How operating fully remote and in-person learning programs increased alignment and allowed for continual improvement. Last week, Mayor de Blasio announced a plan to abandon New York City’s hybrid learning program next school year, in favor of fully in-person and remote programs. We wholeheartedly welcome and applaud this change. Classical...
The COVID Slide: Data and Trends From a Year Like no Other
Opening New York City schools for the 2020-2021 school year has involved delays, temporary closures, and policy changes due to the COVID-19 virus, challenges which have been compounded by the social and political stresses that the nation faced in 2020. Yet, despite these challenges, the 2020-2021 school year has also...
How to Incorporate Current Events in Your Classroom
The year 2020 will go down in history as one of the most memorable years of our lives. People all over our nation and the world are grappling with various social, economic, and political issues that directly impact our lives. Now more than ever it is our responsibility as educators...
Effective Professional Development is Built on Teacher Choice
“PD,” “Professional Development,” “PLC,” no matter what you call it, the moment you mention any form of the concept to educators, you will most certainly be met with narrowed eyes, a wry smile, a disdainful ‘ugh’, or some combination of these. As an educator with 10+ years of varied experience...
Careers in Education: Why Teaching isn’t Your Only Option
When I first began working towards my bachelor’s degree, it seemed that everyone I spoke to asked about my major. I would always respond with “elementary education,” which was, surprisingly and quite frequently, met with, “You’re going to teach for the rest of your life, good luck.” As a bright-eyed...
5 Tips for Teachers – Fostering Fulfillment in an Uncertain Year
In-person or remote, new or experienced, you are about to sail off into a beautiful, messy, and challenging, intellectual, emotional, and social journey with a handful of children. Now in my eleventh year of education, I’ve been reflecting on what has been the most critical pieces of advice I’ve received...
Empathy, Accountability and How Educators Should Prepare for the New COVID-19 Normal
On a Saturday afternoon in March, New York City educators were thrust into the unknown. Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that schools would close because of COVID-19 and the world’s largest school system would shift to virtual teaching. The hurdles to overcome were incredible. Charter public schools like Classical worked...
Using Data to Drive Innovation in a Time of Uncertainty
Innovation at Classical Charter Schools Classical Charter Schools is unique in using data to achieve its mission of developing academically successful, liberated scholars of impeccable character. Our meticulous, data-informed approach to innovation means we are constantly improving our practice based on evidence. Of course, it also means that in comparison...
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion at Classical Charter Schools
These last few months have been unlike any other in history. Between the economic, financial, and personal losses brought on by Covid-19 and the painfully repetitive reminder that racism is a real, violent, and prevalent threat to the lives of Black Americans, these have been incredibly difficult times. If there...
A Message to Our Community on Recent National Events
Below is a letter to the Classical Community from Executive Director and the Founder of Classical Charter Schools, Lester Long. While, we typically use this blog to share the strategies and insights we've developed in support of fellow educators, we recognize that right now, our focus, and the focus of...
