Libraries are one of the last truly public institutions—free, accessible to all, and serving millions every year. So of course, the Trump administration wants to destroy them.
On Friday night, Trump signed an executive order eliminating the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the only federal agency that funds America’s libraries. The same institution that provides: 📚 Early literacy programs for kids 📚 High-speed internet access for communities left behind by telecom giants 📚 Summer reading programs for children 📚 Job search assistance for unemployed workers 📚 Braille and talking books for people with visual impairments
All for just 0.003% of the federal budget—peanuts compared to corporate subsidies and military spending. But let’s be real: this isn’t about money. This is about power.
Libraries are one of the last spaces in America not controlled by corporations or the ultra-rich. They provide free access to knowledge, support marginalized communities, and serve as safe havens. That’s why the right-wing hates them.
This move is part of a broader fascist attack on public institutions. They’ve been banning books, terrorizing librarians, and defunding schools. Now they’re going after the very existence of libraries themselves.
We fight back. 📢 Call your reps and demand they stop this. 📢 Show up at town halls and library board meetings. 📢 Flood Congress with calls, emails, and protests. 📢 Support your local libraries—because once they’re gone, they won’t come back.
🔥 Defend public libraries. Defend public knowledge. Defend democracy. 🔥
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Artificial intelligence has rapidly evolved from a futuristic concept to an integral part of our daily lives. Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, Bard, and Claude are revolutionizing how we interact with technology, but how do they work? If you want to understand the technology behind AI, deep learning, and LLMs, this post highlights essential books that provide the foundational knowledge you need.
Artificial Intelligence: A Guide for Thinking Humans – Melanie Mitchell
A fantastic starting point, this book provides an accessible introduction to AI’s fundamental concepts. Melanie Mitchell explains key ideas in machine learning, neural networks, and AI’s current limitations, offering a balanced perspective on what AI can and cannot do. Through clear explanations and engaging storytelling, Mitchell demystifies AI and presents real-world examples to illustrate how these technologies function.
What sets this book apart is its focus on making complex AI topics understandable for general readers. Whether you’re an AI enthusiast or just curious about how artificial intelligence impacts our world, this book is an excellent resource. Mitchell also delves into the history of AI. He explores why human-like intelligence remains a challenge for machines, making this a compelling read for anyone interested in the future of AI.
336 Pages – 11/17/2020 (Publication Date) – Picador Paper (Publisher)
The Alignment Problem: Machine Learning and Human Values – Brian Christian
This book tackles one of AI’s most pressing issues: how do we ensure machine learning models align with human values? Brian Christian explores the ethical and technical challenges in training AI systems, making this a must-read for anyone interested in AI safety and ethics. He takes readers through a journey of how AI learns, the biases it inherits, and the moral dilemmas that arise when machines make decisions on behalf of humans.
Christian does an excellent job of breaking down complex topics while maintaining an engaging narrative. By incorporating real-world case studies and interviews with AI researchers, he thoroughly examines how we might shape AI to be more ethical and beneficial for society. The book raises critical questions about responsibility, bias, and the future of AI regulation, making it a thought-provoking read.
496 Pages – 10/06/2020 (Publication Date) – W. W. Norton & Company (Publisher)
Genius Makers: The Mavericks Who Brought AI to Google, Facebook, and the World – Cade Metz
For those curious about the history and key players behind AI’s explosion, Genius Makers provides an engaging narrative about the pioneers of deep learning, including Geoffrey Hinton, Yann LeCun, and Demis Hassabis. It’s a fascinating look at the competitive race to develop AI, covering breakthroughs in neural networks and the intense competition between tech giants to dominate the AI space.
Metz tells the story through the lens of individual researchers and innovators who made AI what it is today. He captures the excitement, the scientific rivalries, and the ethical dilemmas involved in AI’s development. The book offers an insider’s view of how AI became one of the most sought-after technologies and what that means for the future.
Rebooting AI: Building Artificial Intelligence We Can Trust – Gary Marcus & Ernest Davis
Rebooting AI critically examines AI’s limitations and argues that current machine-learning approaches fall short of true intelligence. The authors propose alternative strategies for developing AI systems that are more reliable, transparent, and capable of real-world reasoning. They highlight the pitfalls of deep learning and emphasize the need for hybrid models that integrate traditional AI techniques with modern advancements.
What makes this book particularly valuable is its practical approach to AI criticism. Instead of merely pointing out flaws, Marcus and Davis suggest ways to improve AI to work more effectively in real-world applications. Their insights are crucial for developers, researchers, and anyone interested in AI’s long-term impact on society.
AI 2041: Ten Visions for Our Future – Kai-Fu Lee & Chen Qiufan
Blending fiction with expert analysis, this book envisions how AI will shape various aspects of society by 2041. Kai-Fu Lee, a leading AI researcher, and Chen Qiufan, a science fiction writer, craft ten compelling narratives illustrating AI’s potential future. Each story is followed by an analysis explaining the technological principles behind it, bridging the gap between imagination and reality.
This unique format makes AI 2041 both an entertaining and educational read. The authors explore AI-driven healthcare, automation, and geopolitical challenges, providing a well-rounded view of AI’s possibilities. Whether you enjoy science fiction or want to glimpse what AI could mean for our world, this book offers a fascinating perspective.
Deep Learning – Ian Goodfellow, Yoshua Bengio, & Aaron Courville
This textbook is considered the bible of deep learning for readers who want a deep technical dive. It covers neural networks’ mathematical and theoretical underpinnings and is widely used in AI research and academia. This book provides an extensive foundation in deep learning algorithms, optimization techniques, and model architectures, making it an essential reference for those who want to understand AI at an advanced level
While this book is more technical, it remains one of the most comprehensive resources available for deep learning. It’s ideal for students, engineers, and researchers who want to master the principles that drive AI today. This book is a must-have if you’re serious about AI and ready to tackle the mathematical aspects.
It ensures you get the best usage for a longer period
Hardcover Book
Goodfellow, Ian (Author)
Why These Books Matter
Understanding AI isn’t just for computer scientists—it’s essential for anyone interested in technology’s impact on society. These books provide a comprehensive view of how AI models are built, how they learn, and what challenges they present. Whether you’re a beginner or someone with technical expertise, these reads will deepen your knowledge of AI and LLMs.
What are your thoughts on these books? Have you read any of them, or do you have other recommendations? Let’s discuss in the comments!
Teachers are masters of crafting lesson plans, designing engaging activities, and aligning instruction to standards—all skills in high demand beyond the classroom. Freelance curriculum development allows educators to use their expertise to create learning materials for publishers, tutoring companies, or online platforms, often from the comfort of their homes. If you want to explore this rewarding and flexible career path, here’s how to start.
Why Curriculum Development Is a Great Fit for Teachers
Curriculum development is an ideal freelance niche for teachers because it leverages the skills you’ve already honed in the classroom:
Standards Alignment: Teachers understand how to create lessons that meet state or national standards, a key requirement for educational publishers and e-learning companies.
Engaging Instructional Design: Your experience designing lessons that captivate students translates perfectly to creating engaging, effective curriculum materials.
Subject Matter Expertise: Whether you teach math, science, history, or language arts, your deep knowledge of the subject makes you a valuable asset to clients.
Freelance curriculum development allows you to monetize these skills while contributing to student education on a larger scale.
Types of Curriculum Development Projects
As a freelance curriculum developer, you can work on a variety of projects, such as:
Lesson Plans and Activities: Design detailed lesson plans, hands-on activities, and project-based learning experiences for different grade levels.
Assessments: Create quizzes, tests, and performance-based assessments that measure student learning effectively.
E-Learning Content: Develop interactive online lessons, videos, and tutorials for e-learning platforms.
Textbook Supplements: Write teacher guides, student workbooks, and additional resources for educational publishers.
These projects can range from short-term assignments to long-term contracts, allowing you to choose what works best for your schedule.
How to Get Started in Freelance Curriculum Development
Getting started in freelance curriculum development doesn’t require a massive overhaul of your career. Here are some steps to help you transition:
Build a Portfolio: Showcase your best work by repurposing lesson plans, classroom activities, or assessments you’ve already created. Organize them into a professional portfolio that highlights your expertise.
Network with Educators and Companies: Reach out to former colleagues, join online communities of educators, and connect with companies specializing in educational content.
Search for Opportunities: Platforms like Paid Online Writing Jobs list freelance curriculum development jobs tailored to educators. These listings provide a direct path to finding clients who value your teaching experience.
Polish Your Skills: Consider learning tools like instructional design software or e-learning platforms to expand your capabilities and appeal to a broader range of clients.
The Benefits of Freelance Curriculum Development
Freelance curriculum development offers several benefits, including:
Flexibility: Work on your schedule and choose projects that fit your interests and availability.
Diverse Opportunities: Collaborate with various clients, from large publishers to niche online platforms.
Professional Growth: Stay connected to the world of education while developing new skills in writing, design, and technology.
Financial Rewards: Monetize your teaching expertise and potentially earn more than you would in a traditional classroom setting.
Find Your First Opportunity Today
If you’re ready to turn your teaching skills into a thriving freelance career, explore opportunities for Paid Online Writing Jobs. This platform connects educators with clients looking for curriculum developers, making finding projects that align with your expertise easily.
Final Thoughts
Freelance curriculum development is a natural extension of your teaching career. By leveraging your skills in lesson planning, instructional design, and subject expertise, you can create impactful learning materials while enjoying the flexibility of freelance work. Visit Paid Online Writing Jobs today and take the first step toward building a fulfilling new career in curriculum development.
Teachers have a treasure trove of creativity and unique experiences that make them ideal bloggers. From managing a bustling classroom to crafting engaging lessons, you already possess the storytelling and communication skills to write blog posts that capture attention and resonate with readers. Here’s how you can channel your classroom creativity into crafting engaging blogs that stand out and pave the way for paid opportunities.
Harness the Power of Storytelling
Storytelling is at the heart of effective teaching and is just as powerful in blogging. Use real-life classroom anecdotes to draw readers in and make your posts relatable. For example, share a funny or heartwarming moment from your day that ties into a larger theme or lesson. Stories help readers connect emotionally, making your blog posts more memorable and engaging.
When writing, think about:
The challenges and triumphs you’ve experienced as a teacher.
Unique perspectives or situations that your audience can learn from.
How to weave a compelling narrative that leads to actionable advice or insights.
Use Engaging and Accessible Language
As you adapt your language to reach diverse learners, you can use the same strategy to craft accessible and engaging blog posts. Avoid overly academic or jargon-heavy language; write in a conversational tone that feels approachable to readers. Use humor, analogies, or rhetorical questions to entertain your audience while driving your point home.
For example:
Instead of “pedagogical strategies,” say “teaching techniques that work.”
Use metaphors like “classroom chaos is a symphony in disguise” to paint vivid pictures.
Your ability to simplify complex ideas will help your readers feel informed without being overwhelmed.
Share Classroom Anecdotes as Lessons
The classroom is filled with stories that can become powerful blog content. Write posts that reflect on lessons you’ve learned, strategies that worked (or didn’t), or ways you’ve overcome challenges. These stories provide valuable insights and build trust with your readers, showing them that you’re authentic and relatable.
For instance:
“How I Used Art Projects to Foster Collaboration in My Classroom”
“What a Disastrous Lesson Plan Taught Me About Adaptability”
These posts resonate with educators, parents, and anyone interested in education, making them highly shareable and impactful.
Focus on Practical Tips and Takeaways
Readers love actionable advice. Whether you’re sharing classroom management techniques, lesson plan ideas, or tips for balancing work and life, always provide practical takeaways. Use bullet points, numbered lists, or subheadings to make your content easy to skim and reference.
Example tips:
“Three Creative Ways to Encourage Critical Thinking”
“How to Turn a Difficult Topic into an Engaging Lesson”
Practical posts position you as a valuable resource, encouraging readers to return to your blog for more.
Promote Blogging Opportunities
If blogging sounds like the perfect creative outlet, you can turn it into a source of income by writing for established blogs or creating your own. Platforms like Paid Online Writing Jobs make it easy to find paid blogging opportunities tailored to educators. Whether writing guest posts for education websites or building your portfolio, these resources can help you take your blogging to the next level.
Final Thoughts
Your classroom creativity is a powerful tool for crafting blog posts that inform, inspire, and engage readers. By using storytelling, accessible language, and relatable anecdotes, you can create content that stands out in the crowded blogging world. And with platforms like Paid Online Writing Jobs, you can turn your passion for writing into a rewarding side hustle or career. Start blogging today, and let your voice be heard!
In his thought-provoking video, Jared Henderson delves into why fewer people are reading books, citing issues with education systems, distractions from technology, and a lack of reading stamina. As an educator and avid reader, I agree with what Henderson outlines. However, I also see opportunities to expand on his points and explore some counterarguments.
1. The Literacy Crisis and Its Roots
Henderson highlights the shift from phonics to whole language learning as a pivotal moment in literacy education. He’s right—whole language learning left many students unprepared to effectively decode and engage with text. With its structured approach to sound and word recognition, Phonics builds a foundation that whole language approaches often neglect.
Yet, the story isn’t so simple. Literacy rates are influenced by more than just methodology; systemic issues like underfunded schools, inequitable access to resources, and cultural attitudes toward reading also play significant roles. Blaming the whole language strategy alone risks oversimplifying a complex problem. The good news is that the pendulum is swinging back toward phonics-based instruction in many places, but we must also address these broader systemic issues.
2. The Decline of Reading Stamina
Henderson’s point about reading stamina is crucial. Students trained to extract information from short texts for standardized tests are ill-equipped to handle dense, long-form reading. I’ve seen this firsthand in my work with high school and college students. Reading stamina, like physical stamina, requires regular practice and gradual increases in difficulty.
However, there’s a counterpoint worth considering: is the problem stamina or engagement? Many students might struggle to read long texts simply because they find them irrelevant or boring. To rebuild a culture of reading, educators must consider how to make books feel meaningful in a world full of competing distractions. The classics are essential, but so are diverse, contemporary texts that reflect students’ lived experiences.
3. The Smartphone Problem
Henderson is spot-on when he identifies technology as a culprit in the decline of book reading. With their endless notifications and instant gratification, smartphones make reading a book seem like climbing a mountain when a treadmill is right next to you.
Yet banning phones in classrooms, while helpful, doesn’t address the root of the issue. We must teach students how to coexist with technology, fostering mindfulness and intentionality. Schools could integrate “digital detox” practices, but the more significant cultural shift toward valuing deep focus and reflection must also happen outside the classroom.
4. Expanding the Conversation
While Henderson focuses on literacy and attention, another factor deserves mention: the changing role of books in the digital age. Many young people engage deeply with stories through mediums like podcasts, audiobooks, graphic novels, and even video games. While these formats differ from traditional books, they foster imagination, critical thinking, and empathy. Perhaps the question isn’t why people aren’t reading books but why our definition of “reading” hasn’t evolved.
5. What Can Be Done?
The path forward is multifaceted:
Reclaim Joy in Reading: Schools and families need to emphasize the joy of reading over the utility of extracting information. Reading aloud, discussing books as a community, and offering choices can rekindle interest.
Bridge Classic and Contemporary: Balance is key. Introduce students to classics and diverse, modern texts to show the breadth of literature.
Build Reading-Friendly Environments: Encourage spaces free from distractions where deep focus is possible. Libraries, book clubs, and even family reading nights can help.
Leverage Technology: Instead of vilifying screens, use them as gateways. E-books, interactive apps, and gamified reading challenges can attract reluctant readers.
Conclusion
Henderson’s video lays a strong foundation for understanding why fewer people read books. Still, the solutions require a collective effort. Education, culture, and technology must work together to prioritize deep, meaningful engagement with the text.
Reading may seem like a dying art, but it’s not beyond revival. We just need to adapt to the world while remembering the timeless power of a good book.
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“We have no evidence at this time that the reported drone sightings pose a national security or public safety threat or have a foreign nexus,” declared the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security
Sure, folks. Nothing to fear here…
This isn’t the first time flying objects have been reported over New Jersey. In 1938, Orson Welles’ “War of the Worlds” radio broadcast made people panic.
Here it is, remastered for your listening pleasure…
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Sometime in the blur that was my high school life in the late 1900s, I sat in my Junior English class and listened to Sylvia Daugherty, the Great and Powerful, ramble on about something or other.
None of us minded her ramblings because she was simply brilliant. She was one of those teachers. You know, the ones who could make anything interesting. I often feel like, had I taken AP English with Momma D my senior year, I might have written a senior research paper and learned something from it rather than skipping it entirely and somehow still finding a way to pass senior English and high school.
But that’s a story for a different time…
Momma D used a lot of “country” phrases and sayings. I’m assuming they were country; I don’t know any other way to describe them. I don’t remember where she was originally from, but it was likely somewhere in the mountains of Appalachia. I’m sure she had family members who knew the Hatfields, the McCoys, or possibly both who had run more than their fair share of moonshine out of those mountains. She had a flair for storytelling that, even to a disinterested 11th-grade geek, could wrap you in a warm blanket and carry you to another world.
I still remember her expressions and tone of voice as we discussed Chapter 15 from The Grapes of Wrath—the “two for a penny” chapter—and how her eyes turned a little red and a single tear formed as she talked about this short tale of abject poverty and humanity at its best.
Some of us laughed at her country sayings, some didn’t. Some rolled their eyes, and a select few students of the “I can’t be bothered with anything of consequence” crowd sat still, staring off into the distance of future memories of the best times in their life scoring that touchdown on a Friday night that mattered to no one else but them.
Rarely was there a dull moment with Momma D. One day, I decided someone needed to take down all of her quotes, saying, and other nonsense for posterity, and that someone was me. I told my buddy, “I’m gonna write these things down. There’s a gold mine in here for someone.”
He looked at me, chuckled, and went on about his business. He wasn’t focused on Junior English or much of any other subject as he was too busy becoming one of the world’s premier musicians who would travel the world playing in symphony orchestra after symphony orchestra. Maybe I’ll tell you that story one day.
The funny part of all of this is my thinking that I would ever actually commit to writing anything down. Famously, I did very little throughout all high school, and that certainly held true for my collection, “Funny Crap Momma D Said in Class.”
I wrote down exactly ONE of her sayings. ONE. And, try as I might, I can’t tell you why I chose to write that one specific phrase down, but I did. And I’ve remembered it ever since.
We talked about when something would be done, and she said, “probably around the 31st of Juvember.”
Now, I’m pretty good at looking for things, especially since the dawn of the World Wide Web, and I can’t find a reference to this anywhere. However, I’m sure someone reading this is going to reach out and tell me it’s from a fascist manifesto and I deserve to be canceled (and I probably do, but not for this).
I’ve tried to work this little phrase into as many conversations as possible, mostly because it makes me laugh but also in the desperate search for anyone else that has ever heard it.
No luck on both counts. Why does no one else think it’s funny?
I’m telling you this story to underline the importance of writing stuff down. The importance of always carrying a notebook, writing pad, paper, or whatever you choose to write on in case you have an idea or come across something that makes you sad, glad, or angry.
I’ve talked about the idea of a commonplace book many times. There is power in writing things down on paper—yes, there’s actual research that writing on paper is better for retention than using a device—and going back through those things from time to time.
Commonplace books have long been tools for thinkers, authors, and leaders. Mark Twain, C. S. Lewis, W. H. Auden, Virginia Woolf, Marcus Aurelius, Anne Lamott, Robert Greene, Ryan Holiday, JFK, and many others all kept commonplace books in one form or another.
John Locke even wrote a book on writing commonplace books.
In Medieval Europe, they were sometimes called the florilegium (Latin for “a gathering of flowers”). Thomas of Ireland wrote a famous one called the Manipulus Florumi, which contained over 6,000 extracts from books in the library of the Sorbonne in Paris, organized by theme.
Commonplace books were once valued because books were so costly. But they may be even more valuable now because information is so cheap.
The Internet and the World Wide Web have made information so cheap and easy to access that it’s often difficult to sort through all the garbage and find the gems. Your commonplace book, along with many others, can help do the sorting.
I think every student needs a commonplace book. Not just for studying and learning, although they are a great tool for those things, but to have a way to remember all the things that mean something to us, no matter how silly or inconsequential they are.
Like the notes of a sixteen-year-old boy in his Junior English class over thirty years ago.
While reading Anne Lamott’s “Bird by Bird,” I thought about this moment and came to her chapter on index cards. Right beside some text I underlined, I wrote, “Sylvia Daugherty, 11th Grade, Juvember.”
Write things down. You never know when you’ll need them or when they’ll bring you a moment of joy.
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This hot take isn’t so hot and perfectly describes why public education will always have to deal with standardized testing mandates and measures from the government.
“You might ask why politicians endorse solutions that don’t work. The answer is not complicated: because they can legislate them; because they are in a hurry; because the remedies can be made to appeal superficially to the public; because (and unkindly on our part) some of them really don’t care about the public education system, preferring that education be taken over by the private sector; and (more kindly) because they do not know what else to do.” (Michael Fullan, Joanne Quinn, Coherence)
The Eclectic Educator is a free resource for everyone passionate about education and creativity. If you enjoy the content and want to support the newsletter, consider becoming a paid subscriber. Your support helps keep the insights and inspiration coming!
It’s Friday in America, and Hulk Hogan showed up last night at the Republican National Convention.
If you haven’t seen his appearance, it’s everything you think it could be and so much more. I didn’t watch it live (trust me, there are far better things to do) but I’ve seen plenty of clips this morning.
What in the actual nonsense is going on?
Anyways, on to other topics. As I said, it’s Friday, and my dog is sleeping next to my desk in his favorite sunspot, warming up after a moderately chilly morning jaunt. I say moderately chilly since it’s below 70 in Kentucky for the first morning in a couple of weeks (thank the gods).
Right now, I long for the day when I can walk outside, feel that first bite in the morning air, and say, “It smells likemarchingband…”
Fall will be here soon enough and, along with it, far more bearable temperatures and breathable air. At least, if we don’t all melt from the effects of another record-breaking hot year.
Quote of the Day
Because there’s a large portion of the population who needs to use their brain…
“You have a mind? —Yes. Well, why not use it? Isn’t that all you want—for it to do its job?” (Marcus Aurelius, Meditations)
Musical Interlude
I’m a shameless Oasis fan, and I’m also a shameless Noel Gallagher fan. (Liam is, by far, the more evil brother. I mean, they’re both evil. I’ve just accepted Noel’s evil to enjoy his music.)
Here’s a live performance from 2023 of Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds.
Long Read of the Day
Madeline Dore has some great thoughts on finding things that make time pass unnoticed. This essentially comes down to doing things you love and getting into a flow.
Of course, my thoughts turn to, “How do we make schools a place where kids can find the things they love and help them experience enough of them to decide what they want to keep pursuing?”
Folks, Papa Elf left us yesterday. Bob Newhart was one of the funniest “straight men” in comic history. Growing up in the 80s, I watched his magic on “Newhart” and reruns of “The Bob Newhart Show.” He was hilarious.
Here’s a short documentary from Judd Apatow on the lifelong friendship of Newhart and Don Rickles (another one of the funniest comedians ever).
The Eclectic Educator is a free resource for everyone passionate about education and creativity. If you enjoy the content and want to support the newsletter, consider becoming a paid subscriber. Your support helps keep the insights and inspiration coming!
