Finding Your Purpose in the Eyes of the Children

During a visit to Harlem this young child was eager to make friends with the group of interested visitors. For those who are exploring the idea of teaching in our urban schools, I think that you need to take a look into the eyes of the children. How long will her eyes continue to shine with interest and excitement? We need to build on her interest and trust and teach her the value of hard work.

In the movie Stand and Deliver the teacher (Jaimie Escalante) tells his students that they need "ganas" - desire - and if they do not have it he is ready to give it to them, because he is an expert in desire. Look into their eyes, find your purpose, and capture the desire to teach so they may learn.

Do you really expect the president to do your job?

"What can we expect from President-elect Obama? Will he bring about positive change? How will his administration impact education for all children? We all have these kinds of questions, and many of us have high expectations for the answers. But perhaps we should be asking ourselves what we are prepared to do to bring about the change we're awaiting. "

An email from ASCD - a leading national education association - opens with the very typical comments looking to our new president to be the solution to failing schools. There is a tendency to look to someone else, anyone else, for help improving our schools. Does it really make sense for someone so far removed from our schools to understand the needs of our children?

The ASCD author goes on to say that the real question should be "what we are prepared to do." Changing our schools in our city is our job. President Obama is a politician, not a teacher. Let's keep the roles and expectations clear and dedicate ourselves to the task of doing whatever it takes to make the difference that we need in our own urban schools.

The Journey Continues

December slipped into January and the journey of 2009 is underway. Several of the alums (and almost alums) are recently engaged and making plans for weddings this year. How quickly this can change the plans that were made in 2008. Whatever plans you have made or are making, may each plan be made with this in mind - that God does have a plan for each of us - a plan that will not harm us; a plan that will help us.

My transition into the new year included reading several books that were recommended by friends. The first was THE SHACK. This is a thoughtful read about grieving and our relationship to God. The second was THE ALCHEMIST - an exploration of wisdom. Both are worth the time.

As we continue the journey I leave you with a thought from THE ALCHEMIST: When each day is the same as the next it is because people fail to recognize the good things that happen in their lives every day that the sun rises. (page 27) ... may each of your days be recognized as a special opportunity filled with new blessings.