In Their Own Words
Hear an individual at the center of a story describe their experience, in their own words, as told to Education Week
Teaching Profession
In Their Own Words
Cellphones Turned My Teaching Career From 'Awesome' to Exhausting
A former high school teacher shares how his students' increasing reliance on cellphones drove him out of the classroom.
Student Well-Being
In Their Own Words
These Students Found Mental Health Support in After-School Programs. See How
3 students discuss how after-school programs benefit their well-being.
Teaching Profession
In Their Own Words
He Comes From a Family of Teachers. Does He Want That for the Next Generation?
Alfred “Shivy” Brooks II, a high school economics and government teacher from a family of educators, talks about his profession.
Teaching Profession
In Their Own Words
'Why Doesn't Everybody Want to Do This?': A New Teacher's Midyear Reflection
Twenty-two-year-old Saxon Brown talks honestly about the challenges and rewards he's encountered in his first year on the job.
Education
In Their Own Words
The Stories That Stuck With Us, 2023 Edition
Our newsroom selected five stories as among the highlights of our work. Here's why.
Curriculum
In Their Own Words
Why I Kept Teaching To Kill a Mockingbird When Others Wouldn't
A recently retired English teacher explains why she continued to teach the classic novel after it was challenged in her district.
Student Well-Being
In Their Own Words
LGBTQ+ Student Perspective: At School, ‘My Safety Didn’t Feel Like the Priority’
For Landon Callahan, mental health challenges and substance use became easier to manage once he came out as a transgender man.
Student Well-Being
In Their Own Words
LGBTQ+ Student Perspective: ‘My School’s GSA Saved My Life’
Esmée Silverman came to the realization that they were transgender in high school, but thought about suicide constantly during their freshman year.
Student Well-Being
In Their Own Words
LGBTQ+ Student Perspective: Mental Health Challenges ‘Come With the Territory’
Imani Sims says it's rare to come across fellow members of the LGBTQ+ community who do not have difficulties with their mental health.
Teaching Profession
In Their Own Words
'I Was Not Done': How Politics Drove This Teacher of the Year Out of the Classroom
Karen Lauritzen was accused of being a pro-LGBTQ+ activist. The consequences derailed her career.
Teaching Profession
In Their Own Words
What Does a Teacher Have in Common With a Baseball Mascot? It's All About Engagement
Aaron Bishop reflects on his decades of double duty as a teacher and a mascot in the minor leagues.
School & District Management
In Their Own Words
Teaching 'Grand Students': A Principal Treasures Her Work With Multiple Generations
A New Jersey principal built connections over multiple generations of families.
School & District Management
In Their Own Words
This Principal Endured A Lot of Senior Pranks. One Stood Out
Chris LeGrande won't forget 215 keys, a jar, and a parking boot.
School & District Management
In Their Own Words
'What Happened to Sherman?': A Principal Who Can't Shake the Memory of One Special Student
Catherine Diezi shared her love for literature with staff and students. She'll remember how that transformed their lives.