“No one’s life, liberty or property are safe while the NYS legislature is in session,” Judge Gideon Tucker With the signing of the Declaration of Independence the thirteen colonies became self governing states and each set about writing their own constitutions and governing structures The constitutions and structures varied widely from state to state. New HampshireContinue reading “A Civics Primer: Fixing Tier 6”
Tag Archives: education
Do You Want the Recipe for the Secret Sauce?
Why was Socrates sentenced to death by the rulers of Athens? Socrates was viewed as a threat to Athenian society because his relentless questioning challenged traditional religious beliefs, political structures, and democratic authority. By making influential figures appear foolish and encouraging young people to think critically, he was accused of impiety and corrupting the youth,Continue reading “Do You Want the Recipe for the Secret Sauce?”
Being “.. in the room where it happens” requires political skill
As a UFT District Rep I serviced the needs of 2.000 plus union members, from answering questions, to resolving payroll and certification issues, to representing the views of teachers at the district level. I rapidly realized I had to develop relationships: to bring Kelly, the Personnel Director’s secretary a cup of her favorite coffee. she’d smile, “WhatContinue reading “Being “.. in the room where it happens” requires political skill”
The Failure of Leadership: Ineffective School, School District and School System Leadership is a Pandemic
For me the key to effective classrooms, schools and school districts is leadership. As SCOTUS Judge Potter Stewart said in a decision, “It’s hard to define but I know it when I see it, (he was referring to pornography) can also be used to define leadership. From sports coaches at the highest levels to restaurantContinue reading “The Failure of Leadership: Ineffective School, School District and School System Leadership is a Pandemic”
The Polar Vortex, Spinning the News and Confronting Generational Poverty
Woke this morning, 5 degrees, I never want to hear the words “polar vortex” again, face mask, three layers, ski mittens, life goes on. Maybe Springsteen and Big Bunny have turned the tide, if there’s anyone left to write the history of our era it will be fascinating, in my darker moments I see usContinue reading “The Polar Vortex, Spinning the News and Confronting Generational Poverty”
Can Parents (and Friends) End Mayoral Control and Create an Inclusive NYC School District Leadership Collaborative?
Candidate Mamdani opposed mayoral control, he supported a system empowering a role for parents and teachers; however, without any specificity. For many of us his opposition to mayoral control was the tipping point, it determined our vote and we expected him to establish a process to engage parents and teachers in the chancellor search. “I’ve beenContinue reading “Can Parents (and Friends) End Mayoral Control and Create an Inclusive NYC School District Leadership Collaborative?”
The Key to Impactful Instruction: “Ownership of Practice”
From the mayor: I changed my mind, I no longer oppose mayoral control and an appointment, a new chancellor, a long time superintendent. Over his first few weeks the mayor’s team has skillfully rolled out his public relations machine The “machine” placed “puff pieces” in NY Times and Chalkbeat, snippets of the new chancellor’s accomplishmentsContinue reading “The Key to Impactful Instruction: “Ownership of Practice””
Can the Mayor Multi Task? Addressing Chronic Absenteeism Should Be At the Top of His List
The end of year data shows NYC is one of the safest cities in our nation, Gothamist reports, New York City is on track to record one of its lowest-ever yearly homicide totals in 2025. The homicide totals in recent years are drastically lower than those going back to the 1990s, when the city onceContinue reading “Can the Mayor Multi Task? Addressing Chronic Absenteeism Should Be At the Top of His List”
Does the First Amendment Protect Teachers from Speech Outside of the Classroom?
The Texas Education Commissioner has sent a letter to Texas school superintendents announcing investigations into teachers and staff who have “posted and/or shared reprehensible and inappropriate content on social media” about the assassination of Charlie Kirk TEA states the posts “could constitute a violation of the Educators’ Code of Ethics” and could result in sanctions.Continue reading “Does the First Amendment Protect Teachers from Speech Outside of the Classroom?”
Mayor Mamdani Chooses a Chancellor
Mayor-Elect, and only hours away from Mayor Mamdani began briefing insiders re his choice for chancellor, Kamar Samuels, a Department of Education lifer. See NYT here and Gothamist here. On the cynical side I’m asked, “Whose his rabbi?” You don’t make it to the finish line without the right push. Chancellors these days run theContinue reading “Mayor Mamdani Chooses a Chancellor”
Ed in the Apple: Blogging on the Intersection of Education and Politics Title 