Our Work

Dirty Little Secret

Just about a year ago I was honored to receive an award that meant the world to me. When they …

Speaking Up for Equity Takes Courage — But the Standards Have Your Back

Ruja Benjamin’s keynote at the 2018 Rowland Conference was a call to action. She implored us not just to talk …

Creating Change Through What We Have in Common

This year, I am spending most of my day in the central area of MVU, called The Commons. This has …

When School Choice Isn’t Really a Choice

When school choice isn’t really a choice…A version of this piece originally appeared at VTDigger.org on 07/02/18 Much has been …

The Fate of Proficiency-Based Learning in Vermont

The topic of proficiency-based learning continues to dominate conversations in schools across the state of Vermont. We are rapidly approaching …

Entrepreneurial spirit in school: fostering a new mindset through meaningful project-based learning

I have to admit: so much of what I consider my best maneuvers in education have been largely due to …

Portrait photo of the Rowland Foundation benefactors, Barry & Wendy Rowland

A Loss Beyond Words

Vermont has lost a visionary philanthropist. Teachers have lost a passionate advocate and schools a committed partner. And I have …

Finding the Right Balance Between Transferable Skills and Content Knowledge

A central component of Vermont’s proficiency-based graduation requirement set within the Educational Quality Standards (EQS) is that students must demonstrate …

Why I Fell Out of Love with my Job – and How I Learned to Fall in Love Again

I have the best job in the world; I get paid to learn! I have been teaching high school since …

A Year Off From Teaching

A few months ago, I did something crazy. Even though it’s what I want, and even though I’ve had time …

A Rumination on Choice

I’ve been thinking a great deal about choice lately. For those who know me and have had the misfortune of …

Empathy is a Skill

It seems that when it comes to race in America, everyone has something say. When student leaders at Montpelier High …