Cherie's Random Thoughts

In a Mark and Angel Hack Life article entitled, "18 Great Reminders When You're Having a Bad Day"  the authors reminds us what can be born out of our frustration or bad days. As an educator who finds themselves between three worlds, the fall season tends to be a "season of frustration." Unmet expectations, whining, illness, and life stuff can take its toll and make a person wonder what is the point. Then I am reminded by articles like this what matters most to an educator: Improving the lives of their students and making the world a better place in the process. This article makes some great points about what we should reflect on when we have a bad day. They are absolutely right-it begins with our attitude. If your attitude is one of fear and looking over shoulder you will most likely do this through many of your bad days. If your attitude is one where you believe change will occur, you will mostly receive the change you seek. Bad days are back door blessings

Re-envisioning Career and Technical Education | American Federation of Teachers The above article brings light the importance of career and technical education programs. As an early childhood professor, I know all too well how effective these programs can be. CTE programs allow students to come out of high school ready to enter the workforce at entry level. In today's economy, this is extremely important for students. In addition, CTE students often can receive college credit for the some of their coursework done in high school. This can be anywhere from 6-9 credits, which the equivalent of three credit college level courses or half of a full-time semester. I hope the federal and state governments continue to fund these programs as well as help build a bridge between high school, work, and college. I fondly remember the opportunity I had in high school to participate in a CTE inspired program in high school. During my last year of high school, I was able to spend one semeste