case Reversal
The ruling in the Vergara lawsuit was thin on reasoning but deep in flaws. The appellate court could help California's teachers and students by reversing the lower court's verdict.
Education
Opinion
High School Student Activism Makes an Impact
Teenaged activists can be impulsive, simplistic, and spectacularly naïve. They can also be thoughtful, informed, passionate, and right - and they deserve our attention and respect.
Teaching
Opinion
Shakespeare Sparks Engagement, Deep Learning
The spark of inspiration and new learning can come from the oldest of sources, when students' views and voices are essential to their work.
Education
Opinion
Campus-Wide Relationships Help Students Thrive
For some students, the most caring and trusted adults on campus are not teachers. We should notice and celebrate everyone who helps kids thrive at school.
Teaching
Opinion
Sentiments and Faith Not Enough If 'We Shall Overcome'
Are we ready for some honest educational dialogue about race and class, or are we just singing a song from history?
Teaching
Opinion
Maybe You Already Know Enough
I chose the wrong tool, and then I let confidence in technology override my personal knowledge and experience.