Self-Reflecting to Teach with More Cultural Responsiveness

Many college teachers want to respond to students’ identities and cultures with respect, accurate perceptions, and sensitivity. We may face challenges within ourselves that arise from being shaped by societal forces. A self-reflective, repeating process of “…awareness, analysis, action, and accountability” (The Adaway Group; Love 2010) helped me. I hope that sharing my…

Continue ReadingSelf-Reflecting to Teach with More Cultural Responsiveness

The Syllabus and the Scar Tissue: What Leadership Preparation Programs Leave Out and Why It Matters 

As an educational leadership professor, I hear inspiring messages from colleagues all the time, and I understand the impulse to lead with the highlight reel. Wins matter, from measurable improvement…

Continue ReadingThe Syllabus and the Scar Tissue: What Leadership Preparation Programs Leave Out and Why It Matters 

Each Student Has a Different Door: What I Learned About Learning Styles from Andrew Cohen — and from My Own Students

After attending a summer workshop on learning strategies led by Professor Andrew Cohen, I returned to my Spanish classrooms at Northwestern University with a simple question: What would happen if my…

Continue ReadingEach Student Has a Different Door: What I Learned About Learning Styles from Andrew Cohen — and from My Own Students