George Washington Carver

George Washington Carver was born into slavery during the Civil War in the state of Missouri, a location that I am heading to next weekend.  The state famous for its compromise on slavery.  George’s parents were Mary and Giles, a couple without a last name of their own because slaves took the name of their owner.  A week after George was born, he, along with his mother and sister, were kidnapped by a band of raiders and sold as slaves in Arkansas.  Moses Carver, the owner of Mary and Giles, went after the trio and brought George back to Missouri where he and his wife, Susan, decided to raise him as their own.  Susan taught George how to read and write and encouraged himto always thirst for knowledge – a trait that would serve him, and us, well.  He later went to a school for blacks because the white educational institutions would not accept non-white students.  He was initially denied admittance to college because, you guessed it, he was black.   However, a teacher encouraged him to keep studying because his hard work would pay off.  It did.  He was accepted to Simpson College in 1890 at age 26 where a professor encouraged him to enroll in the Botany program at Iowa State.  He did just that and while there another professor encouraged him to stay for a master’s degree where his knowledge base could pay dividends. It did. For him and for us.  The next time you eat peanut butter, think of George Washington Carver.  He invented 30 uses for peanuts, leather dyes, cosmetics, hen food, breakfast food, buttermilk, sauces, dry coffee, linoleum, and hundreds more including nitroglycerine; the latter that I personally thankful for. Many people encouraged him to become the man he became.

Encouragement is the common thread in the life of George Washington Carver. Personal care would be 1-B.  The Carvers made the commitment to raise George as a son at a time where this was unheard of.  They encouraged him to always find something more than was his so-called lot in life.  He had a teacher at an all-black school encourage him to have a vision past those four walls of restraint.  He had college professors who encouraged him to keep pushing, keep reading, keep researching, and to keep dreaming because they all saw something in this black boy without a last name.  Look what happened.  We are all beneficiaries of his work in some way and it all started with a little encouragement.  Take a look around at your students tomorrow, take a good long look.  Imagine what they can become.  Perhaps you are now teaching a future teacher, engineer, doctor, minister, inventor of a cure for cancer.  Who knows?  What we need to do is to provide encouragement to our kids even though they may not see it that way.  Make it a point to encourage at least one kid today and keep doubling that until you have encouraged them all.  Make it a point to call home at least once a week to tell parent that their kid is doing a good job.  The dividends back to you cannot be measured. Maybe the next George Washington Carver is sitting right there in your classroom.

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The Browns play this Sunday against the Green Bay Packers…a lot of history here from two of the oldest franchises.  We plan to move the cheese!

Gumby and Pokey

Did you ever play with Gumby and Pokey as a kid?  My baby brother did and was ridiculed by us older boys for not selecting a play toy with a little more of a testosterone edge. Dad caught wind of this and showed us where the woodshed was located. Regardless, after several years and a twelve step program, he is off of his Gumby addiction and now runs a town government.  Gumby and Pokey were created by Art Clokey in the 1950’s after his graduation from USC.  Gumby, over the years, has been quite thegregarious fellow and probably should have been a Boy Scout because he always left things better than he found them. He (I can only assume he is a male, but then again, he is not wearing clothes and the evidence of the proper chromosome pairing is not evident).  Gumby is an optimist and saw the glass way past half full. He is an idealist.  Gumby takes chances.  Pokey, on the other hand is a grumblebutt.  Pokey is skeptical.  He (there goes that gender thing again) is a pessimist.  He is sarcastic and somewhat of an “intelligent gluteus”.  Gumby takes him places that he doesn’t want to go, but, in the end, Pokey is thankful for the trip and understands the journey had a purpose. 

Are you a Gumby or a Pokey?  There are a lot of personality traits from Pokey that will not serve you well as a teacher.  First, kids do not typically understand sarcasm.  Research will tell you that the use of sarcasm will not serve you well as a teacher.  Pokey is a party-killer.  Pokey would not enjoy inventing relevant examples for his students if he were a teacher.  Pokey, as an educator, would fail miserably.  Even though he is physically flexible, his mindset is not flexible at all.  He would never try anything new and would probably use the same lesson plans that he used 60 years ago in his less than stellar career.  Consequently, he would never take his students to the next level because he would be satisfied with the status quo.  Gumby, on the other hand, would always make his classroom interesting. He would take his students to new levelsand encourage them along the way. He would be creative. He would try new things. He would make concepts relevant.  Yes, he is physically flexible.  More importantly, Gumby is mentally flexible.  He would find a way to get things done and would do whatever it takes to advance his students.  The next time you bend down to touch your toes, remember than mental and professional flexibility is an asset to good teaching.  Your students need to understand that the journey has a purpose.  This can be expressed by your daily and long-term goals.

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The AFC first place Cleveland Browns play this Sunday on the shores of Lake Erie against the Detroit Lions. I hope that that Lions have lost their roar!  Calvin Johnson is requested to stay at home.

Starbucks Orders

Did you ever go to Starbucks?  Okay, way stupid question.  Here’s a better question – what did you order?  There are “Starbucks Junkies” with typical orders that sound  something like this: “To go, Grande, non-fat skim milk, 176 degrees, Chai Tea Latte espresso with nutmeg, cinnamon sprinkles, non-oil-based cream” and other additions that I can neither pronounce nor spell. The price includes an optional installment plan.  Quick math would tell that just one of these each day will cost just under $1800 for the year, which is exactly 9 times what I paid for my first car – a 1969 Opel Kadet…no gas gauge, 4 speed, FM converter...but I digress.  Is it possible to order just a cup of black coffee, no cream, no sugar, no fancy add-ons…just a dang burn cup of coffee…no frills…no fancy toppings…nothing else? Just a cup of coffee!  Just hot and bitter, straight up, no extras. And, by the way, a cup of coffee that I do not have to finance for 36 months at 18.9% APR.  I am the only one left who feels this way?  If so, tell me.  If not, enjoy your over-priced diversion from real coffee and thank you for contributing so much to private enterprise.  Howard Schultz sends his regards.

Education can be seen as a trip to Starbucks if we take our eyes off of what is really important.  Every year, there is a new book written by someone with a lot of alphabet behind their name that has some new idea that will revolutionize education. I have shelves full of these. They are all marketed as a “new way” to teach kids. However, as Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes, “There is nothing new under the sun.”  You have read the same stuff.  You have listened to the sales pitch. You have the t-shirt.  Don’t get me wrong, these things are good. They cause you to look at things from a different angle, but you are still looking at the same thing – kids! We learn new strategies, but the bottom line is the same – it takes talented people to produce talented students. Perhaps they provide affirmation that what you are currently doing is right on the money. That always feels good…just don’t charge $149.99 plus shipping to provide me with that emotional backrub. I get daily e-mails from multiple companies that deal in educational products. Every single one of them touts their product like it is the second coming of Jesus.  They aren’t.  There are many programs for sale; some of them are very good and some are made with spit and ceiling wax.  I have said it 7,635 times before and I will say it until He takes me home that programs do not make the difference, people make the difference.  No matter how far we travel into the technology realm, we will always have the necessity of the development of positive and appropriate student-teacher relationships. It’s about people; plain and simple.  Education is about making a connection; electronic programs can become disconnected – just ask CTB.  We can add all of the “frills” to education that we want, but it will always come down to the skills of talented educators working with great parents for a common goal = helping the child succeed. Anyone who tells you differently is probably dictating a lengthy order at Starbucks. 

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The Browns play tonight against the Buffalo Bills on the shores of Lake Erie. They are off on Sunday. 

Mary and I are heading to Wisconsin this weekend for our nephew’s wedding…place your cheese orders.

Your Last Letter

Next to the mural of Col. John Wheeler is a painting of the last letter that The Colonel wrote.  The date of the letter is July 2, 1863 and this letter, addressed to his wife and children, was written in a tent just outside of Gettysburgh at 4:00 a.m.  Take a moment to read this letter today.  It will move you.  If it does not, I suggest that you check your pulse.  The letter details how difficult the battle in Pennsylvania will be and the struggles that will occur based on early reconnisance. There are two lines that have been highlighted by the artist, Marion Kellum, that will tug at your heart strings.  The Colonel writes:  “It may be the last letter to you. If so, believe that my last prayer for you is that God may help you all.”  Col. John Wheeler, the namesake of our school, was killed that very day on the battlefield.  The uniform that he wore that day is displayed in our display case.  His words were prophetic. 

Here’s my question for you to ponder – if this was going to be your last day, would it change the way you did things or, for that matter, what you did?  I don’t mean your last day on earth.  I mean your last day of teaching.  Think about that.  What would your last day look like?  Over time, you hear people talk that on their last day, they will show up in flip flops and beach wear and tell their boss to plant one on their gluteus and then show them exactly where that is located.  If you have those thoughts, let me say no thanks.  But, as you look at those faces in your classroom, what would be your parting words?  Would you spend the day teaching the most essential things about your subject area?  Would you prioritize just what was most important?  Would you put together a plan that would have a lasting effect?  Would you bring your absolute A-Game?  Would you teach like your hair was on fire?  Would you firmly implant that student-teacher relationship?  Would you create a great memory for your students?  Those may be your thoughts on your “planned last day.”  Here’s the truth – largely, we don’t know when that day will be.  No of us are guaranteed the next five minutes.  I know this from a personal experience on September 8, 2009.  Here’s the deal – work hard each day to do all of the above in your classrooms.  Teach the essential understandings in your classroom. Prioritize what those are.  Use the data you receive to better inform your instruction and what needs to be adjusted.  Create memories each day for kids that have create both academic retention and transfer.  Teach your rear off.  Make the most of every opportunity because you never know when that opportunity is your last one. 

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The Browns play in “The Battle of Ohio” this weekend on the shores of Lake Erie against the Cincinnati Bengals.  Either way, a team with orange in their team colors is going to win…let that be the team up North!

Earth, Wind, and Fire

Tomorrow night, Mary and I are going to see Earth, Wind, and Fire at the Chicago Theater.  For you younger folks, this is not a date to observe planets, measure temperature variances in the atmosphere, or to learn about combustion.  Earth, Wind, and Fire, sometimes referred to as “The Mighty Elements” by some die-hard fans is a music group that began in 1969 with an interesting mix of pop, jazz, funk, disco, R & B, soul, and rock. They play a little something for everybody.  This is not going to be a dull show.  Their combination of music is a rarity and sure beats the lounge singer at the Holiday Inn. (For those of you not getting that reference, please refer to a character that Bill Murray played on Saturday Night Live)  Earth, Wind, and Fire have won six Grammy Awards with hits such as September, Shining Star (Mary’s favorite), Getaway, After the Love is Gone, and yes, Boogie Wonderland.  My beautiful Mrs. is a big fan of Earth, Wind, and Fire.  I am going because I am a big fan of her. This group plays so many different genres of music that everyone finds some relevance. Everyone’s musical needs are met.  Earth, Wind, and Fire is a group that truly differentiates their music.

How about you?  What do you do about differentiating instruction in your room to meet the needs of your students?  Do all of the kids find relevance in your lessons?  Find those high-yield strategies that you have been exposed to on Wednesday mornings. Stay away from strategies that do not provide a high yield.  Use methods that havehigh effect sizes.  Present several learning options. Match tasks with interests and learning preferences.  Get to know your kids.  Get to know your kids. Get to know your kids.  Make developing a rapport with your students a high priority.  Plan to make this happen.  Use a variety of assessment strategies.  Balance teacher-assigned and student-selected projects.  Remember that kids learn best when they make connections between the curriculum and their own interests and experiences. If there is no connection, that’s on us as educators. Be a teacher that differentiates their instruction. Have an interesting mix.  Be an “Earth, Wind, and Fire Teacher”.  Perhaps you will produce several shining stars.

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The Browns play the Minnesota Vikings up North this Sunday.  We’re 0-2, they were just beaten in the last 10 seconds by the Bears and are fired up, they are at home, Adrian Peterson is a beast…looks like the perfect storm…then, we trade perhaps our best player yesterday for future draft picks and decide to start our 3^rd strong quarterback – we are perhaps at the threshold of Hades… nonetheless, I will watch, hope, and do it again the next week.

From Your Pet's Perception

Both of our daughters have brought cats home to live with us without speaking to Dad first. Their theory is that it is easier to ask forgiveness than to ask for permission.  “BB” (named after BB King) was in our house a week before I even knew it; demonstrating my attention to detail in our home.  Uzi showed up as a team effort between Amanda andMary.  He is not named after a weapon, but rather a character from the Bible meaning a “strong and brave leader”.  Funny, he is neither strong, a leader, and is perhaps the biggest wuss I have ever seen.  Ellie made it up to Da Region from Terre Haute where Annie rescued her on a cold and rainy night at her apartment door.  All of my girls, including the one I married, are totally in love with their felines. I enjoy them as much as I do hair loss.   I am sure that from the perspective of the cats, that the girls walk on water and they love them unconditionally.  They do not feel the same about me…let’s just say that we tolerate each other…sort of.  Anyway, think about your own pet for a moment.  Does your pet greet you at the door when you get home with their tail wagging?  Do they love you unconditionally?  Do they slobber all over you?  Do they forgive you quickly after they have been disciplined for various transgressions in your home? That’s their perception… go deeper – are you the person your pet thinks you are? 

We can fool our pets.  We can’t fool our kids.  They have perceptions about all of us.  Some are way off, others are spot on. Think, for a moment, about the teachers you had when you were a student.  Did any of them fool you?  Were your perceptions about them right on the money?  A few weeks ago, we all had a chance to make a first impression on the kids in our classrooms.  How did that go for you?  Also, a few weeks back, we all had the chance to make a first impression on the parents of these same kids during our “Meet the Teachers Night”.  How did that go for you?  If both of these went well, I want to encourage you to continue to build that relationship.  Understand the interests and backgrounds of your students.  That will take an investment of time.  Exhibit behaviors that indicate your interest in the success of your students.  Stay in regular contact with parents.  Call them to praise their child.  Get them on your team.  If the first impression didn’t go well, do not lose hope. You can turn that around, BUT, it will take a sustained daily effort to change that perception.  Someone once said that perception is reality.  I’m not sure if I totally agree with that, but I do know that perceptions can be changed over time with our ACTIONS.  Words just won’t do it. 

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The Browns play on Sunday was the Baltimore Ratbirds…I mean Ravens.  As much love here as I have for the cats!

State Nicknames

Some state nicknames are interesting to say the least.  Minnesota is the “Land of 10,000 lakes.”  Does that include large ponds?  New Hampshire is called “The Granite State”.  It may be changed to “The Countertop State” soon.  New Jersey is “The Garden State”.  Vegetable, flower, or octopus? (You will not get that unless you are a Beatles’ fan).  Arizona is often called the “Italy of America State” although it is not shaped like a boot.  Connecticut is “The Constitution State” even though the document was signed in Pennsylvania.  Hawaii is “The Aloha State” – just don’t know if that is a greeting or a farewell. Oklahoma is the “Sooner State”.  Apparently, the “Later” state is just west of it.  Utah is “The Beehive State”.  I am unclear if this refers to womens’ hairdos of the 60’s or honey-making insects. New York is “The Empire State” – didn’t know they sold carpet.   Arkansas is “The Natural State”….clothing optional?  Illinois is “The Prairie State”. I thought they may be “The State with the Most Incarcerated Governors State”. Florida is “The Sunshine State” – like they have a monopoly on this.  Missouri has arguably the best nickname – “The Show Me State” and that is what I want to work from in this message.

One of my Dad’s favorite words of wisdom to tell his four kids was, “Don’t tell me what you have done, SHOW me what you can do!” He never let any of us rest on ourlaurels; boasting was unacceptable and complacency was not allowed. My sister and two brothers have done some remarkable things in their lives, but you’ll never hear about it from their mouths.   In this time of increased accountability in education, the bottom line is results.  Our school has been named a Four Star School two out of the last three years.  That is great and needed to be celebrated, but it is time to move on.  We have to continually SHOW the results.  You have established the essential understands; those "Big Ideas" that you want your students to accomplish. Much like a finish line in a race, you can only do the measurement once they arrive. Sort of.  What you do leading up to this summative date really will determine the results. So, when you post your daily goals for your classes, make sure that you have a purpose for that goal. It should tie directly to the long-term goals. If not, then why would it be a goal along the way? Use the informal and formative data to plan your instruction. Will you have to make adjustments along the way?...yep! Good teaching requires that teachers use the formative data to "form" their instruction so that the kids are on the right path to achieving the long- term goals. If not, you are just shooting in the dark and any chance of desired achievement would be coincidental. Work smart so that when it comes time to show, there will not be any doubt that your teaching was pretty darn effective.  “Show Me” is not just a state nickname; it is the bottom line in what we do.  However, and this is a big however – not everything that is counted counts and not everything that counts is counted. While there are no bubbles, charts, or graphs for things like words of encouragement, pats on the back, positive comments, the giving of time and talents, and countless other acts of doing the right thing -  these things are major contributors to the bubbles, charts, and graphs.  Strive each day to make a difference as you SHOW others the way.

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The Browns play this Sunday on the shores of Lake Erie vs. the Miami Dolphins.   Could this be the year? I have been waiting for decades!