What is the most important thing?

What is the most important thing for us as educators? Where should we place our priorities? Are we making progress? moving forward? changing lives? As we move with unbelievable speed toward the end of this year, I am focused on assessing my 2008-2009 accomplishments. While my management objectives will be met, have I changed the life of one child? Have I impacted a teacher so that it is long-lasting.
Have I empowered, supported all of my team members, family, and friends so they have felt time spent was worth their while?

It's my personal assessment and it may not really matter to anyone else, but for me, the questions are monumental. I don't want glory, akalades or fame. To be truly humble is something I desire.

I just want to know-before I start this all over again next year. Did I do the most important thing?

Webinar Savvy

Today the leadership team of C & I PDS hosted a webinar. It was extremely exciting. Another technologically tool mastered--well a few more attempts and perhaps I can truly say mastered. There was a learning curve that provided challenges, but the enthusiasm exhibited by the team was wonderfully rewarding. This is what stretching the mind is all about. The energy that emanated from the small "production" room was palpable. The OD Team from PDS was wonderful in their collaborative spirit and encouraged in ways words can't truly describe. I now feel a kinship to Evelyn Wagner's team, Bibi, Pam, Farhan who were our number one cheerleaders. Kudos to my team and kudos to the Organizational Development team.
We're all strivers.

The Strain of Poverty

Poverty is the shortage of common things such as food, clothing, shelter and safe drinking water, all of which determine our quality of life. It may also include the lack of access to opportunities such as education and employment which aid the escape from poverty and/or allow one to enjoy the respect of fellow citizens.
In a recent report on "Children At Risk in Harris County-2008" 54.2 % of the student population live in economically disadvantaged homes which have an annual income of less than $34,000. Many school age children are homeless and the weekly economic reports reveal the numbers are rising. As we continue to provide professional learning experiences, we must be mindful of these factors that impact learning and find ways to provide the necessary supports that make education, "the way out."

How can we support teachers who want to understand and assist students from poverty?