The Young People’s Project (YPP) is now working with students in McComb, Mississippi. The Young People’s Project’s mission is to ”develop students aged 8-22 from traditionally marginalized populations as learners, teachers, leaders, and organizers through math and media literacy, community-building, and advocacy in order to build a unique network of young people who are better equipped to navigate …
National History Day at Capital City Public Charter School
Doughnut holes and orange juice jugs cover the table. Chairs set in neat tight lines cover the floor. The background of the stage is painted with colorful murals from the latest school play. The entire setting looks perfect, orderly. But what happens next in the multi-purpose room of Capital City Public Charter School is not so …
Student Assignment: How to Improve Our School and Community
It was a hot day in early June, but the 11th graders inside of Capital City Public Charter School in Washington, DC never seemed to sweat. They were cool, put together, looking more like policy advocates in front of congress instead of soon-to-be seniors in high school. Their task: pick a problem facing the community, …
Afro-Peruvian Musical Fundraiser for Teaching for Change a Success
Teaching for Change supporters gathered on Tuesday, June 7, 2011 for a preview of GALA Hispanic Theatre’s June 8-26, 2011 show, CANTO AL PERÚ NEGRO: An Afro-Peruvian Musical by Gabriel García, directed by Hugo Medrano. Each year GALA Hispanic Theatre donates the preview night’s show to a local nonprofit organization working in the community. Donors and supporters from Maryland, …
Children, Arab Heritage, and Anti-Bias Education
Children, Arab Heritage, and Anti-Bias Education By Louise Derman-Sparks with Merrie Najimy What messages are you hearing from the mainstream media about the uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt? What about the fighting in Libya or the government crackdowns in Syria and Bahrain? If the messages and images of Arabs and their countries are confusing to …
Strengthening Parent Engagement in Two Schools
In the spring of 2011 we held community building sessions at two schools in D.C. – Orr Elementary School (DCPS) and EL Haynes Public Charter School (grades 3-8). In each school parents met for six sessions to create a quilt of family stories. While working on the quilt, there were structured opportunities to discuss joys and …
Bookseller Katie Seitz’s Chalkboard Art is Just the Start to a Great Event
Teaching for Change staff member Katie Seitz creates stunning chalkboard displays at Busboys and Poets – 14th St. Most advertise for upcoming events, but her free-hand fonts and drawings blur the line between Art and Advertising. See samples of her work. The photos don’t do them justice–they must be seen in person to be truly appreciated …
Young People’s Project in McComb and DC
The Young People’s Project (YPP) is now working with students in McComb, Mississippi. The Young People’s Project’s mission is to ”develop students aged 8-22 from traditionally marginalized populations as learners, teachers, leaders, and organizers through math and media literacy, community-building, and advocacy in order to build a unique network of young people who are better equipped to navigate …
Author Malalai Joya Speaks at Busboys and Poets Despite Being Denied a Visa by State Department
“…they can never block my voice from reaching the great and peace-loving people in the United States.” Because the United States denied her visa to enter the U.S., Malalai Joya, an acclaimed women’s rights activist and former member of Afghanistan’s parliament, addressd an audience of over 50 for an author event at Busboys and Poets …
Parent Leader Represents Maryland at Education Conference
Washington, DC, March 9, 2011 – Parenting magazine recently announced that Apolonia Arevalo of Prince George’s County has been selected to represent Maryland at the second-annual Mom Congress on Education and Learning® at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. April 10-13. Arevalo was chosen for her outstanding contributions and dedication to improving local schools. A total …
Unions, Work, and Class in the Early Childhood Classroom
Unions, Work, and Class in the Early Childhood Classroom Fostering Young Children’s Thinking About Fairness and Cooperative Action By Louise Derman-Sparks and Julie Olsen Edwards The political struggle in Wisconsin, Ohio, Indiana, and several other states over the right to unionize has thrust working people into the limelight. The threat to unionized labor, and the …