I was 10 years old when I had my first encounter with the police. By 11, I was locked in a juvenile detention center for the first time. My adolescence was spent in and out of the system, and when I was 17, I was waived into the adult system. I didn’t get out until […]
With all that public school teachers have endured these past two years, you would hope that politicians would be doing whatever possible to provide more support and encouragement. Instead, in many places across the U.S., teachers are under attack. Recent public opinion research conducted by SurveyUSA, an independent research firm, and commissioned by Stand for Children, shows […]
Reflecting on 2021, I see reasons for hope. The widespread availability of vaccines. A return to in-person learning. An economy that rebounded with record speed due to bold government action. At the same time, there is cause for grave concern. Tens of millions of children and young people are struggling to recover academically, socially, and […]
I go to a small high school in a rural town in Washington. Most of my peers — about 85% — are white. When I get the opportunity to learn about Black history — when I hear about Maya Angelou or Zora Neale Hurston – I genuinely get excited. It’s my chance to learn about […]
We’re one step closer to seeing the biggest investment in people since the New Deal. Moments ago, the House voted to pass the Build Back Better Act, which includes a one-year extension of the monthly Child Tax Credit payments, paid family leave, expansion of affordable healthcare coverage, and other policies that will give a historic […]
I’ve participated with Home Visit Partnerships for several years, and when I visit a student’s home, I love when they show me their favorite books. As a teacher, I hope every family I visit has a home library for their children, but unfortunately, this is rarely the case. Research has shown a home library increases […]
