“…when a kid references something that another kid said in a previous class — that just shows, to me, that a kid deeply respects the humanity and intellect of their classmates and the work that we do together. They’re showing that they value discussion and showing the value of it at the same time.”

“All the magic is in the classroom.” I really agree — it’s the best place to be in a school. I was always thinking that I wanted to be a school leader, and I think that when my department head told me to live in the moment and do my best — that what was meant to be for me would be — as a young teacher, I need that perspective.

“The teacher who stands out in my mind is Ms. Hall, my Art and Art History teacher for all four years of high school. I don’t think I recognized it at the time, but I think she really showed me what it means to be in a flow state. And also the importance of a great playlist in the background of a classroom. She so delicately balanced giving her students personal space and structure.”

“Better classroom discussion will reimagine what History is for students who don’t like memorizing dates and facts.”

“…when I think of my noble intention in life — justice and compassion. My wish for this world is that the concepts of justice and compassion would become that concepts that are most highly valued, and that any decision that we make would be rooted in them.”

“I hope we see schools embracing more opportunities for students to learn with the things that are around them, with the things that interest them. We’re going to see things become flexible and leave room for student creativity. It’s going to push us to reconsider the models we’ve been working with.”