Another reminder not to let the little things bother you

I just got this in an email and am passing it along.  If you think your daily problems are overwhelming and stressful, here is a reminder of how lucky we are.

Joplin, MO Slide show

-p

Why So Serious?

As a new teacher, I see the administration and fellow teachers argue, fight and bicker over a myriad of issues.  Almost every time I see these arguments, I am befuddled.  I don’t understand the fuss. 

I took this picture on December 27, 2004.  It is just south of Baghdad.  This girl was begging for food.  As you can see in the pictures, she has no shoes and begging for food.  There was nothing around for miles.  It was barren desert.  Someone probably dropped her off.  This was a very dangerous section of MSR Tampa.  This is an image I will never forget. 

Free WIFI at the retail store

I went shopping at several stores today with my sweetie.  While we were shopping, I checked my trusty iPod touch to see if there were any free open wireless networks I could hop on.  None of the chain stores had them.  I was floored.  Why haven't they tapped onto this potential retail goldmine?  I know why.

Humor and Creativity in the Classroom

I have been seeing a trend in my career as an educator.  Something I noticed last year and it continues to this year.  Education takes itself too seriously.  When it does laugh, it is strained and forced.  Even as a student, education did not have a sense of humor.  I find this fascinating as the teachers who made the longest and most lasting impact on me were the funny teachers.

Poverty

There has been much talk at our school during professional development about poverty.

The school I am working now has examples of two kind's of poverty.  Urban poverty and immigration poverty are the leading types among the students.  There seems to be much study on how poverty affects students and I have no argument.  Poverty of any kind affects those in poverty.