About This Blog

I'm a former elementary and middle-school teacher who has written about schools and teaching for 15+ years.  I'm also an adjunct professor of education at Montclair State (and will probably be doing graduate work there next year, as well).

More importantly, I'm the mom of two young children, 8 and 5.  

As a young teacher, my watershed moment came when I realized the importance of enlisting parents as my allies in educating their children.  As a writer, I saw myself as an advocate for innovative teachers who wanted to reach every child--and family.  As a mom, I see even more clearly the power parents have in shaping schools.  

Thus was born this blog.  I want parents, kids, and educators to come here to voice their ideas and insights, to learn from one another, and find common ground.  

Comments are moderated.  I won't post any that are derogatory, mean-spirited, or unhelpful.  And I'm not liable for any opinion or idea expressed on this blog by any commenter.  Let's keep it focused.  Think: Solutions! Ideas!  Honesty with compassion!

Because comments are moderated, sending one is like sending me an email--you might suggest exploration of a specific topic or provide a "tip" about a story developing in local education.  Or, you can just email me, plain and simple.

As often as possible, I will post links that will help us explore similar experiences of other parents in other school systems, as well as generally helpful guidance from innovative programs, education think tanks, and other sources. 

And one more thing:  This blog is, ultimately, for and about our kids.  So send me their ideas and insights, too.