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Articles by Karen Gross
Aging and Ageism: A Thought or Two
Press enter or click to view image in full size The above is an “untouched” photo I took two days ago as the sun was rising. Notice the moon above and to the right of the sun. At least I think it is the moon. Dawn. The beginning of the day. The rays of light illuminating the water below. For me, this photo represents the daily opportunity to care more, to do more to help others, to reflect more, to engage more to improve in the world in which we all live. Yes, I’m an optimist at heart.
Aging and Ageism: A Thought or Two
The above is an “untouched” photo I took two days ago as the sun was rising. Notice the moon above and to the right of the sun. At least I think it is the moon. Dawn. The beginning of the day. The rays of light illuminating the water below. For me, this photo represents the daily opportunity to care more, to do more to help others, to reflect more, to engage more to improve in the world in which we all live. Yes, I’m an optimist at heart.
Abolishing Humor and Dissent in Today’s America
The above is a jelly bean rendition of the Beatles that appears in Liverpool, UK. When you see it up close, it is at once remarkable and funny. Who knew jelly beans could be so “artistic.” I assume the Beatles did not complain about this “jokey” rendition of them. And note the remarkable quasi humor/criticism some British folk exhibited on T’s travels there, largely showing his links to pedophile Epstein. (True, there were a few arrests!) Now, humor is a complex topic as is laughter as are jokes.
Abolishing Humor and Dissent in Today’s America
Press enter or click to view image in full size The above is a jelly bean rendition of the Beatles that appears in Liverpool, UK. When you see it up close, it is at once remarkable and funny. Who knew jelly beans could be so “artistic.” I assume the Beatles did not complain about this “jokey” rendition of them. Now, humor is a complex topic as is laughter as are jokes. And, yes, sometimes jokes are mean-spirited and nasty, disguised ways to discriminate or harm another person.
Healthcare under T and RFK Jr.
Irony is a hard term to define. Incongruity, juxtaposition of contradictory concepts creating oppositional meaning. Sardonic is another descriptive word that comes to mind. The above image, taken on a porch near my home, shows cigarette remnants/butts in water (now colored reddish brown) within a pill container. The irony: cancer sticks in a bottle designed to provide medicine to give assistance when ill.
You are Defined by Your Words
If you utter words that are racist and classist, regardless of your native language, you are defined by those words. Forever. You can apologize (JO extended a partial apology that lacked robustness) but that doesn't erase what you said. And according many many tennis folks, JO has been a sore loser always. Whether she's been racist/classist previously is unclear and unknown to me. Here's the point: our words are us. We own our words. Writers of all stripes know this. So do singers.
Moving Isn't Easy and the Reasons are Plentiful
Yes, moving involves plentiful logistics, everything from hiring packers/movers to changing insurance to re-registering one's dog's license. Oh yes, re-registering to vote is needed. Oh, there is cable/internet cancellation/re-installation. Mailing address too! The details involved are abundant. And, even with good providers, there are many snafus and delays. Many phone calls. Many hours on the phone. Many many details.
Green Flags: A Critically Important Addition to Red Flags
I have often thought and talked about the red flags I see across a wide segment of life. I see red flags in meetings, in workplaces, in relationships, in families. I see red flags in leaders… plentiful red flags. Generally speaking, I am a red seeing flag person. But, sometimes, I am slow to identify the red flags in relationships, both with respect to friends and lovers. Often, I am better at seeing the red flags AFTER the fact (often late late late) … when they are abundantly clear and plentiful.
Did We Learn Anything from the Pandemic that can Help our Nation Now? If Not, What a Loss!
Last night, I led a conversation at the wonderful Gloucester Writers Center (MA) about what is happening in the world of education now. I framed the discussion by asking whether anything I/we had learned from the Pandemic and its positives had value in the current educational crisis (ask: what is a crisis and how do we define it?), as we reflect on the dismantling of programs and grants and research writ large.
Did We Learn Anything from the Pandemic that can Help our Nation Now? If Not, What a Loss!
Last night, I led a conversation at the wonderful Gloucester Writers Center (MA) about what is happening in the world of education now. I framed the discussion by asking whether anything I/we had learned from the Pandemic and its positives had value in the current educational crisis, as we reflect on the dismantling of programs and grants and research writ large. Can we draw on what we learned from the Pandemic more broadly and apply it to what is happening in our nation at present?
The Art of Letting Go: Life Lessons
Until recently, I had not focused on both the concept and reality of “letting go.” Several recent experiences, in vastly different contexts to be sure, have showcased the importance of learning to let go and then actually letting go. And, I don’t need necessarily equate (although this can be part of it) letting go with sadness and struggling with loss and suffering. Let me explain, starting with a very recent event/example.
The Declaration of Independence from the BBB: Today’s Needed Revolution
This July 4th, I am sad, saddened by the realization that my nation is not living up to its promise. Heather Cox Richardson’s post today suggested we re-read the words of the Declaration of Independence and the words spoken by Lincoln at the time of the Civil War.
An Idea for Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez
So, there’s lots to be said about the impending marriage of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, if one is interested in such celebrity events.
Peabody MA Schools Failed to Provide Postvention: The Superintendent Must Do Better Now!
Perhaps the Superintendent of the Peabody School System and his staff did not know the term “postvention.” It is a word to describe how a system (or a person) should respond to a suicide.
An Open Letter to the Community: Written Because a Massachusetts Public School Superintendent Poorly Addressed Key Serious Issues when Writing about a Recent Teen Suicide | by Karen Gross | May, 2025 | Medium
Note: This is a piece that should have been published in one of the North Shore MA newspapers but I suspect it was too controversial for that to happen. But, and this matters, teen suicide is a critical mental health issue and how we address it matters. Words matter; choice of phrases matter. We need to address hard issues well and with remarkable trauma sensitivity.
I Don’t Get How This Works But…
The hard cover version of my co-authored book, Mending Education, is now available at a price lower than I pay for author copies and 7 cents (not a typo) higher than the discounted Kindle version. Beats me how this works. But, if you purchase several for fellow educators, DM me and I’ll try to do a Zoom to share thoughts on the book with new purchasers.
Speaking Up and Out in Support of Education for ALL our Students
As a former college president, I am proud to join the over 100 other former college and university presidents in a Pledge to support our Democracy. At present, the government is taking (and has already taken) steps to erode this central pillar of a free nation by challenging the autonomy and operations of educational institutions.
Was the Government Letter to Harvard Sent in Error?
Let me begin with my conclusion: don’t be taken in by the government’s claim of a “mistake” in its letter to Harvard University. Instead, understand how narcissists and those questing for (illegal) power behave. And read between the lines. Read in context. Read the subtext. With that, we can actually look at and examine and deconstruct what is occurring between the government and Harvard in particular but the private sector writ large.
“…In Englands green & pleasant Land.”: A Photo Essay
Karen Gross · Follow 5 min read · -- Many many moons ago, I attended an all-girls school in Cambridge MA called Buckingham. (It has since become co-ed and goes by the name BB & N.) We regularly sang a song/hymn/anthem that I have come to learn is now titled “Jerusalem.” (It was originally titled “And Did Those Feet in Ancient Time.”) I didn’t even know its name back then.
Would that it Happened…Time for Elected Officials (and others me included) to Do Something
Karen Gross · Follow 3 min read · -- The vast majority of Democratic leaders in the House and Senate seem to be asleep and/or silenced as best as I can tell. And it is not the intentional silence that James Carville suggested until the right time to pounce (whenever that is) arrives. (This idea was in his NYTimes Opinion piece.). Some Democrats (10 of them I believe) even voted to censure the member who stood up (Rep. Al Green) and shouted out in protest to President T. OK, elected folks are scared.
Banning Cell Phones in Schools Is Still the Wrong Idea: See my Updated Piece
Karen Gross · Follow Published in Age of Awareness · 2 min read · -- Here is the update and the link to the original piece: The Banning Movement, called by some a variant of the Cell and Social Media Free Environment movement, has gained momentum in the US and abroad. See this sampling of links below. And, it has become political in far too many instances. I remain deeply committed to my positions expressed here and the myriad ways we can use cell phones beneficially in our schools.
Teachers’ Strikes in MA: Lessons We Are Learning
Karen Gross · Follow Published in Age of Awareness · 5 min read · -- Teachers and paraprofessional educators are all on strike in some communities north of Boston, including the town in which I live. The schools have now been closed for five consecutive days. There are many issues of many shades, like the above photographed fabric. It is in that context that I want to share a quote (which I will dissect thereafter) given by the Gloucester mayor.
Reshaping Education: Pandemic Positives and the Importance of Educator Voices
Originally published November 2024 By Karen Gross The pandemic had a serious impact on our educational system—there is little dispute about this statement. The identified negatives are plentiful. Students have been struggling ever since, both academically and socially. Standardized test scores are down. Mental wellness has declined, for both students and teachers. Educators are leaving the field or retiring early.
OPINION: Teachers had ideas for improving education after the pandemic. We failed to listen
Dialogue between a teacher and an administrator as school opens in 2024: Teacher: There is mold in my classroom; it is on the whiteboard and on the ceiling tiles. We need to do something about this. You know I have health issues. This is unhealthy for me and my students. Administrator: We’ll take care of it. No worries. It’s just mold from the summer heat when the school was closed. Teacher: Just mold? It is dangerous to our health.
Well I’ll be Darned: I’m Turning into a Conspiracy Theorist
Karen Gross · Follow 2 min read · -- I recently wrote a piece in which I suggested that Trump was actually not the real problem; I proffered that he was a puppet of deep Red pockets. And, those pockets don’t care how outrageous he is or sounds; they are driving the car/bus and Trump, unaware, is being driven. Yes, he thinks he’s the driver as he dances on stage to his playlist.
Join Us Oct. 26 for a Webinar on Mending Education!
Karen Gross · Follow 2 min read · -- YOU ARE INVITED! Join Us for the Launch Webinar of Mending Education by Karen Gross and Ed Wang! Date: Saturday, October 26, 2024 Time: 12:00–1:30 pm EST Registration Fee: $20.00 Discussion Leaders: Karen Gross and Ed Wang Are you ready to explore innovative ways to mend our educational system? Join us for a facilitated discussion of Mending Education, the newly published work by authors Karen Gross and Ed Wang.
Describing My Art Form, Finally
I was recently asked to describe my art. It was in the context of an interview about my new co-authored book, which contains some of my art. I fumbled around. I shared that I use common objects in my art, everything from buttons to envelopes to thread to marbles to shards of broken pots. (The above piece uses actual envelopes; the piece at the end of this post uses buttons and forks.) I shared that my art is textured. It is sculpture-like without being a sculpture in any traditional sense.
Acid Antics; Acid Answers
I just read Frank Bruni’s marvelous piece, filled with alliteration, on why Trump (and I’d add Vance) should be scared of the upcoming debates. It appeared in the NYTimes on August 29, 2024. Bruno notes that Kamala may provide “oratory oatmeal” (not a compliment but a great alliteration). In my words, she doesn’t spew venom. If the last few weeks are any indicator, the Republican nominees’ venom level is increasing.
Scream of Consciousness and School ReOpening
The title is not a typo, although I make them all the time (it’s scream not stream). I got the phrase “scream of consciousness” from an OpEd in the NYTimes written by amazing thinker Maureen Dowd (and referenced by others). She was writing about Trump’s response to Kamala’s outstanding speech at the DNC; during the speech, it seems Trump was like a spewing volcano, shouting his thoughts to whatever media outlet and to whomever he could get to listen to him.
Crying and Neuro-diversity: A Political and Non-Political Lesson for Us All
Temple Grandin is right: we are all neurodiverse, and the way each of us sees the world has benefits and value. Time to stop looking down at those who experience life differently, those for whom life’s emotions have different set points, different meanings, different modes of expression, different sensations. Gus Walz crying at the DNC showcases for me the power of the love he has for his dad Tim, and he was sharing it (not consciously I am sure) on a global stage.
Crying and Neuro-diversity: A Political and Non-Political Lesson for Us All
Temple Grandin has it right: we are all neuro-diverse and how we each see the world has benefits and value. Time to stop looking down at those who experience life differently, those for whom life’s emotions have different set points, different meanings, different modes of expression, different sensations. Gus Walz crying at the DNC showcases for me the power of the love he had for his dad Tim and he was sharing it (not consciously I am sure) on a global stage.
Both Matter for a Leader
It isn't a wise thing to comment publicly on the IQ and/or EQ of another person. And it certainly isn't wise to say another person has a low IQ. That is true for any setting, any context, any situation. Imagine if we said to a student or a friend: "You have a low IQ." Folks sadly often fall to the low expectations that someone in a position of authority says and communicates to and about them. That is why teaching from a deficit model makes no sense; it doesn't raise the bar. Instead, it lowers it.
Mr. Wrinkles for President
Mr. Wrinkles for President There was no winner in last night’s presidential debate. But, there was a loser: the American people. In a nation of over 300 million people, these two candidates are the best we can do? Seriously, regardless of one’s political persuasion, the debate was hard to stomach.
Mr. Wrinkles for President
There was no winner in last night's presidential debate. But, there was a loser: the American people. In a nation of over 300 million people, these two candidates are the best we can do? Seriously, regardless of one's political persuasion, the debate was hard to stomach.
The Four Quadrants for Introductions and as a Tool for Problem Solving and Self-Reflection
Many of you may be aware (I was not until a recent gathering sponsored by Rutgers Graduate School of Education MSI Mentoring Program) that there is a “different” way to do introductions among attendees at an event. Most times, folks go around and “speak” an introduction. And, these can go on and on. Some folks to be sure just say their name and title; others give a mini-bio. This all takes time and to be candid, they are rarely revelatory and certainly rarely memorable.
The Four Quadrants for Introductions and as a Tool for Problem Solving and Self-Reflection
Many of you may be aware (I was not until a recent gathering sponsored by Rutgers Graduate School of Education MSI Mentoring Program) that there is a "different" way to do introductions among attendees at an event. Most times, folks go around and "speak" an introduction. And, these can go on and on. Some folks to be sure just say their name and title; others give a mini-bio. This all takes time and to be candid, they are rarely revelatory and certainly rarely memorable.
Banning Cell Phones in Schools Isn't the Answer; Here Are Better Options
Let's call it the Three recent events converged, bringing these issues to a new boiling point: (1) the decision by the LA School System to ban cell phones starting in January 2025; (2) the pleas from the Surgeon General to have warning labels for social media like those employed for cigarettes; and (3) a new book by Jonathan Haigt, suggesting that smart phones are the cause of youth mental health crises. Here are three links to these recent happenings: Cell Phone Conundrum.
Adult Meanness Abounds
The story I am about to share stands in sharp contrast to the Kindness Rocks shown above. In fact, the story is so bizarre and so unbelievable that one could not make it up. And, to be very clear here: this story has been widely reported and is supported by video evidence. At one level, it is not about politics; at another level (as will be explained), it is all about politics. But, the impact extends far beyond the surface telling of the events, as will become evident.
The Cultural Power of Language
As some of you know I spent 8 days on a medical mission to Cevicos in the la Republica Dominicana. Readers also know I have had trouble writing about this remarkable experience; words have failed to capture what I experienced: what I saw, felt, heard and tasted. My most recent blog addressed that set of issues. https://karengrossedu.medium.com/an-absence-of-words-but-no-shortage-of-feelings-thoughts-a-mission-to-cevicos-in-the-republica-e8e4531f69b6 But, I've had a wee epiphany.
Trauma Art and its Healing Powers PLUS
A special thank you to Lorilee Binstock for her publication and re-publication of my posts. In her online journal, Authentic Insider, she share a myriad of articles on trauma and its amelioration. Well worth perusing regularly. In her May issue, linked here, she shares an article I wrote (and illustrated) on trauma art and the many ways it leads to healing. I often do art when working with groups.
The Need for Play: For Children and Adults
Folks, please read this article (twice): Peter Gray suggests that while we blame screen time (and I’d add social media) for all that ails our children, we need to allow children (and I’d add adults) more free play. Yes, play is critical to our mental wellness. I have written at length about the importance of play as an antidote to trauma; counterintuitive perhaps but joy and play and creativity are ameliorating strategies for trauma.
Our Negativity Bias Enhances Our Meanness: That’s My Sad Take
The joy evidenced in the above children’s drawing stands in sharp contrast to the way folks are interacting and engaging with each other. Whether online or in person and everywhere in-between, we are seeing meanness abound. While it would be nice just to eradicate meanness (like our desire to eliminate those with the Dunning-Kruger effect (oh my, it is bad)), the meanness issue is complex. Why Are We Mean to Each Other? Obviously, there is no simple answer to this question.
Educational Pivoting Is Needed: Meanness is But One Example
The Concept of Pivoting Recently, my co-author Ed Wang and I, submitted an article to The Learning Professional for possible selection for their upcoming October 2024 issue on pivoting in education. It is that topic — “pivoting” — that I want to address here in several additional contexts. The description from The Learning Professional, reflecting their desired content for their forthcoming issue, is worth excerpting as a starting point.
Free Webinar on new book 3/14 at 1:00 om
Join us at Rutgers GSE and Proctor Institute — Zoom — for webinar on forthcoming book titled Mending Education: Finding Hope Creativity and Mental Wellness in Times of Trauma. Book discount and PowerPoint deck for attendees. Register through the link in the image or below…..
Save March 14th between 1-2:30 p.m (est) for a Webinar
My co-author Ed Wang and I will be discussing our forthcoming book, Mending Education (published by Teachers College Press at Columbia University 2024) at the Rutgers Graduate School of Social Work. We will share the key points in the book — the “Pandemic Positives” we identified and how to make them “sticky” to improve education writ large. Join us, join in, share thoughts. Watch for links and flyers in the coming days. We look forward to starting the conversation …..
Cliches/Idioms Located in Art: Find Them, Explain Them, Share Them
Enlarge this art image howsoever you can so you can see each element within it clearly (I say this after eye surgery when my vision is far from perfect — though it is already on its way to being vastly better). Then, after looking at the art image, think about all the cliches/idioms within it — the cliches/idioms we use without considering their origins or their true meanings. There are at least 10 there, embedded in this piece of art.
Tests that Miss the Mark: How We Assess Athletes and Students
I just finished an article appearing in the WSJ about the test used to determine the likelihood of success of QB’s in the NFL and how the test failed in the context of CJ Stroud (who did poorly on the test although the test company suggests his results were invalid). Stroud, unlike Bryce Young who had a stellar score, has been a rookie QB success by every other measure.
MLK and Kindness Rocks: A Tradition in the Making
I have written about the creation of Kindness Rocks on several occasions, and these programs are referenced in the new book I co-authored with Dr. Edward K.S. Wang titled Mending Education (Teachers College Press Sept. 2024). By way of example, see: Yesterday, I had the opportunity to attend an afternoon event at Danvers High School. At the event, student art was displayed and community groups gathered (as did students and teachers). There was an opportunity for attendees to actually do art.
Pickleball, Thank-Yous and a Time for Change
I just finished a noteworthy piece in JAMA Forum on January 11, 2024 titled (aptly): The Case of the Missing Thank Yous (written by Joshua Sharfstein). In this article, the physician author references a story involving electronic medical records. The system provider eliminated the appearance online of any patient responses that said: Thank you. The goal, apparently, was to reduce the volume of incoming messages.
Politics and University/College Presidents
It isn’t new. That’s worth remembering. The intersection of politics and university presidents (and their duration and hiring) has been going on since universities were created. Anyone who thinks politics somehow stays outside the university gates and college campuses and ivory towers has missed something omnipresent. To be sure, the politics can be less overt than conservative media searching out and finding multiple instances of plagiarism by the now former President of Harvard.
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