CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS

Indrayudh “Indy” Shome

The Citizen’s Educator of the Year is a four language-speaking, music-playing, digital media expert who also loves to share his passion for gardens. He’s inspiring students across the city to make their voices heard

By Courtney DuChene
Guest Commentary

Rigor. Standards. Responsibility.

Marcus Foster was a visionary principal of Simon Gratz High School before his murder in 1973. A visionary principal of today on why his message still matters

By David P. Hardy
Guest Commentary

A Different Kind of Education Promise

The founder of a Black teacher pipeline wonders: Isn’t it time to make a long-term investment in our public school children’s futures?

By Sharif El-Mekki
Character Lab

What Resources Do Schools Really Need?

Support teachers — and test scores — by supplying schools with surprising supplies.

By Samantha Keppler

Pennsylvania, Resolve the Budget Impasse

A long-time university president recalls the dire consequences to public higher education of an Illinois budget stalemate — and urges legislators to ensure that doesn't happen here

By Elaine Maimon

Meet Philadelphia’s Cosmic Writers

This nonprofit brings out the creative writer in school-age students in Philly and beyond. In a city with an abysmal literacy rate, these efforts are paying off.

By Courtney DuChene
Citizen Of The Week

Chris Ulmer of Special Books by Special Kids

A Northeast Philly native is transforming how the world treats people with disabilities, one goofy YouTube interview at a time.

By Lauren McCutcheon
Guest Commentary

The Evidence on Charter Schools Is In

Public charter schools work, a schools reformer explains — especially for Black, Hispanic and low-income students

By Mark Gleason
Ideas We Should Steal

Ban the Ban, Not the Book

Attention, Governor Shapiro and Pennsylvania state legislators: Illinois has banned book bans. NJ is thinking about it and PA should too.

By Elaine Maimon
Citizen of the Week

Atiyah Harmon of Black Girls Love Math

School by school, student by student, a Philly educator is changing how Black girls learn — and embrace — math.

By Johann Calhoun