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Whenever I see a movie about teachers, I get a little nervous. I wonder how my profession will be represented. I’m always curious, but usually disappointed. I have found that on-screen teachers tend to perpetuate two frustrating stereotypes about the profession. The first is that anyone can teach—or worse—“those who can’t, teach.” There’s a misconception that teaching requires no special skills or talents beyond a basic knowledge of the content area. The other stereotype is teacher as martyr-saint. This portrayal assumes that the one qualification for being a good teacher is a heart of gold, a willingness to sacrifice everything out of love for children. Most films ignore the complexity of the craft of teaching. This makes me cringe.

The 2008 election showed us that true progress in the struggle for equality is possible. Yet there is still much work to be done.

Most people want to be kind, but many reject being politically correct. Here are three rules that can help you be both.

This toolkit provides a lesson plan that expands students’ knowledge and understanding of the religious diversity (or lack thereof) in their city, county or state. The lesson ends with an activity around the role of interfaith coalitions in increasing religious understanding.

Following Hurricane Maria, these educators looked to tradition to help colleagues and students mourn what was lost—and celebrate what remains.

A small town sees itself as larger than life.

In the second of a three-part series, this new-educator mentor explains how to build beginning teachers’ strengths in culturally and linguistically responsive practices.

Any educator can become an ally, but the journey might look different depending on one’s identity, experience and familiarity with issues of power and privilege.