Author Archives: jjohnson

A Teacher We Met: Maria Palopoli Prepares Students to Take on Science and Law

Posted on October 5, 2011 by jjohnson

Watch the video Imagine this:  You decide to have a child and you visit a health clinic.  The clinician asks, “Do you want a boy or girl?  Which hair color do you prefer? Do you have a preference for curly … Continue reading →

Posted in A Teacher We Met, Headlines, Science and Math (STEM), Teachers | 1 Comment

Secretary Duncan on Evaluating Students with Special Needs and What We Learned from the International Summit on Teaching

Posted on March 31, 2011 by jjohnson

On March 25, Secretary Duncan answered questions about evaluating students with special needs and what we learned from the International Summit on the Teaching Profession. About the latter, he said that in other countries… “Teachers are revered.  They are compensated … Continue reading →

Posted in Arne Answers Questions | 3 Comments

Invitation to April 15 Public Meeting on Online Assessments

Posted on March 28, 2011 by jjohnson

On Friday, April 15, in Washington, D.C., the U.S. Department of Education (Department) will host the first in a series of public meetings related to the Race to the Top Assessment (RTTA) grants. This first meeting will bring together representatives from … Continue reading →

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What Is the Value of Art Education?

Posted on March 24, 2011 by jjohnson

Student Art Inspires Department of Education Last week while  attending the National Art Education Association conference in Seattle, Wash., in my capacity as a Teaching Ambassador Fellow, I was a little bit surprised when some art teachers asked, “Why are … Continue reading →

Posted in Headlines, News, P-12 Reform, Teachers | Tagged | 6 Comments

Uncommon Wisdom on Teaching

Posted on March 16, 2011 by jjohnson

Cross-posted from The Huffington Post. Much of the conventional wisdom today about the difficulty of elevating the teaching profession is mistaken or exaggerated. Many people believe that the challenges facing the teaching profession are largely unique to each nation. Others … Continue reading →

Posted in Headlines, Teaching Profession | 10 Comments

Teaching Ambassador Fellow Lisa Coates Discusses Weathering the Special Education Storm

Posted on March 16, 2011 by jjohnson

My desire to become a Classroom Teaching Ambassador Fellow was driven by my professional commitment to the equitable treatment and outcomes for students who have emotional disabilities. On a rainy Thursday last week, I was able to bring my voice … Continue reading →

Posted in Headlines, Teacher Practitioner, Teachers | Tagged | 1 Comment

Sunshine Week

Posted on March 15, 2011 by jjohnson

The U.S. Department of Education, along with other agencies in the federal government, recognizes Sunshine Week. The Department’s work on its open government plan began almost a year ago.  During that time, several projects have been released to the public.  … Continue reading →

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Student Leaders Voice Their Opinions and Ideas at ED’s First National Youth Summit

Posted on March 15, 2011 by jjohnson

“A lot of us think we don’t have a voice, but if we all come together and think about what we can do, things CAN get done,” said Jasean Gilmore, a 7th grader at Reavis Middle School in Chicago.  This … Continue reading →

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Kentucky Teacher of the Year Reflects on Project PASS Kick-Off

Posted on March 14, 2011 by jjohnson

An air of excitement resounded inside the North Hardin Middle School gym in Radcliff, Kentucky last week as the 113th Army Band finished playing one of their classic military marches.  The crowd hushed and the master of ceremonies announced the … Continue reading →

Posted in Headlines, News, Teachers | 2 Comments

President Focuses on Education

Posted on March 14, 2011 by jjohnson

Last week President Obama and Secretary Arne Duncan visited innovative classrooms in Miami and Boston.  They dropped in on a U.S. history class in Arlington, Virginia, with Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard. Watch these and other highlights from the week … Continue reading →

Posted in Headlines, P-12 Reform | 2 Comments

Community College Regional Summit in Houston

Posted on March 8, 2011 by jjohnson

ED will host the second in a series of four Community College Regional Summits on March 9, 2011, at Lone Star College-University Park in Houston, Texas. The Regional Community College Summit will: Bring federal, labor and industry, and philanthropic partners … Continue reading →

Posted in College Completion, Community Colleges, Headlines, News | 1 Comment

Arne Duncan Carves Out Regular Time to Listen to Students

Posted on March 8, 2011 by jjohnson

About a week ago, a group of students walked proudly down the halls of the US Department of Education to represent their schools, communities, and the countless youth across this nation who want more of a voice in the national … Continue reading →

Posted in Headlines, P-12 Reform, Teachers | Tagged , | 14 Comments