Peter J.
Elliott


Peter J. Elliott has worked with adolescents for almost 20 years as an English teacher and social justice educator. After completing a bachelor’s degree in English at Amherst College, he obtained a master’s degree in education from Harvard University. A fan of fairy tales in all their forms, he loves sharing good stories with his two children at home.

Articles by Peter J.

How to Craft an Open Classroom

A teacher examines the intentionality that creates a safe and inclusive environment for LGBT students.

Standing on the Side of Truth

Last spring, our high school performed The Crucible, Arthur Miller’s play about the Salem witch trials (also an allegory of the witch hunts of McCarthyism). It’s one of my favorite plays. Watching the performance, I was struck by the character of Reverend Hale.

Why I Teach: Learning What Courage Means

My first year of teaching in middle school was an onslaught of reading quizzes, vocabulary lists, lunch duty, reading skills and faculty meetings. It didn’t really leave a great deal of time for reflection other than the simple thought that I wasn’t quite living up to my ideal of changing the world through teaching.
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A map of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi with overlaid images of key state symbols and of people in community

Learning for Justice in the South

When it comes to investing in racial justice in education, we believe that the South is the best place to start. If you’re an educator, parent or caregiver, or community member living and working in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana or Mississippi, we’ll mail you a free introductory package of our resources when you join our community and subscribe to our magazine.

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