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10 Ways Public Education in Finland and Singapore Is Different Than in the U.S.

Photo: The Atlantic, October 1, 2015. 1. In Finland, law mandates that for every 45 minutes of instruction, students get 15 minutes of play. U.S. kids get less than 30 minutes per day. 2. College is free in Finland — even master’s and doctoral programs. 3. Teachers are highly respected and are paid better in Finland and Singapore. […]
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Global Competencies

Halfway around the world, Baltimore County science teacher and department chair Anu Bajpai asked students, “How many languages do you speak?” “Seven,” they said. When school started this year, she asked her students at Windsor Mill Middle School the same question. “One,” said most of them. Language fluency is just one of the cultural differences […]
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MSEA and First Book

As a volunteer in a community soup kitchen, Kyle Zimmer asked the children to bring in their favorite book. One little boy brought in a phone book — it was the only book in his house. The others came empty-handed, because there were no books at all in their homes. Zimmer started bringing as many books as […]
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How Can We Be So Wrong About Professional Development?

Japanese teachers working together in a research lesson study. (Photo: Akihiko Takahashi, courtesy of American RadioWorks) By now, it’s pretty clear to everyone involved: good professional development is something every educator wants and needs, but few experience PD that is rich, deep, and meaningful. In a 2013 report called “Teaching the Teacher: Effective Professional Development […]
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Maryland Is 49th in Teacher Autonomy

That’s a huge problem. Image © 2015 NEA / Moses Mitchell Photography Classroom autonomy for teachers. According to research, it’s correlated with job satisfaction and retention. Unfortunately, in a recent report by the Learning Policy Institute, Maryland was ranked second-lowest in the country — ahead of only Florida — in teacher autonomy, defined as control in selecting textbooks and […]
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5 Great Apps for Special Education

With new apps and online developments being launched everyday, the number of options to incorporate daily technology use in the special education setting has increased greatly in the past five years. With all of the options out there, which ones are right for you and your classroom? Danielle Wilson, Montgomery County special education and math […]
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9 Songs to Get Your Groove on Before School

Let’s get this party started! We asked YOU for the best get-up-and-out-the-door songs. Here ‘s what you said. Closure in Moscow’s “Happy Days” Henoch Hailu , Montgomery County  Special Education Teacher, White Oak Middle School Who doesn’t like rocking out first thing in the morning? My favorite quote from this song is, “Quick fix schemes had a hold on me. Now […]
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10 Ways to Fund Your Classroom Projects and Professional Development Dreams This Winter

It’s that time of year again. Our clocks have turned back, our days seem shorter, and the temperatures are starting to lower. Gathered below is a list of some great funding opportunities to apply for this winter for your schools, your career, and your students. Warm up by the fire and start applying today! Funding […]
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Using Pop Culture in the Classroom

In 2010, the Kaiser Family Institute reported that youth between the ages of 8 and 18 were spending about 7.5 hours per day, seven days per week, using media, including TV, music, video games, and books. That’s up to 53 hours every week that could potentially be directed into learning. If we know one thing […]
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