A place for educators to find thought-provoking news, conversation and support for those who care about diversity, equal opportunity and respect for differences in schools
In Consideration of Ramadan
Our staff took an in-service afternoon to design a new approach to Ramadan. It wasn’t for a teaching unit, but out of consideration for the more than 30 Muslim students in our school. During this period of religious observance, which requires fasting, these students were directed to the cafeteria at lunchtime as usual. Some took refuge in the media center, but most suffered in the cafeteria.
The Power of Personal Narrative
When I announced the annual personal narrative assignment, my students groaned. Every year I get the same response. Most of my students would rather write fantasy or even research papers than compose a story about something real, but the state standard in Oregon requires the narrative.
A Taboo Subject
When you hear about a school bully, you might automatically picture that big-for-his-age fifth grade boy or a teen girl whose manner of dress and speech makes her look and sound a bit rough and tough. All too often, however, school bullies are actually the grown-ups in charge.
Teacher Blocks ‘Deviant’ Atheist Club
When JT Eberhard of the Secular Student Alliance (SSA), an organization providing support to nontheistic students, received a letter from a teacher bragging about blocking formation of an atheist club, the lack of a return address didn’t slow him down. He used the email address provided by the sender to locate the teacher and alert administrators.
Tear Down Boundaries, Register for ‘Mix It Up’
At a time when the nation’s schools are becoming more segregated, teachers and students across the country have an opportunity to show the rest of the world they’re committed to challenging these boundaries by registering for Teaching Tolerance’s Mix It Up at Lunch Day.
A Community of Learners Bonds Through Crisis
I was in a wreck.
The rain was curling my hair and sirens blasted in the background as I said these words to Judy, our secretary. I quickly added that the other driver and I were both fine, but our cars were not. Suddenly, it occurred to me that in the tangled wreckage was everything someone would need to teach my class for the day. However, Judy’s calming voice assured me they would figure something out.
Homeless is Not So Far Away
My students had questions about the central character in the story Fly Away Home written by Eve Bunting and illustrated by Ronald Himler. And even as 2nd graders, they knew something about the problem.
"Homelessness is mean," said James.
Stereotypes Rampant in Single-sex Classrooms
With all the recent news about single-sex classrooms, it would appear that the idea is gaining traction. Not true.
Our new guide, 
