Teaching in the Downturn
The Spring 2009 issue speaks from the intersection of hope and hardship, exploring the teachable moments inherent in Barack Obama’s historic election, as well as the economic crisis.
Stories on students’ homophobia, lonely English language learners and bullying illustrate the work left to do in promoting equity in schools and beyond, even in the wake of civil rights milestones.
This issue also explores how economic inequality impacts the classroom, offering advice for teachers helping students cope. From Chicago to rural West Virginia, we offer a glimpse into students’ lives and the quest to transcend stereotypes associated with social class.
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Features
Teaching in the Downturn
Two experts offer opinions on what to expect from the economic crisis - and how to help your students cope.
21 Seconds to Teach Humanity
Her lessons met the standards, but her students were pummeling each other in the restroom between classes. How one teacher found a way to reach the benchmarks that really matter.
Lonely Language Learners?
Why is that English language learner sitting in the back of the classroom and not speaking up? Maybe she just needs a friend.
Flipping the Script on Bias and Bullies
Social justice theater can teach your students to take the story into their own hands.
Crossing the Gap
Students from both sides of Chicago's school-funding divide are coming together to demand equality. In the process, they're crossing barriers of race and social class.
Walkout in Crystal City
A former teacher from Crystal City, Texas, remembers the student walkout that helped launch the Latino civil rights movement 40 years ago.
Our Challenges as a People
Using Barack Obama's historic speech on race in the classroom.
How School Taught Me I Was Poor
Third grade was a bad year. Third grade was the year I learned in school that I was poor.
Exposing Hidden Homophobia
Students learn to spot bias in their culture —and confront their own homophobia in the process.