Banned Books Week 2015

Yesterday (September 27) was the first day of Banned Books Week for 2015. As I wrote last year, Banned Books Week is of special interest to me as a former English teacher and current teacher educator. Besides being a fascinating topic (especially when we start exploring just why certain books have been challenged or banned), it is a timely one for my students. As they think about their future classrooms and what they will be teaching, they often express concern about bringing in more modern literature because of the possibility that the books might invite controversy. This is especially true when it comes to young adult literature.

Book Review: Hope Against Hope - Three Schools. One City, and the Struggle to Educate America's Children

Sometimes you find the right book at the right time. This was my experience with Sarah Carr's Hope Against Hope: Three Schools, One City, and the Struggle to Educate America's Children. I was somewhat reluctant to start it; since so much of my time and energy is spent on education and thinking about, studying, and discussing the state of education, I try to find other topics to read about in my spare time. However, I spied it at a library book sale and was intrigued. My last year teaching high school, several students from New Orleans attended my school after Hurricane. Katrina, and during my time in Boston, I remember discussing the changes that were happening in New Orleans. Since August 2015 marked the 10-year anniversary of the storm that changed the city, I thought that now was the right time to learn more about the school system there, and I am so glad I did this. 

September's Professional Development Opportunities

In August, #nctechat's topic was professional learning networks (PLNs), which is near and dear to my heart. Near the end of the chat, the participants were asked to share their goals regarding PLNs in the next school year. One of my goals is to keep active in my PLN, which is easier said than done. Based on the first week of classes, this looks to be a busy semester! Luckily, there are some great professional development opportunities this month to help keep me engaged with my network and to provide support, ideas, and enthusiasm, even as things get busy.