This morning, filled with high spirits mixed with exhaustion, I shared my reflection to those in Chicago before my flight took off. Since I think most saw that post this morning, I’ll instead start off this post with a few things I didn’t know about Chicago & the battle to save their schools that I … Continue reading »
What I Learned in Chicago
I’m from NJ. Why the Heck Am I Going to Go Protest in Chicago?
“Children shouldn’t have to risk their lives just to get an education.” “Hey Mom, I’m going to Chicago for a few days.” “Why? Is it for school?” “It’s for the schools in Chicago.” “What?” “Love you!” Okay, so, explaining to my mom I’m going to go to Chicago to protest was a little harder … Continue reading »
Chicago High School Students Hold Vigil to Stop School Closings, Students Arrested (PHOTOS)
“Today, students, parents, teachers and community members gathered on 61st and Cottage Grove to protest school closings which will have a direct impact on their safety. They called for resources to be given to them, not taken away. Towards the end of the protest, several students and allies … Continue reading »
Growing Losses: List of Teachers Who Have Publicly Resigned
I don’t know what it is about me and lists (see List of 2012 Student Protests, List of 2012 Teacher Protests, List of K-12 Student Protests. and I’m currently working on this year’s list of student protests), but seeing that I came across another public teacher resignation letter, I feel this is both appropriate and … Continue reading »
University of Chicago SFER Chapter Disaffiliates from National
Just released: To the Greater Campus and Chicago Communities: After weeks of serious discussion and deliberation, we are saddened to announce the formal disaffiliation of the Students for Education Reform chapter at the University of Chicago. While this was by no means an easy decision, we believe it to be the best for us and … Continue reading »
Please Don’t Call Me An Education Reformer
Over the course of my blogging and education activism, it wasn’t rare for people to attach “education reform” to my name or my blog. For example, during my campaign for my election, many of my peers posted Facebook statuses (which I am forever grateful for) encouraging people to vote for me because of my “advocacy … Continue reading »
Tupac Shakur at age 17: One of the most on point videos on education you will ever watch
Yesterday I came across this video interview with Tupac Shakur when he was 17 years old. You must watch this. Well…I hope that I don’t get in trouble, but um. School is, I think that we got so caught up in school being a tradition that we stopped using it as a learning … Continue reading »
Not A Loss
I was contemplating stating this as a Facebook status, but I figured this is something I want to share with as many mediums as possible. It has been less then 48 hours since ballots were counted indicating that I lost the election by only losing 37% of the votes. Yet, within these 48 hours, I … Continue reading »
And the results are in….
Final ballots have been counted. I lost. I will not be serving New Brunswick from the position as a board member on the Board of Education. It is upsetting, abso-freaking-lutely. I feel like I let a lot of people down, of course. But I know I have to keep my head held high. Why? Because … Continue reading »
Newark, NJ Students Walk-Out Tomorrow (!!!)
As a proud New Jerseyian, I just got even prouder after coming across this video. I will be there tomorrow with them, and look forward to posting about it. Please follow me on Twitter (@stephrrivera) tomorrow for live updates. I also strongly encourage you to read Jersey Jazzman’s post about the walk-out: Newark’s Students Fight … Continue reading »
