I generally avoid introductions. I realize that nobody gets a second “first impression.” However, my style is building relationships with people over time, and letting that body of work be the resume’ to who I am so to speak. But I feel at least a proper introduction is probably warranted, if anything just to establish some boundaries and to set our mission. Here goes…
I was a teacher for 21 years. I wasn’t perfect, but I was decent at my job. Really, it wasn’t a job, but more of a calling. I am a Christian, and a conservative one at that. I want all of my readers to know that up front. I don’t want to come across as one of those well polished administrators who know every acronym, and have the newest flavor of educational double speak that many parents can barely understand. I do hope what will occur within this blog will be a journey. It will encompass the past, examine our current situation, and look towards what I hope will be a richness in education that our current circumstances lacks. It will be plain spoken.
Let me first say, I will do my very best to leave out teachers and admin for my own kids. This is not a place for me to vent about their circumstances, and I intend to leave their lives private. However, I certainly will provide commentary on a local, state, and federal level regarding a range of educational topics.
This site will talk about education, but…..My eyes roll back in my head when I have to talk about educational research. “Best practices” is a phrase I have come to loathe. It represents a thought process which is more domineering than it is thought provoking. “Best practices” are never to be questioned, or a “new opportunity” will be found for the questioner. So, really this blog will be one that draws from my years of experience vs mind numbing and often biased research. No student names will be used nor will recognizable circumstances be used which could identify a young person. That said, elected officials and bureaucrats are certainly fair game for commentary though I will do my best to only sparingly use names, nor will private conversations be referenced – only what is common knowledge is fair game.
This blog is really meant to further the idea of what a modern classroom/school/system should look like, and not just try to be the new flavor of the month. It will be given in short chapters which I hope can be read in 3-4 minutes. It is meant for educators, parents, grandparents, students, and anyone who really is interested in growing our understanding of education based on practical application.
There it is. If you made it this far, thank you for reading and I hope to see you back soon.
Rob
