Cherie's Random Thoughts

August 28, 2013 marks 50 years since the historic March on Washington and I Have a Dream Speech.  Today I reflect on whether the dream has been fulfilled in this country.  To some extent yes, and to some no.  Although equality for all has improved, we still struggle with the inequality of funding that exists in our inner city schools, such as Philadelphia and Chicago and in our prisons systems.  It appears that there is a growing support for the school-to-prison track through states continued lack of funding and support for education of all students and adults.  Increasing poverty is the theme of the day.  When I think of this day, I think of my responsibility as an educator and a black female my responsibility for ensuring that the dream exists within me.  All too often, we are exposed to images and behavior that impedes the ability of King's Dream to be fulfilled.  2013 is a defining moment for Americans.  It is the year we...

I finally picked back up the book, The Courage to Teach by Parker J. Palmer. As I began reading chapter 2 this evening I came across several profound statements within the text. This chapter talks  about the fear that lives within education.  The first profound statement reads as following:  "the way we diagnose our student's condition will determine the kind of remedy we offer" (Palmer, p. 41).  This reminded me of  how as teacher we have the capacity to facilitate or destroy learning for our students. Often we get stuck on how students come to us, not realizing that this is not what matters. What matters is how they leave us. We have the control to see our students as human beings who have the potential to do great things, despite how they came to us.  The other profound statement reads as following:  "A good teacher is one who can listen to those voices even before they are spoken-so that someday they can speak with truth and con...

In a blog post entitled, 25 Excuses You Must Drop to Be Happy   the authors discuss what excuses get in the way of our happiness. Excuses are often a DEATH SENTENCE to our pursuit of happiness. They prevent us from facing our fears and moving through the challenges that life brings. It is these challenges that help us appreciate life and lead us to happiness. Five excuses stood out for me: "It's too late for me." It is never too late. Time limits on life are often self imposed. Everything we do in life matters, period!  "I don't have time." Time is relative. We often make time for things we really do not need to do, so why can we make time for things that will make a difference in our lives and the lives of others.  "Now is not the right time." When then? Waiting only leads to disappointment hence prevents you from being happy in the long run. Tomorrow really is not promised, so do what you put off in the future TODAY!  "It's...