American Teacher

Washington, D.C., educator credited with raising achievementJason Kamras, the 2005 National Teacher of the Year, is convinced of one thing: Limited access to well-funded, high-quality schools for economically disadvantaged students is the greatest social...

Report offers framework for giving poor students access to top educatorsEnsuring that the nation's neediest students have access to effective teachers and school leaders is essential to improving low-performing schools and closing the achievement gap....

Former fourth-grade teacher becomes union's second presidentThe new president of the New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) has pledged to keep the AFT affiliate on course as the leading advocate for education in the state.Only 10 months after he was...

For thousands of teachers across the country, this summer has been anything but relaxing. Many are still waiting to hear whether they will be rehired for the new year after receiving layoff notices last spring. Others have been let go without a chance...

THE NEW SAT: READY FOR PRIME TIME?By including a new writing section on the SAT ("Is the new SAT ready for prime time?" Speak Out, May/June 2005), the importance of good writing is conveyed to the population. I agree with the essay because if students...

Studies have shown that research-based academic programs and reforms like class-size reductions are producing positive results.There is good news to start off the new school year: American students are making tremendous progress in math and reading achievement....

Governor's push for ballot initiatives leads to declining voter approvalCalifornia Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's attack on public employees heats up with a November special election that includes three Schwarzenegger-backed initiatives to weaken the rights...

Report says upgrading teacher preparation will help raise student achievementThe teacher education "system" in the United States, decentralized as it is, produces teachers who vary widely in their ability to succeed with children in the classroom. Unfortunately,...

Teachers call for fair NCLB targetsThe Audubon school closed out the 2003-04 school year on a strong note. As this Cleveland, Ohio, public school worked to make a successful conversion from a traditional middle school to a K-8 building, things were pointing...