The Citizen Recommends

Learning to Become a Writer Who Makes a Difference

A long-time college president and researcher in the teaching of writing recommends that readers take a free online course from Miami University (Ohio)

By Elaine Maimon
Ideas We Should Steal

State Seal of Civic Engagement

Outraged that less than 50 percent of Americans can name the three branches of government? California and several other states are working to literally certify good citizenship for high school grads.

By Roxanne Patel Shepelavy

Know Your Constitution

Every educated citizen should understand America’s founding document — for the sake of our republic. In time for Constitution Day, a longtime college president urges its study from pre-K to grad school

By Elaine Maimon
Future-Ready

What Really Matters in Education?

It might not be what you think, according to a future of work expert. Here, her lessons learned in 20 years of navigating the schools landscape in and around Philly

By Anne Gemmell

Vote For Higher Ed

Higher education as a public good is on the ballot this November. A longtime college president highlights the stark choices

By Elaine Maimon
Ideas We Should Steal

Mental Health Days for Philly Students

Twelve U.S. states allow school kids to take excused days off for emotional well-being. PA should too

By Courtney DuChene

President Biden’s Higher Ed Transformation

A long-time college president says student debt forgiveness is a return to the idea of college as a public good — and recommends more ways to stop debt before it starts

By Elaine Maimon

Why The New School Year Offers Reasons for Hope

Educators on how the school year that starts today in Philly could be one that makes the new normal better than normal

By Lauren McCutcheon

The “Drexel Promise” Is Just The Start

A longtime college president applauds Drexel’s new tuition discount for community college transfers — and urges universities to do more to help underserved students attain their degrees

By Elaine Maimon
Citizen of the Week

Damaris Alvarado-Rodriguez

The director of progressive, accessible childcare centers is on a mission to provide opportunities for children and adults — including through a new teacher apprenticeship program starting this week

By Lauren McCutcheon