"And there's a cost." Going to keep saying this again and again throughout 2026: not enough consideration is being given to the cost of shifting so disproportionately towards excerpts/test-prep readings in our classrooms. Students need books. (And they want them, too!)

Writers, authors, scholars, professors, teachers: I need compelling persuasive/argumentative NONFICTION texts my students can read and study in ordered to better understand the genre. Preferably no more than 10 pages and about issues that are current.

"They don’t know each other because they can’t communicate with each other, and they can’t communicate with each other because they are separated from each other." Talk about a line from Dr. King that resonates today...

When I feel exhausted and despondent, I turn to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to remind me that I can, and must continue to teach, care for, and dialogue with my students. I can always create a stable and safe learning environment. #TeacherSky #EduSky #SubstackSky open.substack.com/pub/adrianne...

a brief story from this past week that reaffirms (once again) why writing can and should be thinking AND why we need to continue resisting tools that sacrifice what writing can/should be in our classrooms (and beyond them)

In talking to novice teachers more often in the last couple of years, the part about being overwhelmed and being told to do one more thing really stands out here. But, for me, this is what I try to emphasize with new teachers: how can you create and sustain an ongoing dialogue about learning?

Honestly love the framing from Minneapolis because it's true: So many are saying, they're our *neighbors.* Why wouldn't we defend them? The difference between the Twin Cities and so much of this country is they don't have that asterisk next to "neighbor" that says "terms and conditions apply."

Hey teachers: Speaking truth to power in your classroom, especially in places that want silence and compliance, is activism. Telling the truth in a room full of students is THE WORK. Refusing to back down and refusing to lie in your curricular decisions is protest. +

Oh, and before you listen, make sure you've read Adrian's incredible reflection on literacy that he shared back in December—which was the driving reason I wanted to have this conversation with him: substack.com/home/post/p-...

This absolutely matters. #TeacherSky

"They'll remember the color of the textbook, you know, but I don't think they're gonna remember much of the stories or the texts that they read in there." Really excited to share this conversation about reading with @mrneibauer.bsky.social tomorrow AM (including some Q's from folks on here!)

After an especially challenging week with my students, when I begin to lose faith in my job as a teacher, my students remind me that I must be doing something right. #TeacherSky

Hey home adults, If there’s a teacher in your students’ life who is making a positive impact on their learning, please send them an email, class dojo message, Remind, etc It’s REALLY hard to keep going right now and a little kindness can go a long way.

The increasing abandonment of the very-bold notion of public education that our country has imperfectly trudged towards throughout its history is one of the worst things about this moment

ICYMI, I wrote this a year ago today and the message is still very applicable now. I want to find ways to wander with deliberation through this second-half of the school year. #TeacherSky #EduSky #SubstackSky open.substack.com/pub/adrianne...

Bribing my students to pick up a book and read is only the beginning. I have a plan. #TeacherSky #EduSky #SubstackSky open.substack.com/pub/adrianne...

Thoughts on the term "warm demander"? I have quite a few, which is why I am really excited to be a part of this conversation with @edutopia.org. Quick Sunday morning question: 👍 or 👎 on that term?

This is spot on accurate. #TeacherSky www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8yocjme/

One of my students gave this to me today. It looks like I’ve finally made it! #TeacherSky

Day 1 of semester 2 is done and I gotta say I’m really fucking tired and I can’t believe I have to just do this until June 😭

Perfect example fresh off the digital presses from Peter Greene on how even the "positive" AI integration is turning students into spectators, rather than asking them to be participants. It shouldn't be hard to see how misguided this is. curmudgucation.substack.com/p/ai-student...

Today was a workday sans students. 3 hours in PD. 2 hours spent in other meetings. I got a total of 45 minutes to myself to plan for the week. Students arrive tomorrow. It’s frustrating how little time teachers get to be good teachers. #TeacherSky #EduSky

“One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.” — Bob Marley I’m excited to introduce my students to some incredible albums this semester.

Here are five of my favorite pieces from 2025. Which one was your favorite? #TeacherSky #EduSky #SubstackSky open.substack.com/pub/adrianne...

Studying curriculum in my doc program this semester, I realized that standardization is born out of perceived injustice, but has never been leveraged to address root causes, nor has the way ‘standardization’ been wielded been studied or reexamined to be effective.

Welp! @biblioracle.bsky.social strikes again with a simple concept that shifts the way I understand and will teach writing.

This current protein craze is ridiculous. No, I don’t want protein in my coffee. Thank you.

New idiotic paragraph dropped. jamesgmartin.center/2026/01/its-...

Happy Public Domain Day! Jan 1 marks the date when eligible works pass into the public domain in the United States. Notable works entering the public domain this year include certain early Mickey Mouse cartoons, the novel As I Lay Dying, and the Gershwin composition Embraceable You. #copyright

Take a screenshot of this GIF, and whichever new word you land on is YOUR word for 2026. Let's. Go.

Here are some great poems, compiled by Maya Popa. open.substack.com/pub/mayacpop...

2025 learning + 2026 reminder for teachers/educators: We need to tell the good stories, too, about what is happening in our classrooms and schools. To tell them frequently and loudly and meaningfully. (Because we know no one else is going to at this point.)

📘 question: as a teacher/educator, what is your biggest takeaway or wondering about "reading" as 2025 comes to a close? (May or may not be having a conversation with 2 very cool folks tomorrow about this! 👀)

10 of the most beautiful, devastating, thought-provoking quotes from fiction. There is no rhyme or reason to the order, and there are at least four more parts. Rules for myself: one sentence that can stand alone to say something that changes the brain. What're your best sentences in fiction? 1/3

Instead of trying to manifest a better year with hope and good vibes, I’m planning to make it happen. #TeacherSky #EduSky #SubstackSky open.substack.com/pub/adrianne...

When people ask about navigating social media spaces as a teacher and how to make it a positive experience (really difficult to do right now!) these are the six things I tend to share:

A beautiful essay! As always, @marcusluther.bsky.social thinks about what many teachers grapple with, and does so in a nuanced way. This essay is well worth your time! #TeacherSky #EduSky #SubstackSky

Of all the things I have been wrong about, the value of tech in the classroom might be the biggest one. At the beginning of my career, I was passionate about how 1:1 could dramatically increase accessibility, especially for SWDs.

These essays are excellent! “Our object is engagement, absorption, concentration, delight. Education—true education—is no different.” - Scott F. Parker Education is at the heart of our humanity. #EduSky #TeacherSky

Such a much-needed conversation! Scott Parker gives me so many things to think about while I’m resting and recuperating over break.

With one semester complete, it’s natural to think about the new year as taking stock of one’s past and starting again. #TeacherSky #EduSky #SubstackSky open.substack.com/pub/adrianne...

Technology in my classroom has been both a boon & a bane. I got a front row seat to see it innovate my classroom while simultaneously, erode my students’ focus and attention. @marcusluther.bsky.social does an excellent job outlining the dilemma teachers face. Highly recommended piece! #TeacherSky

This. This. This. This. This. This. This. This. This. This. This. This. This. This. This. This. This. This. This. This. This. This. This. This. This. This. This. This. This. This. This. This. This. (Sorry but this has defined my past 1.5 years and it is 🎯)

One of the things that happened is that reformers + their allies shifted "HQIM" to include only materials produced by a corporate vendor. They don't believe teachers, students + communities can produce "HQIM" because they don't trust or believe in teachers, students + communities.

There is something special about reading in your pajamas with a flashlight that kids can’t resist. #TeacherSky

Need a quick and easy way to get students thinking creatively at the start of class? Try Board Splash! 🌊 #60SecondStrategies #EduSky