School Choice is a Sleazy Carnival Game

By James Comans, editor at MSEDBLOG School Choice is a sleazy carnival game, and Betsy DeVos is the queen sideshow barker. You know how the scheme works- the carnies roll into town from parts unknown, pump in some music and neon lights to dazzle you, and they give you??? an opportunity. A game to play. […]

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Koonlaba: An Eventful, Maddening Year…

I am a DreamTeacher Fellow with an organization called DreamWakers. This organization connects classrooms to professionals around the country. Then, the students in the classroom are able to video chat with that professional. My students have been chatting with professionals who use the skills that accompany art and creativity in their careers. This is a […]

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Darein C. Spann: We are the ones we have been waiting for!!!

The following is the text of a speech given by Darein C. Spann at the??It All Starts with Education Forum , which was held in July in Jackson, MS. The event was organized by MS Representative Jay Hughes. Several teachers were invited to give TedX-style power speeches to the audience of several hundred educators and […]

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Amanda Koonlaba: We are the ones we’ve been waiting for!

The following is the text of a speech given by??Amanda Koonlaba at the??It All Starts with Education Forum??, which was held in July in Jackson, MS. The event was organized by??MS Representative Jay Hughes. Several teachers were invited to give TedX-style power speeches to the audience of several hundred educators and public education supporters. These […]

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William Winter remarks at “It ALL Starts with Education” Summer Forum

“We hear it all the time: we just can???t afford it. Let me tell you something. We can afford whatever we want to afford.” Thank you, Mr. Hughes. Let me just say: Jay Hughes represents the kind of leadership that this state badly needs. I encourage him to continue his efforts. And thank you to […]

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Open Mic Q & A with MS Legislators and University Higher Ed??

This is a very brief summary of what was discussed during this panel session, and it may have errors. I apologize in advance. People talk fast. Video of the full panel discussion will be made available by Representative Hughes after the conference is over.   (From Left to Right) Senator Bill Stone, Marshall and Tate […]

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5 Minute Power Speeches – “Ideas for Inspiration & Change”

Because these are prepared remarks by the speakers, I will not try to provide an abbreviation of words and pauses specifically chosen for effect. ??I have chosen a couple of “golden lines’ for each- standout quotes. Video of the full panel will be made available by Representative Hughes after the conference is over. ??TEACHERS OF […]

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Koonlaba: What do you think about teachers needing professional organizations?

When I first read the title of this post, I immediately thought of educator organizations such as the National Education Association or the Mississippi Association of School Superintendents. Possibly, I thought of these because of their politics which often get media coverage. However, as I continued to read Join Now: Why Teachers Need Professional Organizations, […]

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Listening to Educators: An Interview With Summit Organizer Jay Hughes

By James Comans, Editor at MSEDBLOG On July 22 and 23, educators and community stakeholders from around the state will converge at the Jackson Convention Center for the ??“Summer Education Forum.” It is to be “a completely open and free zone for ideas, inspiration and appreciation” concerning Mississippi’s public schools. With??keynote speakers, discussion panels, and […]

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