Sunday, March 28, 2010
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Monday, March 22, 2010
My Life, My Work, My Legacy
The life we live should leave a legacy for others to remember.
I want people to say:
Anita cared,
worked hard,
believed in the best,
forgave,
ministered,
served,
taught,
hoped,
praised,
supported,
cared,
loved...
What is your legacy?
I want people to say:
Anita cared,
worked hard,
believed in the best,
forgave,
ministered,
served,
taught,
hoped,
praised,
supported,
cared,
loved...
What is your legacy?
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Pink Slip
The word "Pink Slip" brings about a multitude of emotions in the minds of people in a variety of jobs across this country!
Good, hard-working people who have sacrificed, dedicated and/or committed their time, expertise and ingenuity to their place of employement..all to receive a impersonal letter by registered mail!
More specifically to this blog is the impact "Pink Slips" will have on our educational system from preschool to college and beyond!
Young children, especially in high poverty areas will not receive the benefit of preschool and learning how to ready before kindergarten...
Elementary students will not benefit from young, energetic and visionary teachers who understand the current theories and best practices to move students to higher levels of achievement...
Middle school students will not have a "safety net" needed during their adolescent period to benefit from the growth spurt typically associated with this time of physical and intellectual development...
Senior high school students will go through four years of high school only to leave with no diploma because they cannot pass the high stakes proficiency exams and others may have not satisfied the A-G requirements to apply to college.
College students can't afford to attend school since the tuition prices keep going up or the classes they need to graduate are not offered because professors and other services are being terminated.
The snowball effect of these events on our families, our communities, our societies and our world are mindboggling!
We associate the color "pink" with things that are sweet, pure, soft or elegant....
Given the devastation that results in the issuance of a "pink" slip, I think that "they" should change termination letters to another color...
Good, hard-working people who have sacrificed, dedicated and/or committed their time, expertise and ingenuity to their place of employement..all to receive a impersonal letter by registered mail!
More specifically to this blog is the impact "Pink Slips" will have on our educational system from preschool to college and beyond!
Young children, especially in high poverty areas will not receive the benefit of preschool and learning how to ready before kindergarten...
Elementary students will not benefit from young, energetic and visionary teachers who understand the current theories and best practices to move students to higher levels of achievement...
Middle school students will not have a "safety net" needed during their adolescent period to benefit from the growth spurt typically associated with this time of physical and intellectual development...
Senior high school students will go through four years of high school only to leave with no diploma because they cannot pass the high stakes proficiency exams and others may have not satisfied the A-G requirements to apply to college.
College students can't afford to attend school since the tuition prices keep going up or the classes they need to graduate are not offered because professors and other services are being terminated.
The snowball effect of these events on our families, our communities, our societies and our world are mindboggling!
We associate the color "pink" with things that are sweet, pure, soft or elegant....
Given the devastation that results in the issuance of a "pink" slip, I think that "they" should change termination letters to another color...
Saturday, March 06, 2010
Agitate the System
Recently, I attended a conference and participated as a workshop presenter. During the general session and lunch, a very influential and well-respected administrator spoke to the crowd of approximately 300 people. The audience included administrators, teachers, parents, students and community representatives.
At the forefront of everyone's mind is the drastic cuts that are plaguing the educational system in California. It is a national dilemma, but Los Angeles Unified School District's Superintendent just announced a lay off of almost 6,000 workers!
Everyone deserves to have the opportunity to work and they certainly don't deserve to lose their jobs when they are performing their duties optimally.
This great administrative leader declared with the utmost urgency and intensity that we all need to "agitate the system". It cannot simply be a "business as usual" tide in American education. It's time to stand up and be heard!
We can make powerful changes on behalf of our children if we question and challenge the status quo. Decision makers must give an account for the policies that impede the academic achievement of our students.
Who will be the voice in the wilderness to cry out and speak up?
Take a stand!
Get involved in your local school and community! Your voice is powerful!
Agitate the System!
At the forefront of everyone's mind is the drastic cuts that are plaguing the educational system in California. It is a national dilemma, but Los Angeles Unified School District's Superintendent just announced a lay off of almost 6,000 workers!
Everyone deserves to have the opportunity to work and they certainly don't deserve to lose their jobs when they are performing their duties optimally.
This great administrative leader declared with the utmost urgency and intensity that we all need to "agitate the system". It cannot simply be a "business as usual" tide in American education. It's time to stand up and be heard!
We can make powerful changes on behalf of our children if we question and challenge the status quo. Decision makers must give an account for the policies that impede the academic achievement of our students.
Who will be the voice in the wilderness to cry out and speak up?
Take a stand!
Get involved in your local school and community! Your voice is powerful!
Agitate the System!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Different But Not Less
HBO is currently running a movie entitled, Temple Grandin. It is a portrait of a
1960's-1970's animal scientist who overcame the stigma of autism to become the leading authority on the humane treatment of livestock.
It was amazing to watch both the positive and negative depictions of teachers and her experiences in school. On the one hand, there were teachers who mocked, insulted and intimidated Temple; then there were other teachers who supported, encouraged and nurtured this young woman.
Temple's mother, a driving force who believed in the power of education and the capacity to achieve success despite the challenges, made sure that her daughter was given every opportunity to reach her potential.
Temple graduated from high school and college completing a bachelor's and master's degree!
Her mother repeated with vigor and determination throughout Temple's life that she was "different but not less"!
This is a teachable moment for every educator!
We must learn to encourage, support and foster the abilities of every child, no matter how "different" they seem to you or the other students.
It is our ingenuity and sincerity that will propel each child, despite their differences, to realize their God-given talents!
1960's-1970's animal scientist who overcame the stigma of autism to become the leading authority on the humane treatment of livestock.
It was amazing to watch both the positive and negative depictions of teachers and her experiences in school. On the one hand, there were teachers who mocked, insulted and intimidated Temple; then there were other teachers who supported, encouraged and nurtured this young woman.
Temple's mother, a driving force who believed in the power of education and the capacity to achieve success despite the challenges, made sure that her daughter was given every opportunity to reach her potential.
Temple graduated from high school and college completing a bachelor's and master's degree!
Her mother repeated with vigor and determination throughout Temple's life that she was "different but not less"!
This is a teachable moment for every educator!
We must learn to encourage, support and foster the abilities of every child, no matter how "different" they seem to you or the other students.
It is our ingenuity and sincerity that will propel each child, despite their differences, to realize their God-given talents!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
All Things Are Possible!
I have a 17-year-old daughter who has wanted to be a fashion designer since she was in the third grade. Her teacher read a story titled One Hundred Dresses. As a class project, each student had to design at least three paper dresses. My daughter was in awe as she looked around the classroom and saw the beautiful dresses on display all around the walls. She fell in love with fashion! I bought her a sketch book and she has been drawing fashions for evening, casual, wedding, and swim wear outfits ever since.
Now, she is a senior in high school. She applied to the Art Institute in North Hollywood. They have a competition, Passion for Fashion, for all incoming students for the new school year. Not only did my daughter win the local competition, but she also won the national competition against 400 other entries!
She won an all-expense paid trip to New York, attendance to an exclusive fashion show, a tour of Seventeen magazine, a shopping spree, medallion, trophy, and a full scholarship!
As she reflected on this accomplishment, she shared with me that she never stopped believing in herself. She knew that if she consistently put forth her best effort, she would eventually experience great success in her goals.
I share this with you, my dear educators, because we never know what words, lessons, activities or experiences that we prepare for students will ignite a passion for something that will propel them into a personal, educational or professional success.
All Things Are Possible!
Continue to Inspire!
Now, she is a senior in high school. She applied to the Art Institute in North Hollywood. They have a competition, Passion for Fashion, for all incoming students for the new school year. Not only did my daughter win the local competition, but she also won the national competition against 400 other entries!
She won an all-expense paid trip to New York, attendance to an exclusive fashion show, a tour of Seventeen magazine, a shopping spree, medallion, trophy, and a full scholarship!
As she reflected on this accomplishment, she shared with me that she never stopped believing in herself. She knew that if she consistently put forth her best effort, she would eventually experience great success in her goals.
I share this with you, my dear educators, because we never know what words, lessons, activities or experiences that we prepare for students will ignite a passion for something that will propel them into a personal, educational or professional success.
All Things Are Possible!
Continue to Inspire!
Monday, February 08, 2010
Special Needs-Special Gifts
I recently watched a movie about a young man who was autistic. Despite the setbacks and criticisms in his life, he persevered and became an award-winning educator! There is also an upcoming movie featuring the challenges and triumphs of an autistic girl and her ability to invent a method to help round up cattle.
I just want to encourage each and every educator who is reading this blog to believe the BEST about ALL of your students. Yes, the special needs students in your class may cause disruptions and/or challenges. It is also very true that special needs students have special gifts.
I challenge you to find those gifts, those talents and skills that enable that child (every child) in your classroom to thrive and discover their purpose in life.
As a teacher, you have the unique opportunity to engage with your students every day. The lesson is important in your content area, indeed. It is also a powerful experience to see life's lessons unfold and students discover who they are and what they possess that will ultimately make a difference in the world!
Seize the opportunity!
I just want to encourage each and every educator who is reading this blog to believe the BEST about ALL of your students. Yes, the special needs students in your class may cause disruptions and/or challenges. It is also very true that special needs students have special gifts.
I challenge you to find those gifts, those talents and skills that enable that child (every child) in your classroom to thrive and discover their purpose in life.
As a teacher, you have the unique opportunity to engage with your students every day. The lesson is important in your content area, indeed. It is also a powerful experience to see life's lessons unfold and students discover who they are and what they possess that will ultimately make a difference in the world!
Seize the opportunity!