Denise Fawcett Facey

Often, as teachers, we contemplate how very different school would be if teachers were in the decision-making positions. Changing this daydream into reality, the Detroit Public Schools are joining school districts in Boston, Los Angeles, Denver and Milwaukee by opening a school in which teachers are in charge of everything. Yes, everything! (more…)

Faced with a choice between political expedience and educational support, Florida Governor Charlie Crist chose to stand with teachers last week. Not a resident of Florida, I nonetheless cheer for Gov. Crist’s courage in the face of increasing indications that teachers are under siege.

Vetoing an unprecedented education bill that would have ended tenure for new teachers and based teachers’ salaries on merit pay, Gov. Crist bucked the current trend of politicians vilifying teachers and requiring them to bear the brunt of society’s misfortunes. (more…)

According to an article published by the Washington Post earlier this month, a survey of 40,000 teachers reveals that several factors are significantly more important to teachers than money. Leading the list of incentives for teachers was supportive leadership. Many also spoke up for (more…)

If you entered some classrooms, you might easily conclude that no teacher is present. Students run around, yell across the room, perhaps fight or even sing—whatever they feel inclined to do. Yet, on closer inspection, you would discover that amidst the chaos, a teacher is there, possibly even trying to restore order. And that’s the problem; (more…)

Does a military background prepare people to be successful teachers? The federal government thinks so, which is why the Defense Department runs and the Education Department finances a program called Troops to Teachers. The idea behind the program is that (more…)