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First Person

First Person is where Chalkbeat features personal essays by educators, students, parents, and others trying to improve public education. Read our submission guidelines here.

National
Coronavirus closed our ‘sober high school.’ My students need their community now more than ever. 
By Phyllis Coletta
March 18, 2020
National
Coronavirus reinforced what I already know about Gen Z. I believe they will meet this moment.
By Brian Newman
March 13, 2020
National
Amid the coronavirus outbreak, Asian-American students like my son face racist taunting. Let’s change that.
By Angie Hong
March 12, 2020

The COVID-19 outbreak is changing the daily reality for schools and students across the country. Chalkbeat is a nonprofit newsroom dedicated to having all of the information you need in one place, but this kind of work isn't possible without your help.

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Indiana
With every cough, my students fear coronavirus. Here’s how we’re talking about it and curbing panic.
By Angela Sheffield
March 5, 2020
New York
I teach global religions to teenagers. Here’s how NYC schools should approach its new curriculum on hate crimes.
By Jody Madell
February 20, 2020
National
One of my students was killed just days before the year began. Here’s how I, and my school, found a way forward.
By Danny Etcheverry
February 18, 2020
Colorado
My school faced a shooting threat. My students responded with songs that helped us talk about violence.
By Chris Maunu
February 14, 2020
National
Well-meaning white teachers: it’s time to disrupt your language around Black History Month
By Robert S. Harvey
February 13, 2020
Chicago
As principal, I often brought my desk into the hallway. It fostered bonds that made my school safer. 
By Beulah McLoyd
February 5, 2020
New York
I asked my students to tackle a problem. Their solution taught me a lot about culturally responsive teaching.
By David Mumper
February 4, 2020
Colorado
My school prepares students for success in college. Denver’s focus on SAT scores means we’re not getting much credit.
By Allison Corbett
January 31, 2020
National
My fourth-grade teacher wouldn’t let me go to the bathroom. Now, I make sure my students never feel so powerless.
By Bob Chikos
January 28, 2020
New York
I want my students to have more resources. Being part of the Bronx Plan has helped.
By Emily Shu
January 24, 2020
New York
My high school sent a counselor to visit me in college. I repaid the favor by running a marathon.
By Karla Arroyo
January 16, 2020
Jamaal Bowman with CASA graduates New York
As a Bronx principal, I witnessed trauma on a daily basis. Now, I’m running for Congress to make my students’ lives better.
By Jamaal Bowman
January 14, 2020