In Their Own Words
Hear an individual at the center of a story describe their experience, in their own words, as told to Education Week
College & Workforce Readiness
In Their Own Words
Stories of Tenacity: 3 First-Generation College-Bound Students Keep Their Dreams on Track
The pandemic upended college plans for more than a million young people, but not these seniors.
Teaching Profession
In Their Own Words
'I'm Afraid to Return to the Classroom': A Gay Teacher of the Year Speaks Out
Willie Carver, Jr., the 2022 Kentucky Teacher of the Year, is questioning his future as a teacher given recent anti-LGBTQ legislative efforts.
Teaching
In Their Own Words
Feeling Discouraged? 10 Moments of Joy From Educators
Funny, tender, and inspiring moments that keep teachers and principals going.
Families & the Community
In Their Own Words
'Every Parent Should Be Able to Feel This Way': How Black School Leaders Build Trust With Families
As pandemic protections loosen, a New York mother and physician says her children's principals are exemplars for keeping students safe.
Student Well-Being
In Their Own Words
Peer Help for Mental Health: 'We Learn the Red Flags to Watch For'
A member of a specially trained group of students discusses finding help for peers struggling with mental health issues.
School Climate & Safety
In Their Own Words
'COVID Is Not Over Us': As Pandemic Lingers, a Texas Mother's Dismay Deepens
A mother describes her frustrations over masking policies, staffing shortages, and the quality of education her honor roll son has received.
School & District Management
In Their Own Words
'You Shouldn't Be Alone': A Superintendent Scrambles to Find Masks After the State Falls Short
The superintendent of a rural district spends hours scrolling online mask vendors after the state sent defective masks to schools.
School & District Management
In Their Own Words
Awake at 2 A.M., Agonizing Over Life-and-Death Decisions: A Superintendent's Story
Daily, high-stakes judgment calls on COVID weigh heavy on a superintendent's mind.
School & District Management
In Their Own Words
'Kind of Surreal': A Student Cleans Floors at Her Old Middle School
A high school sophomore works as a part-time custodian, part of her district's unusual effort to fill critical staff positions.
Teaching
In Their Own Words
'Chaos in the Adult World': A New York Principal Tells Her Story of Being a Teacher on 9/11
Janet Huger-Johnson was a 5th grade teacher in New York City on Sept. 11, 2001. Here's her story.
Teaching Profession
In Their Own Words
Why This Science Teacher Doesn't Want the COVID Vaccine
Contrary to public health guidance, Davis Eidahl, an Iowa high school teacher, has no plans to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
School & District Management
In Their Own Words
Defiant Superintendent: 'How Can I Follow a Law I Believe Endangers My Students?'
A superintendent explains why he required masks in school despite a statewide ban on such policies.
School & District Management
In Their Own Words
A Principal’s Battle With COVID-19
Chad Russell, principal of a Texas high school, spent three months battling coronavirus before returning to his campus this spring.
School & District Management
In Their Own Words
The Governor Banned Mask Mandates in Schools. This Superintendent Won't Stop Wearing His
Schools in Iowa can't require masks anymore. A small town superintendent keeps his on, and finds most of his school community doing so, too.