In Which I Give a Graduation Speech

June 7, 2016 / The Musings

In Which I Give a Graduation Speech

To the families, friends, and students of the North Clackamas Christian School Class of 2016:

I am so honored to be here this evening to celebrate such a diverse collection of individuals that meld together so delightfully.

We have shared some special years in each others’ lives. I saw you through high school and you saw me through pregnancy, which, between the mood swings, illness, and sleeping patterns, are basically the same thing. Let’s be honest.

I subbed for you your first trimester freshman year and (more…)

June 7, 2016 / The Musings

Six Needs of Teachers as Professionals

Teachers are an integral part of the education system. However, it seems that their needs as professionals often go unacknowledged. If students are to succeed, then we must support our teachers. Every year we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week. The Starbucks gift cards and cutsy mugs are nice, but they aren’t what’s needed to keep teachers in the classroom and truly encouraged at the core. Teaching is hard; it is emotionally and mentally draining. But there is so much that (more…)

May 27, 2016 / The Musings

The Purpose of Education

What is the purpose of education? This is such a basic question. Such a duh question. And yet, it seems so utterly neglected as all levels of education leadership in the United States either run around fighting fires or giving haphazard directives based on minute elements of the education experience. All organizations need a mission statement and a framework to keep them focused. Public education is no exception. And so, we must answer this very basic question. First. Now. Before we do anything else.

The purpose of education (more…)

May 2, 2016 / The Musings

The Overarching Flaw

This is the excerpt for your very first post.