Don’t Forget Those Soft Skills!

A few weeks ago I was at a school district wide meeting where teachers and parents came together for some frank conversation. A group of teachers representing multiple grade levels and subject matters presented to us (parents) a Teachers’ Wish List… It was the top 10 things teachers wished more parents would do at home to support their (the teachers’) efforts in the classroom. Now of course, standard things like checking homework folders daily, reading to your child and/or making them read every day and getting involved in school activities were among the things wished for. However one big wish

 

Why Public Schools Matter….

Ask yourself the question… What is the goal of education? Is it to gain specific knowledge and skills in order to get a good job or start a business? Is it to learn how be social and civic minded so that you can make the world a better place? What about this one; education’s goal is to teach people essential interpersonal skills and tolerance so that they can form successful relationships with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures. Or maybe, it’s more simplistic than that.  Maybe, the goal of education is simply to help people attain their goals and realize their dreams.

 

Now Is the Time….

Hey there … How is everyone? Have you settled down from all the celebration of President Barack Obama being elected to a second term?  I haven’t.  I am still elated, full of hope, promise and looking forward to the next four years…. Ok, I know it’s a bit corny… (Ya’ll know me by now, LOL) but do take a minute to rejoice with me…. Click to Celebrate!
OK. Are you now finished doing your happy dance?  Good, now it’s time to get back to work…

 

Time for Change!

How is everyone? I know I haven’t posted in a while. I decided to take a short break; down time, so that I could, (as Debbie Allen would say) Relax, Relate and Release! (The link is a comical reminder in case you forgot!)

This year so far has been a whirlwind! Full of change!  I’ve had a lot of transition in my life; changes in my professional, personal and family life… you name it. In a matter of months, there have been significant changes in just about every aspect of my life.  Mostly good, although, a few have presented some challenges. However, all in all, I am on course and lovin’ life…

 

Diary of a Mad Black Teacher

 

Hello Family!

This posting was done by my guest blogger, Dr. Donna Graham. Dr. Graham is a veteran technology teacher who retired from the District of Columbia Public Schools a few years ago. Since her retirement she has been busy consulting for various educational organizations, playing tennis and taking Tai Kwon Do! Enjoy this humorous look back on her experiences as a public school teacher….

 

But….. it was Ahmad Jamal

 Happy Jazz Appreciation month family….

 I dedicate this posting to my oldest brother, Clark Grayson, who if he had lived, would be celebrating his 60^th birthday next month….

In honor of Jazz Appreciation Month, I wanted to share with you a funny family story about my brother  Clark.

 

I’m Just Sayin’…….

This is part of a reading assignment I was given while taking an  “Introduction to Instructional Technology” class during my graduate school program at Indiana University in Bloomington…. First day of class…. first reading assignment….. first class about the “history of educational technology…..first paragraph……