Bird Droppings November 4, 2015 I still like the seagull book Once upon a time, that line has started so many stories in my day that perhaps it would be a good way to start today. Many years ago as I drove my kids to school each morning I would spin yarns of various Indian…

Bird Droppings November 3, 2015 Education is turning an ugly face jug not pouring in a mold It has been a few years since the last time I talked with and watched the late Cleater Meadors turn a jug on the potter’s wheel at Mossy Creek Arts and Crafts fair in Perry Georgia. A simple…

Bird Dropping November 2, 2015 It is hard to think about compassion in today’s world? Almost four years ago I was quietly sitting in a hotel room in South Carolina it was still dark outside and it was odd not being at school on a Friday. I so seldom miss a day of school. My…

Bird Droppings October 30, 2015 An eclectic morning Over lunch a group of students and I began discussing, The Davinci Code and other philosophical diversions and fearing death as a basis for religion came up. “Learn as if you were going to live forever. Live as if you were going to die tomorrow.” Mahatma Gandhi…

Bird Droppings October 29, 2015 Words not spoken are some of the most profound wisdom I am sitting at least thinking about writing and working on a chapter for a friends book and words is what is on my mind right now. I just commented on a Facebook post about learning languages and how I…

Bird Droppings October 28, 2015 Do we make teachers or are they are born? I started this endeavor yesterday in response to a quality teacher issue and how we spend so little time evaluating teachers and place emphasis on a non-valid instrument such as an end of course test. I eventually got a bit side…

Bird Droppings October 27, 2015 Building doors instead of just building walls I enjoy arriving at school while the stars are still shining overhead something about the darkness is peaceful for me. I can remember when my youngest would ride to school with me; he is not quite as big a fan of mornings and…

Bird Droppings October 27, 2015 Can we find answers in reflection Yesterday I was wished a happy birthday by a friend on Facebook and it got me thinking a week ahead that soon I would be another year older. Yesterday was not my birthday and it is coming up far too soon. As I look…

Bird Droppings October 22, 2015 What is that piece you cannot teach teachers? “Studies suggest that instructional and management processes are key to effectiveness, but many interview and survey responses about effective teaching emphasize the teacher’s affective characteristics, or social and emotional behaviors, more than pedagogical practice.” James H. Stronge, Qualities of Effective Teachers I…

Bird Droppings October 21, 2015 Within the circle of life a new life coming I have wandered many miles the past few days. After being down under the weather for nearly two weeks my adrenalin seriously kicked in. My wife and I shared Monday with her mother and sister in the North Georgia Mountains and…