In this month's interview, Kappan's editor talks with high school English teacher and researcher Lisa Scherff about the ongoing struggle over who gets to define the English language arts curriculum. Dating back to the creation of the subject area, more than a century ago, classroom teachers have advocated for a varied course of study that helps…

English in schools is a productive curriculum space for young people to learn about sexuality, to develop a sense of their identity as sexual beings, and to understand the importance of equality and social justice. Drawing on John Dixon's theory of "personal growth," the author (a British educator) explains how teachers' attitudes about learning…

Presents a conversation with Dorothy Watson, the 2002 Outstanding Educator in the Language Arts recipient. Hopes that this profile will provide insight into Dorothy Watson and her intellectual foundations, her humaneness, and her passion for teaching and learning. (SG)

Discusses how one teacher's experiential learning as a parent and writer provide more insight into his classroom teaching than do consultations with "expert" sources. (HTH)

Describes the positive attitude toward teaching of a writing instructor who intends to continue teaching in spite of receiving a Newberry award for her book. (HTH)

Discusses concerns (curricular, diversity, and community concerns) teachers have about multiculturalism and multicultural education in the language arts classroom. Discusses also teachers' ideas and solutions to these concerns. (SR)

Discusses issues related to young gay and lesbian students in high school English classes. Offers two examples of addressing gay issues in class, and discusses reading and writing around gay issues. Lists several strategies English teachers can use to reduce stereotyping and create an open environment for self-exploration and expression around…

Argues that, to develop a community of readers of literature, teachers must go beyond an approach to literature that merely treats it as an excuse for a comprehension skills lesson or a social studies exercise. Illustrates the argument with the children's book "Maniac Magee" by Jerry Spinelli. (SR)

Offers four responses from readers of this journal to the question of whether ability grouping in first grade is negative. (SR)

Explores the different perspectives classroom teachers and researchers bring to any collaboration, noting that the relationship between the two should be symbiotic and that the problems of practice should inform the questions that researchers ask, while the issues addressed in research should help teachers obtain a clearer perspective on teaching.…

Recalls the energy and dedication of a homely first grade teacher. (HTH)

Surveys 40 middle-school language-arts teachers in 3 local public school districts. Finds that (1) most teachers believed it was important for their students to master grammar; and (2) teachers spend considerable time teaching grammar. Argues that grammar deserves a prominent place in the middle school curriculum. (RS)

Offers brief portraits of 10 remarkable and accomplished middle school language arts/English teachers from around the country. Finds common threads in their philosophy of teaching, learning, and living. (SR)

Presents the author's acceptance speech when named 2000 Outstanding Educator in the Language Arts by the Elementary Section of the National Council of Teachers of English. Shares her life story to argue that teachers' actions have the potential to add, deepen, or change current trends and events within the struggle for educational justice. (SG)

In this article, several teachers share their ideas on what they enjoy about coaching, directing, or advising. One of them, Mary Ann Yedinak, teaches middle school language arts, has a family, and has several partially written books still stored on her computer. However, she still wants to add an extracurricular activity such as Drama Club to her…