Words from the Heart

  For the third year in a row, I am participating in the 30 Poems in November! challenge held as a fundraiser for the Center for New Americans . A wonderful mix of literacy support, literacy practice and literary joy, 30 Poems bring two of my most favorite things together - writing poetry and being of service to others. I am hoping that my family, friends and readers will consider supporting me in my efforts.  The money raised will go to support the various literacy programs provided by the Center for New Americans (CNA).  The poems I will write - some of them - I hope to include in a new book I am writing on Ireland.  This year, CNA is using Razoo as their fundraising venue. You can either click here or on the link at the top of this page.  All donations are gratefully appreciated - no donation is too small! As a teaser, here is a poem I just wrote - imagine the ones I will write in November! POET'S PASSION The letters are strung toge...

Today, I’d like to introduce you to D.A. Russell, author of Lifting the Curtain: The disgrace we call urban high school education , in addition, you will have the opportunity to win your own copy of Lifting the Curtain by entering the giveaway! (More about that later in the blog.) Russell's book, Lifting the Curtain is a "no holds barred" kind of read.  Kirkus Reviews calls the book, “An impassioned look at the shortcomings of public education, from the perspective of an inner-city high school teacher.”  In it, Russell exposes the systemic failures in today’s educational system and offers a solution geared to put the focus back onto the best interests of the children. Anyone who cares about a child should educate themselves about what is really happening in our schools.  As a fellow educator, I was eager to ask Don some questions about the state of our educational system and teaching in general.   Q: While writing Lifting the Curtain, you surveyed both st...