hopeful writer

My little kindergarten students come from varied backgrounds, socioeconomic groups, cultures, and foundations. Today, 118 days since school began, my littlest friend wrote a complete sentence independently. I was rounding his table to begin specials dismissal, and there it was: 3 words phonetically written on his journal page, with a picture to match. I froze as I marveled at his attempt to record his expression: I didn't hit.... of course, I had to ask, "you didn't hit WHO?". He replied, "no one". "Well, you better write 'no one' so you're sentence will be complete", I quickly noted with a smile. AND HE DID! It was heaven; for a teacher, those moments are precious and miraculous, they are emotional, rewarding, but mostly an honor and a privilege. He got it! He really go it! He has made the literacy connection between letter symbols, letter sounds, segmenting, and concepts of print. Those triumphant moments are what keep teachers reassured that there is hope!

Where have all the good ones gone?

Okay, I'm realizing I like interrogatives...Got Hope? Have you seen Hope lately? Where have all the good ones gone? Maybe it's just me, but it gets the intellectual cogs moving, with an interest to dialogue with other educators and stakeholders in the educational system about current issues and concerns. First, my intent will never be discrediting the educational system, posting negative rants on teaching experiences, or smearing my school, colleagues, students or parents with this blog. Second, my ultimate goal for blogging is to evolve as a reflective teacher, which will undoubtedly lend itself to descriptive, insighful and philosophical experiences, beliefs, and reactions. Third, my personal hope is to dialogue and share my teaching reflections with others in the field of education, in a safe and collaborative atmosphere. With the disclaimer finished, I ask again, where have all the good ones gone? Where are those passionate educators with a fire burning for student achievement, implementing best teaching practices, and a yearning for authentic professional collaboration? I know they're around, and many are visible in my school, but I wonder why so many educators have taken the backseat called apathy and have left hope outside their classroom walls. Do you know where all the good ones have gone? If you're out there, I would love to hear from you.