To Know Is To Listen
October 21, 2011 § 4 Comments
In his latest podcast, ESPN writer Bill Simmons talked with Ticketmaster CEO, Nathan Hubbard, about the constantly changing state of the ‘live event’ consumer. The conversation began with a focus on how fan purchasing behavior has influenced the current state of NBA, and flowed into everything from the NHL to Taylor Swift to MTV in 1984 to future fan experiences at live sporting events (think smart phone integration). In addition to being a riveting conversation, it was incredibly relevant to my current work at 4.0 Schools: practicing empathy and ‘knowing your users.’ I was particularly struck by something Hubbard said about 12 minutes in: « Read the rest of this entry »
Achievement & Learning
October 17, 2011 § Leave a Comment
- “A man who chases two rabbits catches none.” Roman Proverb
Achievement and learning have a troubled marriage. Sometimes I wonder if the two can be simultaneously pursued.
As a teacher, I focused my attention on student achievement. As a parent, I am most interested in schools and teachers that build learners. « Read the rest of this entry »
Teach For Learning
October 14, 2011 § 1 Comment
In the autumn of 1999, I wanted to make a difference. I was motivated by social justice and social impact. I felt I possessed what TFA’s website at the time was calling for: the relentless pursuit of one ideal, that every child in this country deserves an excellent education and the kind of future that comes with it.
And when TFA said, “We are looking for applicants who will have a lasting impact on student achievement and who will become lifelong leaders in the fight for educational equity from a variety of professions.” I knew I had found my calling and my purpose.
TFA’s recruitment and marketing has gotten even more inspirational since then. I challenge you to watch this clip and remain unmoved:
However, when I think about most of my time in the classroom – especially my 2 years as a TFA corps member – I think I was there for the wrong reasons. « Read the rest of this entry »
Ideas, Ideals and Grit: Remembering Steve Jobs & Fred Shuttlesworth
October 10, 2011 § Leave a Comment
On Wednesday, two disruptive innovators died. National and social media outlets focused much of our attention on the passing of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, who, at 54, left us far too soon. You may not have heard that Fred Shuttlesworth died on the same day, aged 89. Heck, if you’re like me, you didn’t know who Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth was before Wednesday. « Read the rest of this entry »
Spiderman is Waiting for Superman
September 28, 2011 § 3 Comments
Did you know that Marvel Comics’ new Spiderman attends a charter school? He was one of the lucky ones who wins the lottery in the pages below.
Diversity Among Teachers
September 13, 2011 § Leave a Comment
Every child deserves an excellent teacher in every classroom. It is great to hire locally for a variety of reasons, but our primary responsibility is to the students, who deserve nothing less than a great teacher every year. In my school, I hope to have a diverse group of excellent teachers. I’m sure some will be born and raised New Orleanians teaching in the same neighborhood where they grew up, just as I’m sure others will relocate to New Orleans for the new job. We will be a diverse group of teachers to be sure, but we will be homogeneous in one respect: everyone will be committed to constant improvement and toward becoming the best teacher possible. « Read the rest of this entry »
When ‘Opportunity’ in Public Schools is About Adults, Not Students
September 12, 2011 § 1 Comment
On Friday, The Times Picayune ran an Op-Ed by Andre Perry. I’m familiar with Dr. Perry’s spots on local radio and the newspaper and find his ‘middle ground‘ on most hot button education issues welcome & refreshing. Strict adherence to any particular ideology is dangerous and doesn’t really help kids – Andre Perry gets that. Unfortunately, his most recent column is misguided and potentially divisive. « Read the rest of this entry »
