This website is a meeting place for educators to discuss issues that are important to them.
As a former teacher, I’ve seen first-hand the issues that educators face every day. I hope that by keeping this website, I can share some insights (as well as a sense of humor) on teacher job satisfaction and school climate, and spark conversation about how to improve our schools.
—Nathan Eklund, M.Ed, Senior Education Consultant

Literacy vs. Wisdom

So I had an interesting evening last week. I’ve been doing a series of community keynotes in the state of Minnesota on behalf of the Minnesota Alliance With Youth. In each community I’ve been speaking with community leaders about the critical importance of organizational and adult wellness as it pertains to the wellness of youth. If WE’RE not doing well, THEY’RE not doing well.

Read more

Teacher Appreciation Week: Yeah. But how about Monday?

So we’re wrapping up Teacher Appreciation Week. I’m not a cynic. I like this week. I like the idea of it. I’m glad we have it. But I’m also a bit leery of it. Here’s a passage from my book that illustrates my misgivings:

Read more

Education Reform and Innovation: Doomed to Failure?

My friend Nels is a cellular biologist. He’s wicked smart. He tells me what he’s working on and I’m able to track what he’s up to for about the first two minutes and then he loses me. I started college as a biology major before switching to English. All that means is that I’m able to understand what he researches in the most dangerous way possible – just enough to think I get it but not well enough to actually get it.

Read more

Mandated Testing: As the Wind Blows


So here’s a thought.

Read more