I’m basically an introvert, and I draw my strength and energy from times of reflection. So, when life gets really busy, I sometimes start to feel depleted. Today was kind of a day like that. First, Kelli, my wife, and I drove 40 minutes to my stepson’s house, where we spent time catching up with […]
The Value of Pause: Learning to Listen More Deeply to the Inner Voice Read More »
Introduction: More Than a Job When I first stepped into a classroom over four decades ago, I thought I was simply beginning a job. But as the years unfolded, I more and more realized I had stepped into something far deeper — a calling. Teaching, at its core, is a profound invitation to serve, to
Teaching as Calling: Beyond the Classroom Walls Read More »
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
Standing Small Before the Sea: A Spiritual Exhale for Those Who Give of Themselves Read More »
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 »
