This bill has already served its real purpose -- an opportunity for some policy makers to rail against a supposed effort to brainwash our children.
A Swing (State) or a Miss: Why the Electoral College is Bad for Oklahoma
(And Any State Not Among the Few Remaining “Purple” States) Hear me out. It isn’t the state of Oklahoma that votes…it’s each one of us, as individual citizens who happen to live in the state. And because of the “winner take all” approach to the Electoral College, every Oklahoman’s vote -- each person's voice -- … Continue reading A Swing (State) or a Miss: Why the Electoral College is Bad for Oklahoma
Who’s in Line to Teach Your Kids If Their Teacher Gets Sick?
I don't think people recognize the gravity of what we're asking of our school districts if they were to re-open as if everything were normal (though it’s looking like we may have a statewide mask mandate for schools, hopefully, though that is not certain as yet). It is very difficult for schools to find enough … Continue reading Who’s in Line to Teach Your Kids If Their Teacher Gets Sick?
Schools Must Be Spaces for Equity Work
One cannot be transformed solely on an intellectual level; such learning is shallow. We must allow change that can mingle in our spirits and in our bones. As is the case for just about everyone, I’ve been thinking a lot about how classrooms and wider school communities can be spaces of truth and reconciliation. As … Continue reading Schools Must Be Spaces for Equity Work
One Year After Parkland: Perception vs. Reality on Public School Law and Prayer
For several years running now, I have found myself explaining the law about prayer in public schools -- you've probably received the chain emails (if you're old enough like me) or heard the talk radio host disparaging public schools for "banning prayer." Now an all too commonly shared meme is "No wonder [insert tragic event … Continue reading One Year After Parkland: Perception vs. Reality on Public School Law and Prayer
Dispelling the Myth of the Single-Issue Vote
Dispelling the myth of the single-issue vote, I detail the ways other issues affect the most common single-issue voter focus: abortion. This post also is a plea for the would-be single issue voter to consider all the issues and vote for the person who will best serve our state.
Why I Hate the Little Mermaid: Ariel as a Cautionary Tale for Teachers
I have a confession, one I’ve made a number of times, but not so publicly as this. I loathe The Little Mermaid. Not Ariel herself, mind you, but her story is horrifying to me as a feminist and as the parent of, well, I was going to say as the parent of a daughter, but … Continue reading Why I Hate the Little Mermaid: Ariel as a Cautionary Tale for Teachers
“Controversial” Books and Parents: A Dear Colleague Letter
"Controversial" books and parents: a dear colleague letter about intellectual freedom...I, too, am a parent.
More Educators’ Voices Needed
I’m a beneficiary of Oklahoma’s public schools and universities. My last post, “Red Dirt Teacher,” was undoubtedly both inspired by and homage to the teacher with whom I had the pleasure of spending parts of my day in both eighth and ninth grades, Anna Myers. It won’t likely surprise you that the year I was … Continue reading More Educators’ Voices Needed
Red Dirt Teacher
I was inspired to write (and record) this somewhat rage-filled poem about the Oklahoma teacher shortage last summer. Stay strong, teachers.
Teach4Oklahoma 