The daily meanderings of a teacher

Bird Droppings December 4, 2017 Give it one more try   “You win some, you lose some, and some get rained out, but you gotta suit up for them all.” Satchel Paige often attributed to J. Askenberg   When I was teaching I would judge seasons by testing session not weather? I am sitting here…

Bird Droppings December 1, 2017 What is the Holy Grail in education?   Teachers in Georgia High Schools on block schedule are scrambling this time of year getting ready for the semester End of Course tests/milestones. Basically teachers have been told by administrators to prepare for the tests. Teachers are encouraged to be proactive and…

Bird Droppings November 30, 2017 A look at essential Bird Pedagogy   It was seven years ago I was reading an article actually an interview with Arne Duncan, the former Secretary of Education. I selected a few choice quotes from his interview to savor and ponder for a few days. As I look at the…

Bird Droppings November 29, 2017 Trying to understand giving thanks, war and teaching I had a difficult time sleeping due to some sinus issues. When I got up and started to walk around and downed a large mug of mate and black tea my head started to clear a bit and I began to wonder…

Bird Droppings November 29, 2017 Within the circle of life a new life coming   Resurrection By Susan Thomas Underwood   The universe is energy in constant motion. There are ebbs and flows; Outcomes and income, And change…… Always change.   The physical world reflects this motion In the cycles of life, There is spring…

Bird Droppings November 27, 2017 Listening to a philosopher A beautiful sky this morning as I walked out and actually not too cold which is surprising as the sky was clear. I cannot wait again for a night when the moon is reflecting across from the west lighting up the sky and white billowing clouds…

Bird Droppings November 25, 2017 How capable do we need to be?   What a contrast to only a few weeks ago as the sun was shining and the moon was full as I went out in the wee hours with a crystal clear sky. There was a gentle wind blowing, wind chimes ringing peacefully…

Bird Droppings November 24, 2017 A spiritual side to teaching   “Solitude does not necessarily mean living apart from others; rather, it’s never living apart from one’s self. Not about absence of other people – it is about being fully present to ourselves, whether or not we are with others.” Parker Palmer   Dr. Parker…

Bird Droppings November 22, 2017 Families and Friends The holidays are getting here soon, tomorrow is turkey day, and this semester of graduate school is drawing to an end. My grandkids all have a a week off for Thanksgiving and we will be getting together with family. This is a time when celebrations abound, a…

Bird Droppings November 21, 2017 Venting a bit on a Tuesday Morning   I was slack with my daily journaling over the past two weeks. I have written for two days straight this week. Yesterday and today but I read several alarming posts on friend’s pages on Facebook and on internet news sites. I followed…