There are no signs that diversity, inclusion and censorship will fall off the list of the biggest issues in education. These pressing topics are front and center on this week as the school year gets underway amidst a resurgence in the national culture wars.
First, , the 2022 National Teacher of the Year, is focused on ensuring that all of his students can see themselves in their curriculum. He also shared a YouTube discussion about how teachers are covering a keyand sometimes misunderstoodpart of U.S. history
As an educator, it is important for me to ensure my students feel reflected in the curriculum I teach. This conversation presented an opportunity to humanize voices from the past to shape future learning experiences. Check it out here .
— Kurt Russell (@kurtsenior_)
Eric Halethe 2021 Texas State Teacher of the Year and the 2020 Urban School Teacher of the Yearis also reflecting on U.S. history. His Tweet, about desegregation heroine Ruby Bridges, sparked a discussion about antiracism and social justice in public schools.
As I end week 1 of year 12, it blows my mind Ruby Bridges is only 67. Let that sink in.
— Eric hale (@Erichale1979)
Others are offering thoughts on the attempts to ban books from district libraries and communities and educators’ role in challenging students intellectually.
One thing that great books all have in common is that they are challenging, even unsettling. Thats the value that they bring to the classroom.
Choosing books that are only pleasing and comfortable is an abdication of the central responsibility of education.
— Robert Marchand (@MarchandRobertJ)
Beyond the more emotionally-charged topics, funding also remains one of the biggest issues in education. 91心頭istrators such as in Tennessee recognized the impact federal COVID relief funds are having on ed-tech in classrooms.
ESSER investments allowed for much-needed technology at our schools! Teachers are loving their Promethean board . I love seeing students use them! わ????鏝鏝
— Dr. Celia Conley (@conley4kids)
Another ed-tech issue is digital citizenship, which is now one of the biggest issues in education for many educators. is sharing tips for how to have civil and respectful discussions online.
How to engage with others online:
-Ask questions & gather context.
-Attack the issue, not the person.
-Address issue directly (no subtweets).
-Majority opinion correct.
-Name-calling is unnecessary.
-Offer a solution or call to action.
-Private follow-ups can be helpful.— Dwayne Reed (@TeachMrReed)
Finally, some advice about your vision for school improvement and innovation:
This quote brings up an important point for any educator pursuing improvement in classrooms, buildings, or districts. Improvement is not always about adding more; it's also about ending ineffective practices. Find research here:
— Heath Peine (@HeathPeine)
Last weeks tweets of the week
In last weeks tweets of the week, educators marked some historic moments: , a former 2nd-grade bilingual teacher, is beginning the year as the first Hispanic female superintendent at Spring ISD in Houston. Many also celebrated new learning opportunities such as the opening of one district’s first all-boys school. But there were also some warnings about teachers already feeling fatigued early this school year as the challenges of the pandemic persist.
Superintendents to watch: Making the future of K-12 more flexible
