Often, and I am guilty of doing this as well, we educators and parents tell our students and children, “Wait until you get out in the real world.” As with many things, out of the blue, when I heard someone say this today about students, it rubbed me the wrong way. It was said in… Continue reading …in the “Real World”
Tag: Education
Who Decides on the Standards
This evening I was part of a powerful Twitter chat on educational leadership. The discussion prompts came from the book, Leading with Focus (Schmoker). Participating in the chat was also an assignment from a book study I’m participating in using the same book. I’ve had this book on my to-read shelf for a long time,… Continue reading Who Decides on the Standards
“The Fires are Necessary”
Photosource: https://thevillagereporter.com/minneapolis-police-station-torched-amid-george-floyd-protest/ Reading through all of the protest and riot news today, two things are stuck in my mind. One is how it appears those who want to start race wars and create anarchy are highjacking peaceful protests. The other is what one person said, “The fires are necessary.” This has left me confused and… Continue reading “The Fires are Necessary”
Hoodie Guilt
As a white person, I am well aware of the privilege afforded to me due to the color of my skin. As white man, I am well aware of the deference given to me even when I haven’t asked for it. As a gay white man, I am well aware of the danger I might… Continue reading Hoodie Guilt
Middle and High School in the Fall
Returning to school in the fall has been on my mind, a lot. We are in the era of the unknown, and trying to plan for the unknown. No one seems to know, understandably, how to plan for in returning to school. Should it be the return of what we had before? Should we just… Continue reading Middle and High School in the Fall
Ever So Much Closer
I’m not sure if you will remember, but about two years ago I made a statement, and a commitment to myself, to write a book. It was at a time where I was feeling a little lost, well, maybe a lot lost, feeling without a purpose in my life. While in New York City for… Continue reading Ever So Much Closer
Mr. President, A Vocabulary Lesson
Dear Mr. President, I think you need a quick refresher on the meaning of words as you don’t seem to know the definitions or how to use words in context during your political speeches couched as COVID-19 briefings. Please take note and I’ll try to be as simple as possible. Nasty Definition: Behaving in an… Continue reading Mr. President, A Vocabulary Lesson
All Because of an Over Inflated Ego, which Must Be Fed Constantly
Only the current man in the Oval Office, who had been scheduled to deliver the commencement speech at West Point, would say he is going to do something without first checking to see if it is safe or feasible to do at this time. Because he is getting hammered over this daily propaganda broadcasts, and… Continue reading All Because of an Over Inflated Ego, which Must Be Fed Constantly
What Will School Look Like in the Fall?
First a shout out to all of my fellow educators! I may not be in a school setting anymore, since I work for a state education department, but my heart has been with you during this most unusual time. Keep doing your best, as I know all of you are doing, and know your efforts… Continue reading What Will School Look Like in the Fall?
ACEs and Resilience
Today the movie Resilience was streaming free if one had reserved a ticket to do so in advance. Many of my coworkers had spoken highly of the short documentary. It is about Adverse Childhood Experiences and resilience in the face of adversity. The documentary was good, but in a bad way. I say good because… Continue reading ACEs and Resilience
Personal Reflections of a Middle-Aged Man 