Setting Goals

We are about to embark on the start of a new year. One that will hold a lot of promises and opportunities to practice our craft. If we are to maximize on these opportunities we must first have a plan. 

When planning to take a trip we are cognizant of each minute detail so as ensure that there is no confusion or unwanted stress. The same is true if we are traveling to an unknown territory. We are armed with maps and other paraphernalia to guarantee that we reach our destination safely.

Similarly, let us use this time to carefully plan by setting goals that will help us to continue make a difference in the lives of the students with whom we are entrusted. 

May you have a year filled with an overflow of love, peace, and most of all personal and professional growth.

                                   
Petreno

It's All About Giving!

We live in a fast paced world which thrives on immediate results. Information can be transmitted in mere seconds and results are expected in a similar manner. In most cases the needs of people who are involved in the process are often forgotten!

It is indeed a harsh realization. The people who are instrumental in making things happen despite hardships and challenges are overlooked and the focus becomes increased productivity, accountability, and results. 

This is no different in the schools! Teachers are demanded to give more time and effort to their craft without the proper supports. They may also work in situations where their creativity is stifled and there is no hope for true professional development. However, they are and will be held accountable! Ultimately this leads to frustration, anger, teacher burnout, and low morale which will significantly impact success.

How can we strive to change this?

The answer lies in the way we treat and value people. It is imperative that people's needs are considered when decisions are made that will affect the work that they are expected to do. It's all about GIVING!

In creating an atmosphere of giving and relationships based on trust and respect we will realize the magically powers we possess in transforming our circumstances and realizing not only our common goals but those personal as well. It is in the giving that we receive.

As we prepare for this holiday season let us remember that It's All About Giving!

Petreno

How Can We Foster Genuine Parental Involvement?

It is often said that the parent is often a child's first teacher. If this is the case, how do we effectively engage them in the teaching/learning process that takes place within the confines of the classroom? Is it enough just to contact parents when their child is being "bad"? Or should it be standard protocol to always involve parents in all aspects of schooling? How can we truly nurture a genuine relationship with parents?

The level of parental involvement varies from school to school as well as at the elementary and high school levels. Parents eager to see their children succeed will take on active roles whether at the elementary or high school level.  How can the schools capitalize on this to promote parental involvement? What about those parents who are perceived as not being interested in their child's welfare?

Does the answer lie in the manner in which the school communicates with its parents? Further, do the parents feel welcomed and are confident that there will be someone available to listen and address their concerns? Are schools really honest about genuinely fostering parental involvement?

It is interesting to note that parent teachers' conferences are often stressful for teachers. Why is this often the case? Is it possible that if there is consistent and timely communication with the home the added stress of meeting with parents can be eliminated? 

In my estimation, we have to work together as a school community to create an atmosphere that truly welcomes parental involvement. Talking about and creating the necessary conditions for parent engagement will be a challenge but is imperative for academic success.

How does your school engage parents? Please share.

Have a Great Week!

Petreno

Where Are We Now?

Wasn't it just yesterday we were preparing for the beginning of the new school year? Now we are in the final days before the end of this year. Where did the time go? Are we achieving our goals? How are we doing?

A new year is fast approaching. At this time it is typical for us to reflect then begin to plan for the new year. On Friday, our "students at risk" team met to evaluate a recently implemented program. It was interesting to note how sometimes we get caught up in paperwork, routines, and procedures that we fail to see and address the real issues. As I sat in the meeting it became apparent that if we are to move these students it will require more than "business as usual". 

Prior to this meeting there was a student conference for this target group. During the conference there was a common consensus that the adults in the building were uncaring. For me this spoke volumes. It explained why there were more students attending particular classes than others as well as the warm and inviting atmosphere that is encountered on entering these classrooms. To further emphasize the necessity of a strong psychosocial environment, one student who is notorious for skipping school and cutting classes expressed his gratitude to a supervising assistant principal (who had taken the time to assist him) for caring enough to help him. This brought tears to our eyes.

It is therefore imperative that we get to know our students and their circumstances, provide opportunities for building trust, and to be willing to work with them through their situations without being judgmental. It requires us to win the hearts and minds of the students. In nurturing a caring and supportive environment built on trust miracles can happen.

Where are you now and what are your next steps?

Have a Fabulous Week!

Petreno

The State of Education

Earlier this year my colleague and I had a conversation with a few of my husband's coworkers about the demands of the teaching profession. They were convinced that being a teacher was very "easy". As we sat comparing jobs, they failed to see the complexity of our profession. I am now beginning to understand why they are of this view.

Reminiscing on my early school years brings back fond memories of enjoying sing alongs, writing, reading, experimenting, playing games as a part of the learning process, and having fun especially during recess. I also enjoyed weekends which involved doing those things which I loved. School breaks were much anticipated because it was the time that you looked forward to spending with the extended family. I had loving and caring teachers for the most part who were passionate about teaching. They made teaching look easy. In my household the importance of education was stressed but I was never pressured to perform academically. These I believe are some of the reasons why one would think that "teaching is easy".

Presently, the education climate is different. Teaching has become more complicated. There is now increased pressure to perform for all stakeholders including teachers, students, and parents. 

As a parent of both first and second graders I can attest to the major differences in their experience and mine. There is not much "down" time for them. Most evenings after doing homework there is barely enough time to do family activities before bed. A week before thanksgiving my second grader was assigned two projects while the first grader had a book report, Technology, Science, and Social Studies homework for the Thanksgiving break. 

If this is the new trend for education, can we expect to see increased academic performance? Will our children develop a natural love for learning?

What do you think?

Have a Great Week!

Petreno

Trying To Do It All

Have you ever made a list of things to do and just ended up being frustrated because you did not get to accomplish all of the tasks? How about being asked to do several things at the same time but the end result is far from what is expected? Have you ever tried doing it all but came to the conclusion that your efforts are futile?

In today's fast paced environment where everything seems to be moving at the speed of lightening, one can easily become confused, demotivated, burnt out, and passive. This is especially true when you think of the many changes that educators are encountering daily in their practice. 

With the numerous innovations in instructional technology, ground breaking results from researches in education on pedagogy and how students learn, why does it seem like an uphill battle to get students to excel in school? Are we making significant contribution in student performance when compared to the past? Would it be fair to compare?

Is it possible for us to select any two or three proven methods or strategies that have given maximum results customized for the population of students we serve instead of just trying to do it all? 

What are your thoughts?

Have a Great Week!

Petreno 

Great Things Happen When We Work Together

Last year I coordinated a program for our at risk junior and senior student population. Our focus was mainly on those seniors who needed courses to satisfy their graduation requirement. We had several cases including students who had passed all required examinations but needed elective credits, those who failed their given courses as well as those who were doing courses and needed to pass the corresponding state exam.

Needless to say we truly had a challenge on our hands! As the program was being implemented we realized that there were some unanticipated problems that could jeopardize the program if not addressed. One such was incomplete work due to a lack of online student activity since the courses were offered online. The team discovered that most of the students were having difficulty comprehending the  given material in their respective courses. In response, we changed the structure of the program, created personalized schedules based on students' lives outside of school, gave up prep time, lunch some days, weekends with family, and even our spring break!

We made a lot of sacrifices, we cried, fought ........ we had no choice but to work hard to achieve our goals. In some cases we used encouragement, threats, and bribes, to get especially the reluctant students kicking and screaming to complete their course requirement. IT WAS TOUGH!!!

A few weeks before graduation one of our student's dwelling was destroyed by fire. A few days later the student was involved in an accident and had to be hospitalized. This student had formed a bond with one of the teachers in the program who then informed the rest of the team. Through encouragement from both teacher and team this student was able to complete all the courses needed to graduate.

As the student whose arm was in a sling walked across the stage to collect the diploma I could not restrain myself. The tears started flowing. The hugs and being hoisted in the air by some of the most reluctant students you could ever find ........ I could not help but think.....GREAT THINGS HAPPEN WHEN WE WORK TOGETHER.....even if we are kicking and screaming in the beginning.

GREAT THINGS HAPPEN when a team works together. More is achieved when students and teachers forge a bond based on TRUST. Further, students will rise above the challenge when they have the support of adults who truly care. 

I will try to keep these in mind as we move forward with this year's program.

What's your challenge and how did you resolve?

Have a Great Week!

Petreno

How Do You Continue To Stay Motivated?

With all the changes that are happening around us it can become extremely difficult to remain focused and motivated. It becomes even more overwhelming when you are being expected to do the extraordinary. How do you continue to stay motivated?

Last week I found myself being pushed to the limit. In the midst of programming students, planning lessons, teaching classes, grading students' work, and preparing for parent teacher conference, I was asked to take on an additional task. As I left the building at the end of the day I smiled to myself thinking...."I must have done something right!" 

How do I stay focused and motivated without losing my mind?

After reading Dr. Robyn Jackson's articles on Overcoming Barriers to Student Motivation and 5 Powerful Ways to Stay Motivated During the "Fall Slump", I was better able to view my situation from an alternate perspective. According to Dr. Jackson, the "Fall Slump is when you've started the year with a ton of enthusiasm and and somewhere around the end of October, your enthusiasm and optimism begin to drop".  

She further went on to share some ways in which we can reclaim our motivation. These are:-

1. Focus on what you can do right now.
2. Focus on the root and not the symptoms.
3. Find your tribe.
4. Focus on getting better rather than being good.
5. Take control.

In essence, staying motivated is a personal decision.

How do you continue to stay motivated?

Have a Great Week!

Petreno

Honesty......Is this always the best Policy?

Are you honest? Is your word good enough? Can honesty be considered as having different shades or stages? Does there exist a clear delineation between honesty and dishonesty?

I had a conversation with an older colleague last week about honesty and some of the things I learnt were shocking. These included "you should never tell all, people are not interested in the truth, if it's not news worthy shelf it, do what is expected and as you are told and lastly never ask questions". If these are the codes of the work place I got the memo late!

Though I understand the need for self preservation and not leaving yourself vulnerable, I strongly believe that by being honest you experience personal growth. This can further lead to a transformation in those around you and eventually the entire community over time. If the above "shocking truths" are adhered to you will have a stagnated environment devoid of vision and creativity which will ultimately result in failure.

The implication is even more detrimental for education. If our main concern is with keeping everyone happy while sweeping the truth under the carpet, the students will be held ransom. In determining whether to be brutally or mildly honest in talking about the issues that affect the community one has to think about the repercussions the tendency will be "business as usual" supporting the unwritten codes.

How then can we bring about a change? Can this be achieved by conforming to the status quo? Is being honest really worth it? Similar to having a difficult conversation, honesty too can be difficult. Honesty, I believe is a strong indicator of a healthy, vibrant school culture. One in which honesty is just not a policy but a way of life.

What do you think?

Have a Great Week!

Petreno

"We Are A Family"

This week we had the pleasure of meeting with Ms. Erin Gruwell, the teacher whose eclectic approach to teaching and a  "we are a family" belief was instrumental in changing the lives of students known to be authors of the "Freedom Writers Diary". A movie chronicling their story Freedom Writers debuted in 2007.

As she shared with both students and faculty her experiences that were depicted both on and off screen, one could not help but to be captivated by the struggles she faced as a passionate young teacher. She dared to challenge her students, colleagues, and ultimately a school district.

There are many untold stories similar to Ms. Gruwell's. Now more than ever, it is important that we make our own impressions in our "neck of the wood". I challenge you and myself included to strive despite the odds and criticisms to build our families one student at a time, one day at a time.

Have a Fabulous Week!

Petreno

PROMOTION IN DOUBT

I sat staring at those three words in disbelief: PROMOTION IN DOUBT. There were many questions racing through my mind as I tried to grasp the meaning of PROMOTION IN DOUBT!! What do these words imply?

Is this a stamp that will be forever placed on students at the beginning of the school year which will ultimately determine their fate at the end of the school year and possibly the rest of their lives? Does this mean that this is only a check point that is based on both qualitative and quantitative data or is it just a subjective conclusion? What is the significance of these THREE  words if there were no attempt at some form of intervention? Could it also be a way of expressing "you do not fit in" or "we can't help you"? Has school simply failed these students?

As I sat thinking about the many situations that could have led to this predicament. I could not help but wonder if these THREE  words PROMOTION IN DOUBT are the results of our own teaching practices? How well do we know our students? How do they learn? What are some of the learning challenges that they are experiencing? Are we providing a nurturing and stimulating learning environment that promotes inquiry and a passion for learning? Is it that we are just going through the motions "nothing more, nothing less"? Are we all victims of our circumstances?

What about the students whose lives we have been entrusted? How will their lives be impacted?

I am reminded of the many students I have taught who were not provided with the help needed to become successful learners when they were younger and watched them struggle. Some gave up and dropped out while others stayed the course and eventually graduated. Were those who gave up marred by PROMOTION IN DOUBT? Today, I see some of these students roaming the hall ways, acting out in class, disrupting the instructional process, others extremely quiet ....... trying not to attract attention to themselves but nevertheless are considered for PROMOTION IN DOUBT.

We are all prisoners. How can we help to bring about change? What do the THREE words PROMOTION IN DOUBT mean to you?

In concluding, as you go throughout this week think about the experiences of Brad Cohen in FRONT OF THE CLASS.

Have an inspiring week!

Petreno

Staying the Course...... Giving up is not an Option!

We don't know what lies ahead of us we but we can find out by staying the course.
Giving up is not an option!

We live in a society that is filled with a lot of stress and pressure to produce results. Results are equated to accountability. In this stressful environment if one is not strong they can easily succumb to the pressures that can negatively impact our health whether emotionally, physically, spiritually, or psychologically. 

While conversing with a veteran teacher this week, I could not help feeling her despair. Listening to her left me emotionally drained and physically tired. I felt her pain. She described to me the work she had done the previous year to get her students motivated. Sadly, this work did not produce much "results". This year she has a group of students who are performing at below the expected standards and have severe behavioral issues. How do we support this teacher whose spirit is so broken yet is willingly to do what it takes?

As I began to think about our conversation later, it became apparent that if we are going to experience success and contribute to the overall academic performance of the students who come to us daily we MUST work as a community. We will have to put aside all our differences and work together. "We are as strong as our weakest link". It is also imperative that we support each other. As we work towards satisfying national, state, and local mandates, we need to strive for some balance that will help us to keep our sanity while at the same time achieving by "staying the course. Giving up is not an option!".

Our profession has provided multiple opportunities for us to reinvent ourselves. It is even easier to do so when we align ourselves with others who share the same goals thus providing much needed support. THIS IS WHEN THE IMPOSSIBLE BECOMES POSSIBLE!

In concluding, let us think about the work of Leyman Gbowee, Lech Walesa, and Bob Geldof. Thanks to Errol Morris for producing these short films.  

Have a great week!

Petreno

A Teacher's Wish

Wouldn't it be great if we had all the things we needed to do the best job we can in the classroom? How about  a supportive climate and environment? Further, leadership that is fair, authentic, and believes that children can succeed given the right opportunities and environment?

After returning from an extended weekend I was taken aback when almost all who I had spoken to expressed that it felt as if we had been back in school for more than a month. Indeed it felt that way! I had my moment of revelation when I started thinking about the changes that we have been experiencing. Firstly, there was a change in leadership and secondly the results of the new teacher's evaluation system was released the previous week. The latter has been more difficult since now it is more apparent than ever that students' performance will be a determining factor in a teacher's evaluation. Teachers are currently being rated as ineffective, developing, effective, and highly effective. A consecutive low rating of ineffective may lead to a loss of licensure.

This combination of stress and pressure compounded by unfair evaluation practices have resulted in a toxic environment filled with resentment and fear thereby creating a staff that is divided. Teachers who have worked hard to improve students' academic performance and also have students' test results to attest to this were rated on the low end compared to those teachers  who had failed to show student progress! One wonders if these teachers feel comfortable knowing that they have received what is not justified or is it?

A Teacher's wish is simply to be provided with the appropriate working tools and be allowed to make professional decisions in the interest of students. Teachers also want to be supported and be led by leaders who are fair, instructionally savvy, knows about how children learn, believe in children, recognize the hard work that they do, and has the ability to inspire during challenging times.

Have a Great Week!

Petreno

TEACHERS HAVE A VOICE TOO!

Amidst the daily issues and controversy that currently overshadows education the Teachers' voice gets loss in the shuffle. It is true that while more accountability is being placed on the teacher there is still no system of support for teachers in the inner city that is truly meaningful.

It can be argued that accountability is needed but for whom? Is it for the inadequacy in some of our peers that makes it difficult for the rest of us? How about scapegoating others because of a difference in opinions and practices? How can teachers be held accountable ....... is it through the pay, loss of licensure or student performance? What about those teachers who go above and beyond yet the data measures are poor? Should we rely on bureaucratic definition of what constitutes student performance or growth? What is accountability?

These are all logical questions that are so profound I believe that can only be answered through a thorough and honest introspection of self, systems, and processes. While the public is clamoring for more accountability there are teachers who are working under extreme conditions to get their jobs done let alone survive! 

There are teachers who have no resources and are continuously faced with a multitude of adverse conditions that impact instruction in the classroom. These range from the inability to get help for students who are consistently disrupting the educational process and the procurement of appropriate programs for helping the lower level students because of budgetary constraints. Additionally, there are the hungry students, the student who has to work to take care of their family and was unable to complete homework, students who cannot stay after school or take advantage of other programs that will help improve their academic performance which will ultimately contribute to student growth. 

Will these hard working  teachers be penalized by the system? When will the voices of these teachers be brought to the fore? How will our inner city schools survive if teachers are unable to do their jobs the best way they know to produce results? Under the current accountability climate will there be a max exodus of teachers to schools where there is an abundance of resources and a strong parental support system as well as all the other conditions that are imperative for "student achievement"? Conversely, would these high performing schools hire these teachers?

Where do you stand?

Petreno

YOUR SCHOOL IS EXCEPTIONAL!!!

Why do some schools fail? Is it because of a lack in instructional leadership? What role does teacher quality play? How about students' demographic status, parental support, school culture, and politics?

There are many literature and articles that have been written on this subject. There are also numerous researches that have shown that irrespective of the factors schools can be exceptional. Is it an easy task? I suppose not! However, it is worthwhile trying since the alternative is unthinkable.

Douglas B. Reeves has published several articles over the years about  90/90/90  schools which in recent times have been updated to 100/100/100. The 90/90/90 schools have population of students that receive reduced or free lunches, represent ethnic minorities, and have met or exceeded standards of achievements based on defined standards set by the researcher. The 100/100/100 schools are also based on the above criteria. Though this is not without its critics including Justin Baeder who believes this is all a myth, the study highlights some plausible approaches to student achievement and ultimately an exceptional school. 

What exactly is academic success? Does it have a singular universal meaning? What are some of the parameters that should be taken into consideration when comparing schools to ensure fairness? How do we truly determine the academic superior schools?

The answer may perhaps lie in Edward L. Vockell's paper: Why Schools Fail and What We Can Do about It.

Have a Great Week!

Petreno

Let the Students' Voices Be Heard!

Isn't it interesting to hear students' views outside of the classroom?

I recently had a conversation with a student that was rather thought-provoking and somewhat disturbing.

I have always seen this particular student around school but have never had the opportunity of teaching in my courses.  Further, the student was always in and out of school because of behavioral issues. None-the-less I was impressed of how well informed and passionate the expressed views were about what was happening in the school.

The student was able to accurately describe the school environment and culture as well as the existing dynamics which was excruciatingly blunt. I could not help but think to myself Wow! How many other students are there in the school with similar views? Have we failed in engaging them appropriately in the teaching learning process? How can we effectively utilize the views of these students in school improvement?

Usually in any school improvement initiative the students' voices are often left out in this process yet it is often about them! Have we been getting this wrong? We have always thought that we know what's best for students often imposing rules, best practices, new curricula, and social services that we think will benefit them based on the research. Though these are all good........should we rethink based on the evolution of our student population of today? Are we truly addressing their needs?

The student disclosed during our conversation the need to pass required examinations which meant that there is an issue of being under-credited. Additionally, the hope that teachers can look beyond faults and provide what is truly desired ......... an education was aggressively demanded. If we are to successfully close the achievement gap we need to seriously listen to our students.

There are many articulate and brilliant students who are caught in this dilemma. How can we help them?

Have an Extraordinary Week!

Petreno

HOW WAS YOUR WEEK?

How was your week? Did it live up to your expectations? How could it have been different?

I had an interesting week. Though excited to be back at school, the reality of the magnitude of work to be done seems overwhelming! During our teachers' conferences, the faculty was asked three simple questions:-

1. Where are we?
2. Where should we be?
3. How do we get there?

These three profound questions invite us to deeply reflect on the current situation that will impact the future based on what we do now.

Amidst getting back into the daily school routine and figuring out how best to maximize our time both inside and outside of the classroom, let us keep the needs of the children who sit before us as our top priority. I strongly believe that if we are able to do this, we will find the answers and more to the questions above. They may not be easy ones and will ultimately require hard work, patience, and perseverance.

What will you do today?

Sometimes it takes a radical action of just one person to initiate change. Think of our leaders both past and present. They made an unwavering decision to fight for the greater good. Just like Marva Collins and Ron Clark, let us never give up hope especially when hope seems elusive but persevere like Mr. Cohen in Front of the Class despite the odds.

Have yourselves a FABULOUS week!

Petreno

Now's The Time To Act!

It's the first day of school! We have spent months, weeks, days, and hours preparing for this moment. The syllabi have been written or updated. Lesson plans, materials needed for the first few days, worksheets, handouts are all copied and packed in neat piles to be distributed. The seating arrangement has been changed approximately several times! Tables and chairs cleaned. Books counted and dusted. Now's the time to act!

There is this nervous feeling in the bottom of your stomach. Though you have done this many times before, the feeling is still the same. Who are my students? What type of learners will I have? Have I successfully planned to accommodate the different types of learners? How will they react towards me? Will they like the classroom? How receptive and appreciative will they be of the lessons I diligently and painstakingly prepared for them? Most importantly, will they enjoy and learn what I have planned? There will be so much to do and say...... will I have enough time?

As I mused over these questions, its hard to ignore the rising excitement....... this is it! Now is the time to act! Now is the time to put into action all the plans, dreams, and aspirations for our children. Irrespective of the challenges that lurk in the future we must persist and keep moving because our children need us!

Moving forward, I want us to think about the lessons to be learnt from these two great people: Ron Clark and Marva Collins. 

Have a great week!

READY! SET! GO!

As the beginning of a new school year is about to begin or has already begun for some, it is now time for some self introspection. What do you hope to accomplish this year? How will you make a difference? Let me ask you: Where are you going? How do you plan on getting there? 

I can't help but to think of the movie "Ruby Bridges". There are so many lessons to be learnt that can truly impact our practice. Ruby had no idea what she would encounter as she embarked on her first year as the only black in a desegregated school. 

Likewise, as we prepare for the beginning of the school year we may not be cognizant of all that lies ahead of us. However, by preparing ourselves emotionally, physically, and mentally and with the right support we will make it through the year. Ruby showed "remarkable resilience" (The Movie,Ruby Bridges). This is a choice! The manner in which we respond to the unknown is a reflection of our character and belief. This year, moving forward, do we intend to conform to the "status quo" or do we persevere despite the challenges to achieve our desired goals? What will we do in the face of opposition? Do we run or stay? 

Day after day Ruby was subjected to vehement rejection, yet with support she was able to overcome and exceed expectations. Her mother, though aware of the turmoil her decision caused was determined to make sure that her child got the best education there was. In her own words: "My children are gonna have more and the only way things are gonna get better for them is if we make em better. We can't be afraid." 

Ruby's success could not have been possible without her teacher, Mrs. Barbara Henry. She championed the status quo and valiantly advocated for her student. Ruby adored her. Despite the odds Ruby managed to "love" school. Similarly, let us strive to do what's best for our students. 

"Don't look back".... were the words of the Marshall as they escorted Ruby to school. Let us 'look straight ahead", focused on our goals for the new school year.

READY! SET! GO!

Have a great year!!!!

The Heart of Teaching

Recently, there was an article in the Wall Street Journal about the 10 best paying jobs of 2014 by Adam Auriemma. While I perused the article, it suddenly occurred to me how flawed societies views are when thinking  about education. In fact, there are some people in the teaching profession who may be high on that list!

People in the past and even presently look down their noses at teachers. Worst yet are those who will blatantly tell you that teachers make "no money". BINGO! This is the problem. We can never put a monetary value on teaching because teaching is more than dollars and cents. I am not implying that money is not important. It will come but it is not the driving force for being an  EXCEPTIONAL teacher.

After writing my first blog, The Marvels of Modern Education, my student from fifteen years ago contacted me to share with me the impact I had made on his life and how he is now living his childhood dream. He recounted that as an eighth grader I had given him a "pile" of information about engineering after expressing that he would like to become an engineer. This brought tears to my eyes. On reflecting I thought... I must have been crazy..... yes crazy! The fact is that I believed in this student and all my students. I have high expectations for each of them.

Teaching is not a job. It is a passion. Teaching is more than facts, figures, memorization, and test-taking though they all have a role to play.Teaching is all about the HEART. It first begins with LOVE for children and your expectations for them to succeed despite the odds. It is instilling the values and attitudes of working hard, being disciplined, love for others, celebrating successes and failures, and most of all having fun! 

Inspiring a love for learning and a spirit of inquiry will supersede the need to artificially engineer college and career readiness. To all my teachers who have positively impacted the lives of students....... I say THANK YOU because you may not hear it enough. Congratulations! Continue to be EXCEPTIONAL. We can do it one child at a time......the cost PRICELESS! 

Indeed the classrooms in which we stand whether traditional or modern will have an EXCEPTIONAL TEACHER.

What's your story? Please share.

The Marvels of Modern Education

Thinking back to the time when the school was just one room and comparing to the classrooms of today, one would have thought that we would have seen a dramatic increase in student performance. In retrospect has anything really changed?

The teachers back then had to be creative with the meager resources they had to further their students' education. They were faced with large classrooms, varying learning abilities, and in most cases were often the only teachers to be found in their vicinity. Today, we have the wealth of technology, educational supports (both inside and outside of the classroom), numerous researches on how children learn, a vast selection of professional development for our teachers, innovative curricula, as well as the option to choose a public, private, or charter school based on their model and if it is the best fit for our children. This begs the question: How well are we doing? Are our students experiencing success? Have we surpassed the achievements that were made in the past? Is it even possible to compare?

Though the problem still exists where teachers of today in some areas are still experiencing a scarcity in supplies and access to technology, they manage to provide exceptional education to their students. The fact that these students also succeed at subsequent levels despite the odds defy the norm and triggers the question: What does it mean to be educated? How does academic success look?

How were the teachers in the one room schoolhouse successful? How would they have fared if they had been evaluated by today's standards? Have we missed the entire concept of education? 

I am curious. What do you think?