Doug Lemov's field notes

Reflections on teaching, literacy, coaching, and practice.

06.11.15 Know Excuses: A Guest Post by Rue Ratray

Rue Ratray, of UpAcademy Oliver, a district turnaround school in Lawrence, MA is one of the best–and most reflective–teachers I know. He’s been writing a series of guest posts (you can read his others here and here) about teaching.  He shared his latest with me this week–it’s a reflection on a phrase neither of us is…


05.21.15 Rue Ratray Guest Post: On Rigor, Frustration & the Monomyth

Rue Ratray is one of my heroes. He’s an amazing and inspirational teacher (and now teacher coach) in Lawrence, MA.  I recently asked him to write an occasional guest blog for Field Notes.  This is his latest, on the topic of Rigor and Frustration.  Great ideas throughout for teaching reading, especially. I don’t think anyone reading…


04.14.15 Rue Ratray: Frustration and Rigor, Part I

Rue Ratray is Dean of Curriculum and Instruction at UP Academy Oliver in Lawrence, Massachusetts, a district turnaround that’s one part of superintendent Jeff Riley’s bold efforts to revitalize the schools in this small former mill city that’s (previously) been known for under-performing schools. Rue’s an amazing and inspirational teacher.  You can see video of him…


04.04.14 Video of the Day: The Recipe for Getting Kids to Do What You Asked (Video)

How to get students to do what you asked: 1)      Give a clear, concise direction. (What to Do) 2)      Stand where you can clearly see whether they do it. (Radar: “Pastore’s Perch”) 3)      Watch to see whether they do it. (Radar: Scan/swivel) 4)      Use non-verbals actions to make it clear to students that you are watching…