Words from the Heart

There are certain things as a teacher that I can't help doing. I knew these things for years before I got my teaching degree, but in taking coursework to get my M.Ed., what I knew was affirmed.   I knew that being kind was essential to having a life that was truly successful. Kindness was one of the easiest things you can give to others. I learned that to lead well a person must be willing to share - share the work, share the praise, and share the bounty. However, he or she also needs to take responsibility, which means that "the buck stops here." When there is fault to be found, a good leader takes responsibility for what has gone wrong and does not pass it on to others, even when they may also be at fault. One of the most important things I learned, though, was to always question. By questioning, we learn. Therefore, I try not to take things at face value. I ask myself a series of questions.  Who said/did that? What was it that they said or did? W...

Honoring the teachers of America. National education association; 1857-1957. United States postage, 3 cents (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) Over the last few months, several school systems have been in the news due to protests over unfair contracts, standardize testing and teachers being asked to compromise the quality of their teaching for the quantity of students being graduated.  As an educator, I find this greatly disturbing!    Thing is, this isn't just a problem in the US.  Teachers around the world are under fire from school boards, government agencies and the media.  Just a few examples to consider: Danish Teachers Locked Out! Chilean Students Protest for Education Reform  Montreal Students Protest Tuition Hikes University Students in Spain Protest Education Cuts   What is happening in our world?  Why are teachers being undermined?  Why are students being persecuted?  Why are parents being lied to? I don't know the an...