Our first morning in SF we spent riding the street cars, enjoying hot chocolate at the Ghiradelli factory and looking at the boats at the Maritime Museum on the Pier. Great views, cool weather and lots of fun.
Just got back from 10 days in California visiting with my daughter, her husband, my sister and her family. Had a wonderful time and saw some amazing things! I'll be posting pics over several days. I have LOTS! Our first day started with a trip to Berkley to visit a former student of mine and her parents. Amber Rich has started a non-profit, Waterside Workshops, to help at risk youth in the Berkley area. It is a great program. Got to visit her facility after eating at a Thai Buddist temple for brunch. Great food! Thanks, Amber, Lois and Ernie.
Follow this link to read a great article on why keeping creativity in schools in important. I see so many kids everyday that are terrified of "making a mistake". What they learn from art is that making mistakes is the best way to learn! I am convinced the future of our country depends on it.
This is teacher appreciation week. Though I have heard this story before, I have never heard it presented by the poet that wrote it. I post this, not for the students that we work so hard to educate, and not for the public to better understand what we do. I post this for all the teachers out there who really care about their students and their profession and who, if they feel like me, are completely demoralized by the vitrol and misinformation being touted as truth. This is for us. To remind us that we do make a difference in the lives of the children that we teach. To inspire us to press forward with REAL education reform, reform that values students as individuals and teaching as a passion. And if there are some of you out there that just happen to think we made a difference in your life, or your child's life, then don't just let that teacher know how you feel, let your legislators know how you feel. They are the ones that have the power to save public education is this country or destroy it. Share your story about a teacher that made a difference in your life.
