What makes a successful teacher?

by David SafierIf anyone knew exactly what qualities it takes to make a successful teacher, we'd have half our education problems solved. Having said that, Wendy Kopp, the founder of Teach for America, is interviewed in the NY Times, and she has some thoughts on how to predict who will be successful, which, I think, … Read more

Sylvia Allen’s “6,000 years” makes Daily Kos

by David Safier FLASH!!!!! This just in. Sylvia Allen is one of Keith Olbermann's Worst People in the World on tonight's show! Following the Arizona Guardian's lead, I posted a clip of Sen. Sylvia Allen saying, not once but twice, that "This earth's been here 6,000 years." The clip has gone viral. Today it made … Read more

A clear explanation of what happened Monday

by David SafierI've tried to piece together a picture of what happened in Monday's legislative session, with no more than partial success. "Krysten Sinema's Notes" gives me the clearest picture so far. It's dense and compact but very clear. July 6th – 4 bills are passed unanimously by the Legislature. #1 – we fund K-12 … Read more

Brewer: closet liberal union supporter?

by David SafierReagan's 11th commandment — "Thou shalt not speak ill of any fellow Republican" — has been broken so many times around Phoenix in the past few weeks, I half expect to see the clouds part and hear a thundering rasp from the Great Communicator: "Keep this up, and I'll give you some Communication … Read more

Stuff the Bus with school supplies

by David SafierFrom Tucson Weekly's The Range: The Tucson Association of Realtors starts its "Stuff the Bus" school-supply drive today. Donations of back-to-school essentials (backbacks, notebooks, binders, etc.) can be dropped off from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., through Friday, Aug. 7, at the Tucson Association of Realtors Building at 2445 N. Tucson Blvd. Donations … Read more