What We Are Reading

Interesting and emerging ideas about education from around the country

News from the NNSTOY community

David Bosso  (Connecticut 2012) had a featured article in EdPost last week. In "24 Teachers of the Year Tell Policymakers What It's Really Like to Be a Teacher," Bosso reflects on a meeting with Senator Donald Williams of Connecticut. " [Senator Williams]  took the time to ask us for our insights and perspectives, and he seemed genuinely interested in understanding the realities in our classrooms and schools. Because Sen. Williams was concerned about the unintended consequences of policies created without teacher input, we found ourselves in a unique position to truly inform his views on policies under consideration." 

"Lesson's From an Addict: What Teachers Really Need to Grow" is the latest  EdWeek post by Topher Kandik (Washington, D.C. 2016). In this piece, Kandik extends a parallel in lessons learned in the book The Residue Years, and NNSTOY's recent report, Investing in What It Takes to Get From Good to Great. He writes: " Through Jackson's  The Residue Years , I am reminded that success in the classroom is not about where you are at, but where you been and with who. These supports and experiences have added to my success in the classroom. With targeted support and advice from teachers, we can learn to support classroom teachers more effectively." Visit the NNSTOY Blog to read more. 

Kelisa Wing (Department of Defense 2017) has a new piece published on the ASCD In Service Blog. In "Why I Teach: Part 4," Wing reflects, "I chose to teach because it allows me to plant seeds in the lives of my students. I water them, nurture them, and watch them go." Many thanks for your thoughtful contribution, and reminder of why we choose this profession every day.

Be sure to check out Megan Allen's (Florida 2010) "Are You Connected with Your Education Passion," published on the EdWeek blog this week. In this thoughtful piece, Megan reminds us of the importance of teaching with passion.

Justin Minkel (Arkansas 2007) has a new article in EdWeek. Check out "Questions to Ask Yourself as the School Year Winds Down." Minkel writes, " The month of May sometimes feels like a s tumbling stagger toward the finish line. It can also be a time to reflect. Before the rush of the school year recedes into a hazy memory, give yourself 15 minutes to ponder these five questions." Check out these great questions for reflection on EdWeek !

"What Happens When a Student is Put Out of Class?" is the latest EdWeek post from Josh Parker (Maryland 2012). In this thoughtful piece, Parker examines the reverberating effects of removing students of color from classes. He writes, "Power struggles in the classroom can foreshadow life or power struggles in the future, particularly when we fail to explore the power dynamics at play with our Black boys and girls."  Continue reading on the NNSTOY blog.

Anthony Grisillo (Pennsylvania 2014) recently took time to learn about high stakes tests from a student's perspective.  Anthony reflects on all that he learned from this experience in his new EdPost piece, "Here's What I Learned When I Sat Down for All the Standardized Tests My Students Take." As we round out testing season, this is definitely worth a read!

Josh Parker (Maryland 2012) brought a parent (and her sister) with him to speak at the U.S. Department of Education's  event celebrating family engagement May 23.