This past weekend I was invited to share the story of this blog and other initiatives I am involved in with people from the Teacher Action Group and the Philadelphia Writing Project - an offer I could not turn down. I participated in a one hour session focusing on how teachers share their thoughts with the world through social media, blogs, editorials, and in-person commentary at the School Reform Commission. It was great to hear so many committed teachers and be able to inspire them to take their visions and thoughts a step further.
During the workshop I thought a lot about how and why I started this blog almost two years ago. I remember I had tossed the idea around with some friends and even got a name suggested from my former math coach at West Philly HS. But I hadn't sat down to write anything until a snow day gave me the extra time I needed to get started. I didn't expect the blog to go very far - maybe to my immediate family, friends, and some colleagues at school. As it turns out, more people started reading it and some even commented.
My main purposes in communicating my thoughts were - and are - to educate and empower people surrounding issues in education today. I did not want this to become a place for complaints and venting. Instead, I have tried to provide alternatives or suggestions that might help alleviate some of the problems I see or hear about. If I am able to do that and empower others to do the same - great. If not - then I will only be taking up a tiny fraction of the Internet anyway and no one will notice.
But, if I can help be a rallying cry to teachers everywhere to learn more about their profession and rise up when it is threatened from any side - then I have been a success. I got a bit emotional when the workshop ended and some participants said I had inspired them to talk at the School Reform Commission - that it is not that hard and you can have direct contact with the people in charge. If more people start speaking, then they will listen. Just don't give up.
During the workshop I thought a lot about how and why I started this blog almost two years ago. I remember I had tossed the idea around with some friends and even got a name suggested from my former math coach at West Philly HS. But I hadn't sat down to write anything until a snow day gave me the extra time I needed to get started. I didn't expect the blog to go very far - maybe to my immediate family, friends, and some colleagues at school. As it turns out, more people started reading it and some even commented.
My main purposes in communicating my thoughts were - and are - to educate and empower people surrounding issues in education today. I did not want this to become a place for complaints and venting. Instead, I have tried to provide alternatives or suggestions that might help alleviate some of the problems I see or hear about. If I am able to do that and empower others to do the same - great. If not - then I will only be taking up a tiny fraction of the Internet anyway and no one will notice.
But, if I can help be a rallying cry to teachers everywhere to learn more about their profession and rise up when it is threatened from any side - then I have been a success. I got a bit emotional when the workshop ended and some participants said I had inspired them to talk at the School Reform Commission - that it is not that hard and you can have direct contact with the people in charge. If more people start speaking, then they will listen. Just don't give up.
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