Tomorrow is Another Day

We've come a long way this semester. Now that we're in the last few weeks, it almost seems as if it's all going by so fast! A lot of things have been discussed and for myself, I hope it's all being filed away for ease of reference later. A big thing I've gathered from the readings is not to be discouraged with mistakes or obstacles. It's a tried-and-true truism (an ultratruism?) that mistakes are a part of growth; the key to life is to learn from one's mistakes and to continue to be willing to try even knowing that mistakes will come one's way.

“Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, "I will try again tomorrow.” --Mary Anne Radmacher

Anyone else see Scarlet O'Hara saying, "tomorrow is another day"?

ED 646 It's Done!

We've done it! We've completed the course! I am sad that the class is over, but not because I will miss the work. Even though we didn't see each other much in face to face classes, we knew that we were there for each other. I hope everyone has pretty much finished all the assignments and are ready to present their livetexts next week.

I thought that the book we used for this class was very useful and it will certainly be a resource for me IF I become a reading specialist. It all hinges on whether I pass or fail the PRAXIS II.

I don't know about you but the last chapter really helped me to understand why many of our programs have failed. That innovations cannot just be implemented without considering several factors including but not limited to evaluation results and the participation of those who will implement those innovations. I now appreciate why some teachers resist change and that change is personal. Lots of food for thought.

My quote is from the book: Things do not change, we change by Henry David Thoreau. After this class, I believe that much of my way of thinking about change has changed. Although I do not like being evaluated, it is an important component for designing instructional programs that will work - to keep evolving - to keep adding, deleting, adjusting - to keep making room for improvement.

photo: chimneys of the Topkapi Place kitchen in Istanbul, November 2010 by faye kaible

Two More Weeks!

If you would attain to what you are not yet, you must always be displeased by what you are. For where you are pleased with yourself there you have remained. Keep adding, keep walking, keep advancing. ~Saint Augustine

I believe that what he is saying is that a person who is satisfied with something will probably stay at that same place not wanting to make any changes . On the other hand, someone who is not satisfied yet, will keep going and making changes as he goes along, adding to what he already has.

I think one of the worst things that can happen to a person's mind is to become stagnant and be stuck, not wanting or able to change it even if it could be for something better, or right, or true.

Change

"People change first, then programs; and significant change is never easy." --Hoffman and Sailors (2009, p. 223)

While going over the readings for today, I was most touched by the second article, our chapter 16. Change is not always a good thing, but whenever we're faced with the choice to change we should always be guided by thoughtful consideration, research, and observation. But the above quote stresses that the decision to change must first be made in each individual's mind. To affect change, we must reach the person. As future reading specialists, we must take this perspective to heart as we deal with students, other teachers, administrators, and the community at large. It may be tough, but fall back on all this rich knowledge we're gaining through our courses and experiences and feel empowered to inspire others with confidence.

Just a Few More Weeks! Entry for April 19, 2010

It's what you learn after you know it all that counts. ~Attributed to Harry S. Truman

Harry has a point. Knowing is nothing if you haven't learned from it.


Isn't this a beautiful sight? I was pretty close to the clouds in Meteora this day and was just in awe of the expanse of earth and sky. It really humbles a person to see all this beauty in one place.

(photo by Faye)

We must Overcome!

Bing image

"It's not what you achieve in life that counts, it's what you OVERCOME."- Author Known

It's crunch time and the the last few chapters and projects are due, we must continue to work diligently to get it all done despite all the challenges we face, we must overcome the challenges to complete and meet target. Let's do it ladies!

"If you want to build a ship, don't herd people together to collect wood and don't assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea." --Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Like the others I'm really feeling the end of the semester. Though I learned a lot and I'm glad for that, I'm also glad that we're almost through.

On a different note, I had a personal experience earlier this week that speaks to our recent readings. I was told, in a rather sour fashion, that participation in school committees would be a requirement for my PTEP group; my "extracurricular" IRA involvement would not be enough. I was reading through quotes for this week's blog and was touched by the phrase quoted above. I love my school and want to contribute in the best way that I can. However, being told how and where I can apply my talents (else I would be "expendable!") rubbed me the wrong way. It is also the wrong way for a school leader to encourage others to be productive. Being "forced" into acting encourages only contrary feelings. While I agree that committee involvement or participation in an advisory capacity is great and good, there are other ways of getting teachers to cooperate. Like the quote says, make us long for an end goal with all our hearts, and we'll find our own way there!

I hope this is something that I can apply as a teacher and a Reading Specialist. I want to infect my students and colleagues with a thirst for literacy and give them tools to help them along the way, letting their newly-kindled passion do the work!