Marcus Luther
@marcusluther.bsky.social
HS English teacher clinging to what the legendary Gwendolyn Brooks wrote: "we are each other's / harvest:" (yes, that line break feels heavier than ever these days)
Also: I share writings, resources + thoughts on education at thebrokencopier.substack.com!
Also: I share writings, resources + thoughts on education at thebrokencopier.substack.com!
Pinned
Okay, so let's do officially do this! a slow-read of Macbeth with Sunday discussion threads starting November 23rd! #SundayMacbethChat
Everyone's welcome! And just like Beloved, I am definitely going to be looking at this with very-fresh (i.e. humble) eyes!
docs.google.com/document/d/1...
Everyone's welcome! And just like Beloved, I am definitely going to be looking at this with very-fresh (i.e. humble) eyes!
docs.google.com/document/d/1...
students walked into our 90-minute block today and drew one of six prompt options and then had the entire class period to craft their own interpretation using the novel we just read and those 90 minutes of writing were both intense and wonderful and silent and important
November 25, 2025 at 1:21 AM
students walked into our 90-minute block today and drew one of six prompt options and then had the entire class period to craft their own interpretation using the novel we just read and those 90 minutes of writing were both intense and wonderful and silent and important
"Without prompting, a quiet student from the back of the classroom stood up, walked over to me, and gave me a hug. In front of his classmates, he told me that we all get stressed, and it was going to be okay."
As always, read @mrneibauer.bsky.social.
adrianneibauer.substack.com/p/i-would-pr...
As always, read @mrneibauer.bsky.social.
adrianneibauer.substack.com/p/i-would-pr...
I Would Prefer Not To
Time is a funny thing.
adrianneibauer.substack.com
November 24, 2025 at 2:01 PM
"Without prompting, a quiet student from the back of the classroom stood up, walked over to me, and gave me a hug. In front of his classmates, he told me that we all get stressed, and it was going to be okay."
As always, read @mrneibauer.bsky.social.
adrianneibauer.substack.com/p/i-would-pr...
As always, read @mrneibauer.bsky.social.
adrianneibauer.substack.com/p/i-would-pr...
Reposted by Marcus Luther
Exactly.
And the consistent denial of classrooms as human spaces that are inherently messy and full of contextual factors that fly in the face of widespread implementation of generic lessons never ceases to amaze me…
And the consistent denial of classrooms as human spaces that are inherently messy and full of contextual factors that fly in the face of widespread implementation of generic lessons never ceases to amaze me…
November 24, 2025 at 5:29 AM
Exactly.
And the consistent denial of classrooms as human spaces that are inherently messy and full of contextual factors that fly in the face of widespread implementation of generic lessons never ceases to amaze me…
And the consistent denial of classrooms as human spaces that are inherently messy and full of contextual factors that fly in the face of widespread implementation of generic lessons never ceases to amaze me…
Reposted by Marcus Luther
Two main thoughts on this:
1. While I largely agree that the lesson plan here is a good model…
2. I very much disagree with the premise that all Ts should do is “previewing, rehearsing, and making sure hand outs are ready.”
There’s a tension there that drives a lot of recent pedagogical debates.
1. While I largely agree that the lesson plan here is a good model…
2. I very much disagree with the premise that all Ts should do is “previewing, rehearsing, and making sure hand outs are ready.”
There’s a tension there that drives a lot of recent pedagogical debates.
The Truth About Lesson Planning
The first truth about lesson planning is a paradox: In a perfect world, it wouldn’t even exist. Designing curriculum and instruction is its own science, and a difficult one at that. When well-desig…
educationrickshaw.com
November 24, 2025 at 3:22 AM
Two main thoughts on this:
1. While I largely agree that the lesson plan here is a good model…
2. I very much disagree with the premise that all Ts should do is “previewing, rehearsing, and making sure hand outs are ready.”
There’s a tension there that drives a lot of recent pedagogical debates.
1. While I largely agree that the lesson plan here is a good model…
2. I very much disagree with the premise that all Ts should do is “previewing, rehearsing, and making sure hand outs are ready.”
There’s a tension there that drives a lot of recent pedagogical debates.
Reposted by Marcus Luther
The great trumph of EduCognitivists has been convincing everyone that there is only one cognitive science in town.
Classical cognitive science may be all the talk in education, but it isn't in the field of cogsci.
Instead, teachers need to hear more about enactive cognitive science.
Classical cognitive science may be all the talk in education, but it isn't in the field of cogsci.
Instead, teachers need to hear more about enactive cognitive science.
November 23, 2025 at 9:12 AM
The great trumph of EduCognitivists has been convincing everyone that there is only one cognitive science in town.
Classical cognitive science may be all the talk in education, but it isn't in the field of cogsci.
Instead, teachers need to hear more about enactive cognitive science.
Classical cognitive science may be all the talk in education, but it isn't in the field of cogsci.
Instead, teachers need to hear more about enactive cognitive science.
Reposted by Marcus Luther
I think this is a piece that’s worthy of consideration by educators across the full K-post-secondary spectrum. It’s my experience that the nature of this current cultural moment in the U.S. is almost forcing kids to ask the questions that the humanities grapple with. And the job market demands it.
"While other universities report that the humanities are shrinking, at Berkeley, the opposite is true. The music major is the fastest-growing major on campus. We are finding bigger classrooms because film is exploding. English is back to the numbers we saw 15 years ago. We are hiring" bit.ly/4ohKuOe
"The humanities really are a resource — a confidence for living in our times.” Dean Sara Guyer on the modern utility of humanities degrees
This interview originally appeared on the Division of Arts
bit.ly
November 23, 2025 at 11:44 PM
I think this is a piece that’s worthy of consideration by educators across the full K-post-secondary spectrum. It’s my experience that the nature of this current cultural moment in the U.S. is almost forcing kids to ask the questions that the humanities grapple with. And the job market demands it.
Reposted by Marcus Luther
For the 80%+ of people who are arguing for multiple Shakespeare plays, my recommendation is to remember that English is both a discipline AND a course that every student has to take. For those who will not be heading studying literature, what are they taking away from studying Shakespeare? 1/5
November 24, 2025 at 1:07 AM
For the 80%+ of people who are arguing for multiple Shakespeare plays, my recommendation is to remember that English is both a discipline AND a course that every student has to take. For those who will not be heading studying literature, what are they taking away from studying Shakespeare? 1/5
Results from the bad place so far, if you were curious (no polls here so wanted to try it out there)
47.9% say 3 or more
32.5% say 2
14.1% say 1
5.6% say 0
Thoughts?
47.9% say 3 or more
32.5% say 2
14.1% say 1
5.6% say 0
Thoughts?
November 23, 2025 at 11:31 PM
Results from the bad place so far, if you were curious (no polls here so wanted to try it out there)
47.9% say 3 or more
32.5% say 2
14.1% say 1
5.6% say 0
Thoughts?
47.9% say 3 or more
32.5% say 2
14.1% say 1
5.6% say 0
Thoughts?
👀👏
So grateful for this opportunity from NCTE and TCTELA 🙏🏾💛
Congratulations to @heymrsbond.com, a proud member of TCTELA, on being named the High School Teacher of Excellence Award recipient at NCTE 2025.
This national recognition is a powerful testament to her commitment to literacy, equity, and exceptional teaching.
We celebrate you, Chanea! 👏🏽✨
This national recognition is a powerful testament to her commitment to literacy, equity, and exceptional teaching.
We celebrate you, Chanea! 👏🏽✨
November 23, 2025 at 8:07 PM
👀👏
Reposted by Marcus Luther
A4: I think one play is sufficient. We have a limited amount of time with students, and I don't think a single author should be read more than once. I would strive for as much variety as possible. #SundayMacbethChat
November 23, 2025 at 8:02 PM
A4: I think one play is sufficient. We have a limited amount of time with students, and I don't think a single author should be read more than once. I would strive for as much variety as possible. #SundayMacbethChat
Reposted by Marcus Luther
And maybe the question that will be one people keep circling back to throughout the day:
How much Shakespeare should a student encounter in high school?
#SundayMacbethChat
How much Shakespeare should a student encounter in high school?
#SundayMacbethChat
November 23, 2025 at 2:53 PM
And maybe the question that will be one people keep circling back to throughout the day:
How much Shakespeare should a student encounter in high school?
#SundayMacbethChat
How much Shakespeare should a student encounter in high school?
#SundayMacbethChat
Reposted by Marcus Luther
A2: We were comparing different versions of "To be, or not to be" in Hamlet, and I'll never forget my students' reaction to Paapa Essiedu. I felt the emotion in the room shift. One student said that it was the first time he really understood Shakespeare. #SundayMacbethChat
youtu.be/RzKe8dcNFT0?...
youtu.be/RzKe8dcNFT0?...
Paapa Essiedu - Hamlet - To be, or not to be - Soliloquy - 2016 - 4K
YouTube video by Shakespeare Network
youtu.be
November 23, 2025 at 7:44 PM
A2: We were comparing different versions of "To be, or not to be" in Hamlet, and I'll never forget my students' reaction to Paapa Essiedu. I felt the emotion in the room shift. One student said that it was the first time he really understood Shakespeare. #SundayMacbethChat
youtu.be/RzKe8dcNFT0?...
youtu.be/RzKe8dcNFT0?...
Reposted by Marcus Luther
Got to it late today but pretty excited about this. Need to really protect some time to read this week but I know this #SundayMacbethChat will make my upcoming unit better!
Okay, so let's do officially do this! a slow-read of Macbeth with Sunday discussion threads starting November 23rd! #SundayMacbethChat
Everyone's welcome! And just like Beloved, I am definitely going to be looking at this with very-fresh (i.e. humble) eyes!
docs.google.com/document/d/1...
Everyone's welcome! And just like Beloved, I am definitely going to be looking at this with very-fresh (i.e. humble) eyes!
docs.google.com/document/d/1...
November 23, 2025 at 7:25 PM
Got to it late today but pretty excited about this. Need to really protect some time to read this week but I know this #SundayMacbethChat will make my upcoming unit better!
finishing 12 Angry Men tomorrow and of course we're beginning with the article that just came out on Friday: "AI jury finds teen not guilty" — curious where students land in our discussion debrief!
November 23, 2025 at 4:15 PM
finishing 12 Angry Men tomorrow and of course we're beginning with the article that just came out on Friday: "AI jury finds teen not guilty" — curious where students land in our discussion debrief!
Reposted by Marcus Luther
When I stopped being snooty about using summaries and films and contemporary translations, my Shakespeare units got way better.
I needed to get out of my own way, and be really clear on what the goals are. Using these tools didn’t make me a failure or my units less rigorous.
I needed to get out of my own way, and be really clear on what the goals are. Using these tools didn’t make me a failure or my units less rigorous.
November 23, 2025 at 3:48 PM
When I stopped being snooty about using summaries and films and contemporary translations, my Shakespeare units got way better.
I needed to get out of my own way, and be really clear on what the goals are. Using these tools didn’t make me a failure or my units less rigorous.
I needed to get out of my own way, and be really clear on what the goals are. Using these tools didn’t make me a failure or my units less rigorous.
Sorry for the delay in #SundayMacbethChat posting (kiddos woke up in our household—breakfast was summoned!)
Thanks for all who have responded so far and please keep adding on throughout the day, if you want!
NEXT WEEK: Macbeth Act 1 — grab your books and lets dive into this!
Thanks for all who have responded so far and please keep adding on throughout the day, if you want!
NEXT WEEK: Macbeth Act 1 — grab your books and lets dive into this!
November 23, 2025 at 3:37 PM
Sorry for the delay in #SundayMacbethChat posting (kiddos woke up in our household—breakfast was summoned!)
Thanks for all who have responded so far and please keep adding on throughout the day, if you want!
NEXT WEEK: Macbeth Act 1 — grab your books and lets dive into this!
Thanks for all who have responded so far and please keep adding on throughout the day, if you want!
NEXT WEEK: Macbeth Act 1 — grab your books and lets dive into this!
Reposted by Marcus Luther
Best experience was creating graphic novels. Ss had to pick 3 moments to tell the complete story (learning how to edit) and draw using film techniques.
November 23, 2025 at 3:13 PM
Best experience was creating graphic novels. Ss had to pick 3 moments to tell the complete story (learning how to edit) and draw using film techniques.
And maybe the question that will be one people keep circling back to throughout the day:
How much Shakespeare should a student encounter in high school?
#SundayMacbethChat
How much Shakespeare should a student encounter in high school?
#SundayMacbethChat
November 23, 2025 at 2:53 PM
And maybe the question that will be one people keep circling back to throughout the day:
How much Shakespeare should a student encounter in high school?
#SundayMacbethChat
How much Shakespeare should a student encounter in high school?
#SundayMacbethChat
omg Survivor: Illyria !!!
November 23, 2025 at 2:42 PM
omg Survivor: Illyria !!!
Setting aside the love and enthusiasm we hold for Shakespeare, let's shift a bit for Question 3:
What do you struggle with as a teacher when bringing Shakespeare into the classroom? Why is it challenging for you?
#SundayMacbethChat
What do you struggle with as a teacher when bringing Shakespeare into the classroom? Why is it challenging for you?
#SundayMacbethChat
November 23, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Setting aside the love and enthusiasm we hold for Shakespeare, let's shift a bit for Question 3:
What do you struggle with as a teacher when bringing Shakespeare into the classroom? Why is it challenging for you?
#SundayMacbethChat
What do you struggle with as a teacher when bringing Shakespeare into the classroom? Why is it challenging for you?
#SundayMacbethChat
"But they felt empowered to engage with the text to express their ideas." ❤️
(especially exciting given that my first foray into Macbeth as a teacher is about to happen next semester!)
(especially exciting given that my first foray into Macbeth as a teacher is about to happen next semester!)
This was not an honors class, and the assignment was designed so that they could have been successful using only the moments we’d read together. But they felt empowered to engage with the text to express their ideas.
November 23, 2025 at 2:32 PM
"But they felt empowered to engage with the text to express their ideas." ❤️
(especially exciting given that my first foray into Macbeth as a teacher is about to happen next semester!)
(especially exciting given that my first foray into Macbeth as a teacher is about to happen next semester!)
Alright! for the second question, I want to start with the good—think about your BEST moment/experience with a Shakespeare play in the classroom?
Which moment from which play? #SundayMacbethChat
Which moment from which play? #SundayMacbethChat
November 23, 2025 at 2:17 PM
Alright! for the second question, I want to start with the good—think about your BEST moment/experience with a Shakespeare play in the classroom?
Which moment from which play? #SundayMacbethChat
Which moment from which play? #SundayMacbethChat
Scorecard so far with this one...
☑️ Hamlet: 1
☑️ Lear: 1
☑️ Othello: 1
☑️ Tempest: 1
Still plenty of time to add on! #SundayMacbethChat
☑️ Hamlet: 1
☑️ Lear: 1
☑️ Othello: 1
☑️ Tempest: 1
Still plenty of time to add on! #SundayMacbethChat
Okay, #SundayMacbethChat officially begins...now! Today we're going to step back and think about Shakespeare much more broadly before zooming in on Macbeth Act 1 next week.
Q1: What is your favorite all-time line from a Shakespeare play?
(Fun way to introduce yourself, right?)
Q1: What is your favorite all-time line from a Shakespeare play?
(Fun way to introduce yourself, right?)
November 23, 2025 at 2:11 PM
Scorecard so far with this one...
☑️ Hamlet: 1
☑️ Lear: 1
☑️ Othello: 1
☑️ Tempest: 1
Still plenty of time to add on! #SundayMacbethChat
☑️ Hamlet: 1
☑️ Lear: 1
☑️ Othello: 1
☑️ Tempest: 1
Still plenty of time to add on! #SundayMacbethChat
Reposted by Marcus Luther
A1: “I kissed thee ere I killed thee. No way but this,
Killing myself, to die upon a kiss.” - Othello
Killing myself, to die upon a kiss.” - Othello
November 23, 2025 at 2:09 PM
A1: “I kissed thee ere I killed thee. No way but this,
Killing myself, to die upon a kiss.” - Othello
Killing myself, to die upon a kiss.” - Othello
Reposted by Marcus Luther
A1. There are so many that I love, but I keep coming back to this line from Hamlet.
“Though this be madness, yet there is method in't.”
Hamlet Act 2, scene 2, 193–206
It encapsulates many of my days in the classroom teaching fifth-graders!
#SundayMacbethChat
“Though this be madness, yet there is method in't.”
Hamlet Act 2, scene 2, 193–206
It encapsulates many of my days in the classroom teaching fifth-graders!
#SundayMacbethChat
November 23, 2025 at 2:06 PM
A1. There are so many that I love, but I keep coming back to this line from Hamlet.
“Though this be madness, yet there is method in't.”
Hamlet Act 2, scene 2, 193–206
It encapsulates many of my days in the classroom teaching fifth-graders!
#SundayMacbethChat
“Though this be madness, yet there is method in't.”
Hamlet Act 2, scene 2, 193–206
It encapsulates many of my days in the classroom teaching fifth-graders!
#SundayMacbethChat