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writing by lisa demro

6 articles

We don’t know what the world will look like, but this will be another chapter in our lives that will end and upon which we will be able to look back.

Teaching Anti-Racism Isn't "Progressive." It's Essential.

I always considered myself pretty "progressive," but to be honest, I turned a blind eye to the world's many issues because those things just didn't seem to happen where I'm from: a predominantly white, rural community that was always a little behind on the times.

I stepped back into my classroom for the 11th year after another summer of learning and growth. I was armed with new ideas, a thicker suit of armor to protect my sensitive empath soul, and, of course, a heart full of unconditional love.

Small, big changes

I have seen every single one of my students move forward as readers and writers in measurable ways. I’m talking about kids who went from never reading so much as a letter of a printed page on their own to finishing two or more novels this year...

But this past week, as I sat in front of my gradebook and frowned at a 6% (6% of what?), I realized that although my grading practices have evolved, my definition of failure has not. So I ask you: what does it mean to fail?

What is the "real world"? And how do you know when you're there?