Lessons

Reflecting on the Past: Four Valuable Lessons Learned from Community Organizing Which Have Benefited My Students and Myself Throughout the Years

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Reflecting on the Past: Four Valuable Lessons Learned from Community Organizing Which Have Benefited My Students and Myself Throughout the Years

As a former community organizer with the Industrial Areas Foundation, my experience has greatly influenced my teaching in the classroom. Here are some valuable organizing adages that I have found useful when working with students: 1) “Sometimes the only worse thing than losing a fight is winning one.” This adage reminds me to carefully choose … Read more

Top Resources for Creating Lessons on the Inquiry, “What Defines an American?”

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Top Resources for Creating Lessons on the Inquiry, “What Defines an American?”

Trump advisor Stephen Miller delivered a speech last night asserting that “America is for Americans and Americans only.” This xenophobic statement presents an opportunity for us to engage our students in exploring the question, “Who is an American?” While language barriers may pose a challenge for my ELL Newcomer class, I have previously conducted a … Read more

Lessons Learned from Surviving a ‘Widowmaker’ Heart Attack: Insights from the UPS Store President, a Single Mother of Two

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Lessons Learned from Surviving a ‘Widowmaker’ Heart Attack: Insights from the UPS Store President, a Single Mother of Two

There’s no barrier that we can’t bust through. And the reality is, there are some constraints that are just constraints.” While she still believes in overcoming obstacles, she’s learned that “sometimes you just have to acknowledge them, and then work around them. And that’s okay. That’s still progress.” Today, Casalan is back at work and … Read more