Brushing off the Cobwebs

It's been quite a while since I posted. I thought I would get myself back in the saddle and share some of what is on my mind lately. 

I love teaching.  I love teaching what matters.  I love teaching kids how to use their words instead of their fists. I love teaching kids how to take the brilliant things inside their minds (yes...there are brilliant teenagers all around us) and put them into action.  I love teaching kids to examine all sides of a situation before they make a decision one way or the other.  I love teaching kids about how history, science, literature, and, yes, even math all work together to make the foundation of our lives, cultures, and world.  I love teaching kids to push themselves beyond every limit they thought they had.  I love teaching kids that basic things like respect, kindness, humility, and understanding can move mountains. I love teaching kids that they can and will change the world...and that they have a choice about what that change will look like.  I even love teaching kids the difference between action and linking verbs, that adjectives modify nouns and pronouns, that a lot is two words, sentences are puzzles and every word has its place, and the difference between their/there/they're. I am thankful that my profession (like most) has checks and balances. I am very aware of the fact that I have weaknesses.  I am happy that I am encouraged to strengthen those weak areas and excel in my areas of strength.  I agree that the children in our state and nation deserve the best education we can provide them. I agree that ineffective teachers need to be given the support/tools to become effective...whatever they may be.  I believe that if my kids are not successful, it is at least in part because I have not been successful.  I believe that the success of my students is bigger than a test and that neither one of us should be judged only on the outcome of one stressful exam.  I believe that teachers should be consulted when making laws and regulations regarding education.  I believe that we, as adults, set the example for younger generations....and we need to step up our game. I believe in telling kids the truth...even (if not especially) when the truth is "I don't know"....because they sooooo know when we're lying.  I believe that when make decisions about who our elected officials should be, what laws should be in place, and how we should be involved in the affairs of other countries we should keep those younger generations in mind. 

Next week we have the opportunity to set that example. Whatever way your votes fall...vote.