Social media are the tools of grassroots democracy. It is through blogs, Twitter, Facebook, and other modes of communication that citizens have the ability to make their voices heard in an age when the mainstream media are owned by large corporate interests.
Few bloggers have been as effective as Jersey Jazzman in writing about the travails and triumphs of education today. Earlier this year, Jersey Jazzman took off his mask and revealed himself as Mark Weber. Mark teaches music, and he is earning a doctorate, which explains his mastery of statistics and research methodology.
Mark, or JJ, writes lucidly and brilliantly. He has written searing exposes, like his story about the Academica charter empire in Florida last year. JJ is a fearless defender of public education and teachers against those who assail them. For anyone who cares about the fate and future of education, the work of Jersey Jazzman is an indispensable resource.
For his intellect, his courage, and his integrity, I am happy to add him to the honor roll as a champion and hero of American education.
Diane Ravitch's blog 
Congratulations, Jersey Jazzman! Your blog is excellent–both informative and hilarious! I thoroughly enjoy it, and I live on the other side of the country!!
Here here! A well-deserved addition to the honor roll.
The real honor is to be able to call Diane Ravitch an inspiration and a friend. Many thanks for all you do, Diane. I am truly touched by your kinds words, and proud of your example for the rest of us.
And trust me, folks: you ain’t seen nothing yet… 😉
Bravo and kudos to JJ! And thanks to Diane for according this well deserved honor to a hard working New Jerseyite.
I join in admiration for your work, and for pushing the boundaries of what versatility means–artist, teacher, activist, and scholar. May your tribe increase, may your voice be amplified, and may your quest for more ample and authentic education be unending.
Bravo, JJ! Well deserved- you have many fans in NY.
Lift me, won’t you lift me above the old routine?
Make it nice, play it clean, Jazzman
When the Jazzman’s testifyin’ a faithless man believes
He can sing you into paradise or bring you to your knees
It’s a gospel kind of feelin’, a touch of Georgia slide
A song of pure revival and a style that’s sanctified
Jazzman, take my blues away
Make my pain the same as yours with every change you play
Jazzman, oh Jazzman
When the Jazzman’s signifyin’ and the band is windin’ low
It’s the late night side of morning in the darkness of his soul
He can fill a room with sadness as he fills his horn with tears
He can cry like a fallen Angel when the risin’ time is near
Jazzman, take my blues away
Make my pain the same as yours with every change you play
Jazzman, oh Jazzman
Oh lift me, won’t you lift me with every turn around?
Play it sweetly, take me down, oh Jazzman
“Jazzman,” Carole King
😎
Too funny! Thx for that, KTA! Love me some Carole King!
Way to go, Jersey Jazzman! Thanks and keep up the good work!
It’s funny I was just saying to my son today, that if nothing else this whole’ reformy’ thing has brought out the best and brightest writers education has to offer (not to mention statisticians)! And Jersey Jazzman is right up there at the top of my daily reads (right next to you on my RSS feed list). Thanks to both of you,,,heck thanks to the many of you out there writing the good fight!
A well-deserved honor.
JJ is terrific.
Congrats, JJ, for this distinction. Well-deserved.
Congratulations! Your dedication to the pubic school children is an inspiration. Your writing and knowledge continues to influence many people looking to follow in your footsteps to make a difference. You have arrived to the Mt. Olympus of educators who are changing education in the face of adversity. Well-deserved!!!