In engaged classrooms, we see inspired teachers supporting students to discover and pursue their passions and strengths and take risks in their learning. In this “learner-centered” approach, teachers empower students with practices, principles, and content that engage them to think creatively, understand their emotions, communicate effectively, excel academically, and work with people who are different […]
Just Say No: The Path to Simplicity Begins with a Refusal of the Nonessential and Unproductive. It’s been several decades since Americans were first introduced to the idea that they should “Just say no.” While the context of this was originally about saying no to drugs, I believe this recommendation has even greater potential for […]
Last weekend, I was in a circle of friends who gathered to honor a 17-year-old young man’s transition out of high school— into the great beyond. Over a two-hour period, I watched James move from initial discomfort to delight and relief as he was recognized for the passage he was making. As James was showered […]
In our world, there is a pervasive emphasis on achievement, outcomes, growth, and strategies. With school change work, we often see a kind of “turnaround” mentality— where there is an expectation that when we implement or “roll out” a program or initiative, we will see immediate results. As part of this approach to change, educators […]
We are currently living in a tense social and political climate, with a great deal of polarization within our communities. With so much change and daily turmoil in the news, students are not only managing their own personal stress about school, family, and growing up- they are also having to negotiate their questions and concerns […]
The Importance of Cultural Responsiveness At This Time in Our World From its inception, PassageWorks Institute has been committed to the creation of safe places for students, families and educators. With her book, The Soul of Education, founder Rachael Kessler urged educators to invite the vulnerable inner lives of students into the public space of […]
Staying Present and Connected With Your Children The first day of school has arrived, and I find the mother in me zeroing in on my kids and their needs. Do they have what they need to manage the day — the backpack with school supplies, a lunch that’s healthy and brain sustaining, and, despite the […]
As an educator you may feel stressed, overworked, and overwhelmed. You may find yourself in a community where self-sacrifice and time spent at school are markers of heroism. You may have come to school with walking pneumonia or missed your own child’s special events. Maybe you have been congratulated for your dedication. I remember a […]
In the field of education, we are all leaders. Though our roles within school districts and school buildings vary, we all have an impact on the young people we work with and the adults we interact with. And from this place of leadership—daily, we have opportunities to create interactions with students and colleagues that build trust […]
Modeling and teaching cultural responsiveness is an essential ingredient in creating an inclusive, relationship-based classroom in which all students thrive. With every student demographic, this approach develops critical skills and awareness that relate directly to learning outcomes and students’ capacity for success in a global culture and workplace. Geneva Gay (2000), in her book Culturally Responsive […]
