Road Diaries: 2009 Teacher of the Year
In spring of 2009, special education teacher Anthony Mullen -- former New York City police officer -- was named the 59th National Teacher of the Year. Mullen taught at an alternative high school in Connecticut, where he worked with students who are often on their last academic stop. As NTOY, Mullen was on leave from his classroom for the academic year. He traveled the country, speaking to educators and reformers about what he sees as the greatest threat to American education: this country’s high dropout rate. Mullen’s opinion blog discussed his experiences in this space. This blog is no longer being updated, but you can continue to explore these issues on edweek.org by visiting our related topic pages: dropouts.
Education
Opinion
To Close a Door Gently
In his final post for Teacher and with a heavy heart, Anthony Mullen admits that in spite of a marvelous experience as National Teacher of the Year, the classroom beckons.
Education
Opinion
Jumping Through Hoops
Anthony Mullen believes what states must endure for a chance at Race to the Top funding is doing more to widen the gap between the haves and have-nots than any previous piece of educational legislation.
Education
Opinion
Through a Lens Darkly
Anthony Mullen is left wondering what teachers can do for students dealing with complex emotional problems.
Education
Opinion
The Age of Opposable Thumbs
Following the ISTE conference, Anthony Mullen comes to the realization that new technologies will pave the way for student-centered classrooms.
Education
Opinion
Reflections of an Itinerant Learner
Anthony Mullen finishes up his journey as the 2009 National Teacher of the Year and reflects upon what he's learned in the past 12 months.
Education
Opinion
A Soldier's Pride
A visit to a military fort in Georgia brings Anthony Mullen face-to-face with the unique challenges educators encounter with students who have parents deployed abroad.
Education
Opinion
A Time to Charter Congress?
Anthony Mullen wonders if politicians, rife with inflammatory rhetoric about underperforming teachers, are actually the ones who need to change their ways.
Teaching Profession
Opinion
A Child's First Teacher
Anthony Mullen pays a visit to his mother's grave on Mother's Day and thanks her for being his first teacher, long before he ever started school.
Education
Opinion
Fixing Schools in Mississippi
On a trip to Mississippi, Anthony Mullen discovers that the teachers in the state are intimately involved in the school turnaround process.
Education
Opinion
Epitaph for a Young Teacher
Since no one has consulted him on a draft of the national standards yet, Anthony Mullen takes matters into his own hands and boils down what all students should learn.
Education
Opinion
Shine on Florida, Shine on!
Florida Governor Charlie Crist's veto of a bill that would have linked teacher pay to student test scores elicits more than a ray of hope from Anthony Mullen.
Education
Opinion
Madness Interrupted
A brief encounter with a frustrated airport passenger makes Anthony Mullen wonder why teachers dealing with "a steady diet of lies by mindless bureaucrats" haven't snapped.
Education
Opinion
The Scarlet T
Anthony Mullen tells a Wall Street money manager that he could have had the "job security" that he imagines teachers have...but he decided to make a lot of money instead.
