Journal of a Black Teacher

“The ruby slippers are more than a collectible; they are a metaphor for possibility. In The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy’s journey home hinges on realizing that she already possesses the power to return—she just needs guidance to unlock it. Similarly, our society holds the power to uplift future generations through education. We don’t lack the resources; we lack the collective will to prioritize them.” By Don Allen, Journal of A Black Teacher (Editorial Opinion)  In a moment that underscores the dissonance between cultural fascination and societal priorities, Dorothy’s iconic ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz recently sold at auction for an astonishing $28 million. While this transaction demonstrates the enduring allure of nostalgia and Hollywood memorabilia, it simultaneously sheds light on a more troubling reality: the chronic underfunding of education, particularly in underserved communities. As we marvel at the price tag of these sequined shoes, we must ask ourselves: What could $28...

“How can we be surgical enough to make sure our children are doing math, science, reading, and thinking beyond grade level?” Listen to The 180 Podcast: Zaretta Hammond: What is Culturally-Responsive Teaching? https://turnaround.medium.com/the-180-podcast-zaretta-hammond-what-is-culturally-responsive-teaching-1756d9129f38 By Don Allen, Editorial Opinion - Journal of A Black Teacher (2024) We all hear a lot about the importance of educating kids in an equitable and inclusive environment. But despite those aspirations, far too many educators and policymakers engage in practices that foster inequity, beginning with what Zaretta Hammond calls Cognitive Red Lining (2021) . In her 180 Podcast, Zaretta Hammond: What is Culturally-Responsive Teaching?, Hammond inferred, “We know what physical housing red lining is. In schools, we have cognitive red lining, which, on its surface, doesn't look racialized.” I'm not here to cause any problems, and if I were, I would want to be the whole ...