Blog

Teacher preparation programs and those that support them must prioritize diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racism in their efforts to prepare a more robust and diverse teacher pipeline. That is why a group of leading Teacher Preparation Transformation Centers—technical assistance providers working with teacher preparation programs (the Centers) and supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation* and Education First—came together...
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“When was the last time you were at a gathering and the ‘subjects’ of a study talked about it in glowing terms, because the research helped the practical work?”—Rami Nashashibi¹ At Education First, we work closely with systems leaders to address some of the biggest issues in public education. And all too often, we see these leaders and researchers design...
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In 1994, five counties in North Carolina serving predominantly students of color and students from low-income families filed a lawsuit (Leandro vs. State of North Carolina) arguing that the state wasn’t giving districts the money they needed to provide an equal and quality education to their students. The North Carolina Supreme Court has since ruled three times—in 1997, 2004 and...
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Advancing racial equity is central to ensuring every student in North Carolina has a sound basic education, particularly given the shifting racial demographics in our state. Earlier this year, Education First facilitated a community of practice (CoP) that included leaders across the state in discussion about private funding in public education with a focus on racial equity. As we concluded...
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In 1994, five counties in North Carolina serving predominantly students of color and students from low-income families filed a lawsuit (Leandro vs. State of North Carolina) arguing that the state wasn’t giving districts the money they needed to provide an equal and quality education to their students. The North Carolina Supreme Court has since ruled three times—in 1997, 2004 and...
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Family. Resilience. Social Emotional Learning (SEL). Relationships. All of these terms have become mainstream during the last eighteen months, but what do they truly mean? How do we teach students and adults to be resilient by coming together to build “familial” relationships?  In my eighteen years in education I have seen teachers come and go. Many did not make it...
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I am standing here leaning over the kitchen sink like Elizabeth Lesser: “Broken Open.” I am happily healing from a back breaking wound witnessed by the sagging bellied dishwasher as I turned erratically to extract dishes that day 4 years ago.  That day I spent writhing in pain until released from the ER with a cautionary note—not to return for...
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An education-focused organization best achieves its mission and creates desired impact when every team member is connected, engaged and performing at the top of their game to get breakthrough results and make a positive difference for kids. The health of an organization—its ability to thrive—lies at the intersection of the employee experience and organizational effectiveness. This determines who decides to...
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To the new teachers out there, are you: Excited about what this year will bring and courageously making an entrance into the education arena for the purpose of serving today’s youth? Vowing personally to provide the utmost professionalism possible whether your initial, or second profession from a previous career?  With an inner desire to reach today’s youth, you’ve selected to...
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Over the past three years, Education First has been working with a diverse group of family math researchers, practitioners, parents and funders to build a movement designed to grow awareness about the importance of early math for students’ success in school, work and life. As we embark on the leadership transition of the growing Family Math movement from Education First...
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