February 2020

Making Reading Workshop Work

When crafted with attention and insight into literacy development, reading workshop can build students' capacity and engagement as readers.

January 22, 2018

It’s time to shatter the silence about race

After I reported witnessing dozens of white students in a group using the N-word on school property, an administrator said to me, “I’m sure that was awful for you. Why don’t you speak with the students and tell them how that made you feel?” I was stunned.

May 13, 2019

The Odyssey Of An Angry Black Woman

You wear the label proudly
It is justified, your superpower
When the breaking point happens
It is your anger that rescues and restores you...

August 17, 2017

If You Think Racism is Too Political For Your Classroom, Think About What Your Silence Says

Dear Educator,

So you’ve tweeted, and retweeted, and shared articles and inspirational quotes, and posted your expressions of disbelief and despair about Charlottesville. I have one question. “What are you going to do now?”

September 25, 2018

Say Their Names (Correctly. From Day One. Always)

When my daughter was born, I unapologetically named her Imani. It’s a lovely, lyrical name that means “faith” in Swahili...