Johann Calhoun
Chalkbeat
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Past articles by Johann:
Watlington transition team makes recommendations to improve Philadelphia schools
Recommendations point to better communication, collaboration, and accountability to improve student outcomes as part of Superintendent Tony Watlington’s transition. → Read More
Philadelphia mayor’s top education official to step down
Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney’s top education official, Otis Hackney, helped oversee the return of city public schools to local control in 2017, and also worked to boost children’s access to prekindergarten and the internet. Hackney is leaving his job at the end of this month. → Read More
‘Ball for Nick.’ Roxborough team holds first practice since shooting
Football players for Philadelphia’s Roxborough High School dedicated their season to teammate Nicolas Elizalde, who was killed in a shooting in late September. → Read More
Parents shocked, angered after shooting near Philadelphia school leaves teen dead
Parents expressed fear and outrage after five teenagers were shot, one fatally, near Philadelphia’s Roxborough High School. Several were upset the school did not cancel classes after the shooting. → Read More
Five Philadelphia students shot, one fatally, near high school
A shooting near Philadelphia’s Roxborough High School on Tuesday reportedly left one student dead and four others wounded. → Read More
This new Philly PE instructor is serious about wellness
The newest physical education teacher at Girls High School, Alicia Mannino, knows the benefits of movement. Just don’t call what she does ‘gym class.’ → Read More
Philadelphia’s Arts Academy at Benjamin Rush gets National Blue Ribbon award
The Arts Academy at Benjamin Rush High School has been named a National Blue Ribbon School, and it is the only district school in Philadelphia to get the award this year. → Read More
Here’s what Philadelphia parents think of Watlington’s listening sessions
Philadelphia parents who attended Tony Watlington’s listening sessions describe what they got out of meeting the school district’s leader. → Read More
West Philadelphia parents facing eviction worry about children changing schools
Parents facing eviction from a Philadelphia housing development are worried about whether their children will have to travel much further to attend their schools, or go to new ones. → Read More
New superintendent, 200 staff vacancies as Philadelphia returns to school
On the first day of school, Philadelphia officials pledged to do “our very best” to help students still feeling COVID’s effects, and one school paid tribute to an LGBTQ leader. → Read More
First year Philadelphia teacher relishes new role
Tamir Harper always toyed with the idea of becoming a public school teacher. Now after years of advocating for equity in education, Harper is among the school district’s 600 new teachers and counselors starting this year. → Read More
Advocacy group: Philly children need new wave of resources to overcome COVID
A Philadelphia child advocacy group has shared recommendations about issues like child care and public health to help children overcome COVID’s effects. → Read More
Philly schools job fair draws 300 applicants
Philly schools host job fairs to try to fill hundreds of jobs for nurses, cafeteria workers, classroom assistants, cleaners and other support staff before school begins Aug. 29. → Read More
Pennsylvania aims to reverse decline in new teachers, diversify K-12 workforce
Pennsylvania wants to attract more high school students into the teaching profession and make it easier for out-of-state teachers to obtain state certification. → Read More
Here are 80 people who will advise new Philly schools superintendent
A mix of parents, educators, community and nonprofit leaders listed to help Superintendent Tony Watlington in his first year leading Philadelphia schools → Read More
This Philadelphia teacher helps visually impaired students ‘jump into their greatness’
Sharita Jerkins wants people to know that her students can do anything. That includes dissecting a frog. → Read More
Philly schools chief defends $450K consultant who surrendered teaching license
Tony Watlington said a consultant hired by Philly schools will help his transition, but Shawn Joseph’s price tag and Nashville track record are drawing criticism. → Read More
Philly’s Black charter school leaders vow to push back after board votes
Philadelphia’s Black charter school leaders say they’ll fight to preserve their schools following board of education votes to start shutting down two charters. → Read More
Consulting firm will get $450,000 to help new Philly superintendent
The consulting firm Joseph and Associates will be paid $450,000 by Philadelphia schools to assist Tony Watlington’s transition as he takes over the district. → Read More
Philly’s new superintendent talks student success, teacher turnover, early goals
Philadelphia’s new superintendent Tony Watlington sat down with Chalkbeat to discuss student success, teacher turnover, unions, equity, gun violence, and more. → Read More