Safe Spaces Aren’t Enough

In this time of unprecedented challenge to the norms of society, I have been thinking of how to create space in my classroom for discussions about social justice and equity.  Is creating a “safe space” enough?  I think it’s not.  Safe spaces are great in that they allow marginalized students to share their experiences withoutContinue reading “Safe Spaces Aren’t Enough”

Shhhh…don’t tell teacher! (backchannelchat.com)

As many of you know, I’ve been exploring the idea of “backchannel chat” in my senior English class.  A backchannel is a conversation that happens concurrently with whatever is going on in the class but is not officially part of the lesson – much like passing notes in elementary school.  I’ve implemented it as partContinue reading “Shhhh…don’t tell teacher! (backchannelchat.com)”