Argues that, under the weight of the culture of materialism, superficiality, and rampant consumerism fueled by sex, drugs, and violence, it is difficult yet critically important for individuals to carve out a space for the pleasures of concentration, and for finding an internal anchor. Describes how a teacher has used silence in support of these…

Argues that the English classroom is a fitting place to integrate anti-violence teaching into the academic curriculum. Describes how English teachers can teach conflict resolution strategies, instill respect for cultural diversity, provide an atmosphere for cooperative learning while acknowledging controversy, and heighten empathy and respect by…

Argues that a curriculum of peace must include ways to define human problems. Describes how the author taught a literature course called "The Healing Word: Literature About Coping with Death and Illness" that used literary selections and a film series to examine physical healing, mental healing, and healing from grief. (SR)

Relates the author's experiences as a teacher with a high school student, a soft-spoken Japanese young woman, who taught the author and her fellow high school students much about understanding, forgiveness, and peace. (SR)

Argues that English and Language Arts teachers can counter the lessons of hate, violence, and bigotry by offering lessons that promote understanding and caring, through choices for reading and writing of literature that represent all ethnic groups. Discusses the author's experiences teaching for many years in Mississippi, addressing the heritage…

Argues that English teachers should open classroom doors to the world's violence in order to examine, interpret, and reduce it, focusing critical inquiry on the subject of violence. Describes how, in the author's English classroom, the study of violence in popular culture compels critical inquiry as students research what they know about violence…

Describes a four-week unit developed by the author to teach her at-risk high school students assertive communication as a means of empowerment, a way of taking control of situations. Describes organizing the content and implementing the curriculum, and notes students' positive and enthusiastic feedback. (SR)

Describes one strategy used in high school English classrooms to teach for peace and dislodge violence: the poetry slam, a burgeoning pop culture phenomenon that combines poetry and performance art. Describes poetry slams that incorporate hip-hop culture. Discusses promoting slams in English classrooms to show students the power of words and…

Describes a complex role play used in a high school English class in which students take on roles from a simulated society with three distinct ethnic groups with differing interests and demands. Describes how students learn the hard truths of group dynamics in this extended role-play, discussion, and negotiation. (SR)

Looks at the missions and goals of the International Assembly of the National Council of Teachers of English, a global multicultural network promoting communication and cooperation for international exchange of teaching practices, literature, literacy, curriculum development, and research in English. Suggests some criteria to look at when…

Offers advice from middle school educators (a principal, a supervisor, and a teacher) on job interviews for teaching positions: how applicants are selected from the stack of applications, what happens during an interview, and what truly makes a difference. (SR)

Discusses six books that offer beginning and veteran teachers classroom-tested ideas to help students read and write poetry and other literature, and interact with each other as they strive to understand and appreciate classic drama and novels. Notes four websites that are good sites for teaching poetry. (SR)

Argues that good young adult books about war can help teenagers appreciate the blessings of peace and the horrors of war, and perhaps may inspire them to do what they can to preserve peace. Describes briefly 71 young adult war books worth reading. (SR)

Describes reasons the author is happy to be married to a fellow English teacher. Suggests that such spouses can support each other's devotion to the profession and understand each other's time commitment and share this important part of their lives. (SR)

Offers practical suggestions for encouraging reluctant (and all) high school readers and writers. Advocates looking at student reluctance and motivation; understanding the process of reading; understanding that everyone learns differently; and that reading is a social act. Offers the response from a high school English teacher with a sampling with…