Capturing the Spark: Energizing Teaching and Schools
From October 2015 to October 2017, veteran English teacher David B. Cohen explored what drives quality teaching and strong student engagement in schools. Cohen is a veteran high school English teacher from Palo Alto, Calif., and former associate director of Accomplished California Teachers. Follow him on Twitter: . This blog is no longer being updated, but you can continue to explore these issues on edweek.org by visiting our related topic pages: student motivation & engagement.
Teaching
Opinion
Looking Ahead After 'Capturing the Spark'
My final post at Capturing the Spark is a look ahead, to better teaching, better policies, better systems - and more writing.
Teaching
Opinion
Looking Back at 'Capturing the Spark'
Capturing the Spark is winding down. Here's the first post in a two-part farewell, looking back at my EdWeek Teacher blogging experience.
Teaching
Opinion
Through and Beyond Tragedy, a Teaching Opportunity
Events in Charlottesville reminds us once again that it is both a responsibility and a privilege to work with young people to confront and reduce the violence and racism in our society.
Teaching
Opinion
Storytelling for Education Advocacy
Teachers need to provide a multitude of positive stories about public education in order to advocate more effectively for an equitable system.
Teaching
Opinion
The Truth About Stories and 'Once Upon a Time'
Reflections on the significance of myths, fables, stories, and 'once upon a time' in teaching.
Teaching
Opinion
From High School to College, There Are Some Similarities
As a high school teacher, I want to know what my students might encounter in college. Two professors offered me some reassuring examples.
Teaching
Opinion
Packing Books, Unpacking Memories
Packing up an office leads to reflections on reading the role of books in shaping a career and a life.
Teaching
Opinion
The Unpredictable Appeal of Diverse Literature
We can't predict what meaning and value students will find in literature, especially when they have some choice in their reading.
Teaching
Opinion
Students Speak About Expressing Gratitude
High school students share insights regarding expressions of gratitude for their teachers.
Teaching
Opinion
A Robo-Teacher Resigns
Trends collide in a glimpse of the future: a robot-teacher generates its own resignation letter.
Teaching
Opinion
Day of Silence Sends a Message Worth Hearing
The national Day of Silence calls our attention to the challenges faced by LGBTQ members of our school communities.
Education
Opinion
California's School-Quality Dashboard Replaces Simplistic Ratings
Even if it's flawed, California's school accountability dashboard moves the state in the right direction.
Teaching
Opinion
On the Pursuit of Alignment
'Alignment' is one of those educational buzzwords that elicits strong reactions, positive and negative. We need to be clear regarding its meanings.
Education
Opinion
Teachers of the Year in the Spotlight
State Teachers of the Year have a unique platform from which to lead, presenting both opportunities and challenges.