I was recently interviewed by TeachersCount, an organization that provides online resources for teachers and is based in New York City. I discuss how I've developed a progressive practice, based on the training I received at Bank Street College, in high needs NYC public schools. Since there is no comment function on their website, I thought I'd invite discussion here.

It was an exciting piece to work on, because I feel so passionately about this topic. I also felt somewhat vulnerable publishing it, because it is so close to my heart; as a teacher, progressive education is what I live and breathe. At times I've had to fight for it, because I believe the student-centered classroom is the one that will have the greatest positive impact on kids. "Failing" schools and and the teachers and students in them are so often confined by very rigid, teacher-driven programs. The vast majority of the time I've seen this really kill students' motivation to participate in their own learning, as well as the teachers' inspiration to teach in such schools.

In many ways, the interview tells my resistance story. I'm sure I'm not the only teacher out there who has attempted to teach progressively in a traditional system. What are your stories? How do we position ourselves so that everyone wins--students, teachers, and administration?