Hello everyone! Last week, Peter Mishler and I discussed his book, FOR ALL YOU DO (which you should buy). This week, we examined one of his beliefs—the belief that self-care for teachers also includes advocating for what is best for students. This inevitably led us into a discussion on Critical Race Theory, current legislation issues, and discussing why teaching is inherently a political act.
I loved this discussion, because it wasn’t planned. This was two teachers talking about advocacy and what that means in today’s climate.
Teach Me, Teacher has always faced the real world head on, and this episode is no different. I believe this episode will be one of many that mentions Critical Race Theory, as we all work through the facts before us, and what they mean for our schools.
While this discussion covers hot button issues, I believe it is done in a way to invite teachers into a place of safety for thinking about Critical Race Theory, and any other contentious issue. Teach Me, Teacher is not a place that forces ideas down your throat, it is a place that allows us to think, question, advocate, and support the kids in our schools. Many of us have different views on how to do this, and we should be listening to each other as we navigate the changing landscape before us.
Peter is a high school English teacher of thirteen years and has twice been named Teacher of the Year at schools in New York and Kansas. His first collection of poems, Fludde, published by Sarabande Books in 2018, won the prestigious Kathryn A. Morton Prize in Poetry. Peter is also a regular contributor to Literary Hub, and the author of his latest book, For All You Do.
This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and their professional book, Start Here, Start Now: A Guide to Antibias and Antiracist Work in Your School Community by Liz Kleinrock.
Most of us want to help cultivate an antibias and antiracist classroom and school community, but we don’t know how or where
to start. This book helps us set ourselves up for success and prepare for the mistakes we’ll make along the way.
Start Here, Start Now addresses the challenges that educators committed to antibias and antiracism face every day. Liz provides concrete strategies to overcome some of the barriers that prevent us from engaging in this work and includes lessons and activities we can start using in our classrooms right away.
This book will help break habits that hold us back from this work, as well as build positive, sustainable teaching for the future.
Start Here, Start Now is available as a book, ebook, and audiobook. To learn more and download a sample, visit Heinemann.com.
Teachers, if you’re looking for new ways to elevate your classroom and accelerate learning – then listen up! RISE Math and ELA program bundles from McGraw Hill, are less than $30 a year for grades 3 through 8!That’s right – less than $30 a year.
RISE identifies learning gaps and creates a unique learning sequence and pace for each child. Covering over a thousand key grade learning objectives in math and ELA, teachers get real-time feedback and progress.Plus, kids can access RISE offline too through the app.
Teachers, check out RISE today for your students!Go to mheonline.com/rise1. RISE Math and ELA program bundles from McGraw Hill, are less than $30 a year for grades 3 through 8. That’s so affordable! Check out RISE today.
