Friends and colleagues are often surprised when I tell them I taught my own kids — not once, but three times each. Not only that, but I taught many of their close friends, and they took classes from some of my close friends. If you think it all sounds a little too cozy (or awkward),…
Read MoreAll articles filed in Front lines
It’s cool when learning applies to life
Last week, Jessica, one of my seniors in AP Macro, sent me an email boldly titled: “THE BIG SHORT WAS SO GOOD.” In it, she explained that she had rented The Big Short from Red Box on my suggestion, and she was proud that she was able to make sense of it. The movie explains…
Read MoreMy journalism chapter is ending… and I’m ready
After 20 years, my run as a student newspaper adviser has come to an end. No more helping students craft editorials on sensitive topics, like transgender bathrooms, bullying and discipline policies. No more showing student editors how to gently communicate honest feedback to new, easily discouraged reporters. No more lying awake in bed wondering if…
Read MoreTitles should mean something
If you spend much time around kids, you know what “nose goes” means. You’re looking for a volunteer, and suddenly everyone touches a finger to their nose to signify “not me!” Last one to touch their nose is “it.” High school students are very quick to use “nose goes” when you need someone to run…
Read MoreNo right answers here
There are few things hard-working high school students dislike more than ambiguity. We’ve taught them to master “right” answers, and it frustrates them terribly when there isn’t one. For the past week, I’ve been preparing my econ students for something called the International Economic Summit, which is a one-day Model UN style event (created at…
Read MoreSpending our way to greater inequality
According to a massive research study described in last week’s Education Week (May 11), the wealthiest school districts in our country have the worst inequality. The Berkeleys, the Evanstons, and the Chapel Hills have the largest achievement gaps, while poor districts have the smallest. There are many causes — including student tracking, intra-district spending disparities, racism, family…
Read MoreBored? Yes, it’s a problem
There’s a running joke in my family about a niece who, as a young child, complained that she was “bored” whenever she was tired, hungry, angry, or dissatisfied for any reason. On one memorable car ride, when she forgot to wear her hat and wasn’t allowed to go back and get it, she whined loudly…
Read MoreLet them laugh (at least a little)
“I love subbing for your classes. Your classroom has such a great culture; you must be doing something right.” A colleague who has filled in for me six times this spring (so far) gave me this unexpected compliment today, when we crossed paths in the early morning copy room. It was a great start to…
Read MoreAdvice students don’t want to hear
“If a student got 100% in your class by delegating all his tasks/homework and papers to a virtual assistant and spent under $20 for the entire semester, is that bad? … Because in the real world, you are the most efficient employee of all time.” Will Tjernlund, a former student, posed this question to me…
Read MoreNew teachers need help, not hurdles
When I started teaching at Mounds View High School in 1997, I was about as well prepared as a new teacher can be. I was already eight years out of undergrad, with five years experience in journalism, three years in other schools and a little life experience. I was idealistic, organized, self-confident and willing to…
Read More
MARTHA RUSH 