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 […]
Setbacks as Silent Teachers: Lessons in Growth from the NEA Assembly Read More »
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,
Teacher Renewal: Gathering from Around the World Read More »
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
Creating Sacred Space for Renewal After the School Year Read More »
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.
Reframing: A Life Skill We Don’t Teach Enough Read More »
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
Little Scientists, Big Lessons: What Children Can Teach Us About Curiosity Read More »
…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
What Teaching Taught Me About Letting Go Read More »
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
Do You See Me? Attention, Encouragement, and the Power of Presence Read More »
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
More Than a Thread — Letting Spirituality Become the Lens Read More »
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
What Are We Missing? Lessons from the Invisible Gorilla Read More »
There’s something about water that resets the soul. I recently spent a day in Lewes, Delaware, riding a pontoon boat with friends and family—including five lively children! You’d think it might have been chaotic, but somehow it wasn’t. The rhythm of the waves, the sun glinting off the water, and the laughter drifting across the
On the Water: A Day in Lewes and the Gift of Renewal Read More »
