Dave, Author at Perspective Shift

Standing Small Before the Sea: A Spiritual Exhale for Those Who Give of Themselves

There’s something about the ocean that invites us to breathe differently. After the intensity of the NEA RA, Kelli and I spent a few days in Seaside, Oregon — a small, beloved coastal town where the horizon stretches endlessly, and the waves arrive like a whispered prayer. We stood near Haystack Rock, that mighty sentinel

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Setbacks as Silent Teachers: Lessons in Growth from the NEA Assembly

Teaching / Dave

This week, Kelli and I find ourselves among thousands of passionate educators at the National Education Association Representative Assembly. It’s always a source of energy and renewal — a place where stories echo from rural classrooms to bustling city schools, and where a single hallway conversation can reignite our sense of purpose. One thing

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Teacher Renewal: Gathering from Around the World

Education / Dave

My wife, Kelli, and I always attended the National Education Association Representative Assembly each year, always during the week of July 4th. We gathered with educators from around the world to help guide the goals and policies of the NEA for the coming year. It was tough but rewarding work — a whirlwind of meetings,

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Creating Sacred Space for Renewal After the School Year

Reflection / Dave

I’m in Portland, Oregon, attending the National Education Association Representative Assembly, a gathering of 7,000 Educators in the largest democratic body in the world. I’m here with Maureen, the DSEA Retired President, Kelli, my wife and DSEA Retired Vice President, and 50 Delaware State Education Association Delegates. Our purpose is to help direct the future

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Reframing: A Life Skill We Don’t Teach Enough

1 Comment / Education, Reflection / Dave

I’m in Portland, OR, for the National Education Association Representative Assembly. Those of you who know me know Kelli, my wife, and I attend each year, and have for the past 20. As delegates, we participate in the largest democratic body in the world, helping make decisions on NEA budget, legislative goals, policies, and goals.

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Little Scientists, Big Lessons: What Children Can Teach Us About Curiosity

Education / Dave

Reclaiming the wonder we once carried so naturally. This weekend our ex-roommate, Ryan, his girlfriend, Ash, and their three kids spent the weekend with us. I spent part of the evening lying on the floor with Way, the preschooler, and Rho, the first grader. We are playing with a massive amount of Legos! I

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What Teaching Taught Me About Letting Go

Teaching / Dave

…and What I’m Still Learning I was chatting with a past student/teacher/friend the other evening over a scotch (me) and beer (him) about life problems, and he said something that triggered some thoughts. He said, “I don’t know how to let go”, and I realized that “letting go” is a theme that may run

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Do You See Me? Attention, Encouragement, and the Power of Presence

Psychology / Dave

In 1998, psychologists Daniel Simons and Daniel Levin conducted a fascinating experiment now known as The Door Study. A stranger approached someone to ask for directions. Mid-conversation, two people carrying a large door walked between them, momentarily obstructing the view. Behind the door, the original questioner quietly swapped places with someone entirely different. Remarkably, many

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More Than a Thread — Letting Spirituality Become the Lens

Reflection / Dave

It’s Sunday, so I wax a bit spiritually today. It’s okay. I’m a rather strong Christian finding peace and strength in our beliefs. This post may not resonate with you and that’s okay. Take it in and let yourself wonder. For most of my life, I’ve seen spirituality as one part of

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What Are We Missing? Lessons from the Invisible Gorilla

2 Comments / Psychology / Dave

In 1999, psychologists Daniel Simons and Christopher Chabris conducted a study that’s now legendary in psychology circles—and in every intro psych class I’ve ever taught. In the experiment, participants watch a short video and are asked to count how many times a basketball is passed between players wearing white. Most people focus in, count

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