Let’s talk about this picture. I’m honored, truly, to have been brought along to college in any way, shape, or form. But then to be placed lovingly and respectfully next to a book about Obama and a leather bound journal TO WRITE IN with some newly sharpened old school, hard core pencils is just plain… Continue reading A New School Year: the Trouble and Triumph of Transition
When I heard about the passing of legendary great Pat Summit, the most winningest coach in the history of the NCAA, I reflected first on her courage as a human being thwarted by a devastating illness; I obviously did not know her on a personal level, but I remember watching and learning from her tenacity… Continue reading Pat Summit: A Model for Grit and Resiliency
This blog about addiction and recovery has been brewing for months actually. But most recently, I have run into former students of mine in various spots around town who are in different steps in the process of recovery–whether it be from alcohol, prescription pain meds, or even heroin. These were great kids in high school,… Continue reading More Support Needed for Recovery in our Hometowns
This one right here. This one with spunky, waterlogged, blond pigtails, wet from swimming, giant blue eyes inherited from her flirty father, and her perfect white chiclet teeth. Yes her. She is headed to kindergarten this fall, following on the short heels of her brother. She is ready. I am ready. She asked the… Continue reading How Heading to Kindergarten is a Little Like Leaving for College…Only Different
Abraham Lincoln once penned a note to the world regarding his young son beginning school: “Teach him, gently, World, but don’t coddle him, because only the test of fire makes fine steel.” I am grateful to have had the Merrimack Youth Association, travel soccer leagues, and truly incredible coaches from recreation straight through college. But… Continue reading In Honor of Great Coaches…
“One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world.” Malala Yousafzai, freedom fighter for education rights for all children and the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. “Better to live like a lion for one day than to live like a slave for 100 years.” Malali, the young woman… Continue reading In Recognition of International Women’s Day
Every year, I overhear a student casually talking about a wife-beater. And every time, I cringe with the image that contrasts with the ones my students are talking about. Most recently, the conversation sounded a little like this, “I can’t believe he was skiing with only a wife-beater beneath his jacket. What a jackass.” The… Continue reading Eradicating the World of Wife Beaters, One at a Time
This is Miss Seidel, my first grade teacher. We meet for lunch once or twice a year about halfway between where we both live. Yesterday was one of those moments we live for as teachers, when a student returns to say thank you, only I was on the student end. I was able to give… Continue reading Once a Teacher, Always a Teacher…
It’s Friday morning at school and minus 1 degree as I stand here at my post for waving duty. I stand at the stop sign at the front entrance of my school to make sure parents stop at the stop sign and don’t run over any students in the crosswalk. Thank you for stopping at… Continue reading Thinking about Choice while Standing in -1 Degrees
Dear former students who have sworn at your teachers, I hope this letter finds you happy, healthy, and gainfully employed in a job you like! I’ve been thinking about you lately, and thought I might compose a note. This summer I participated in an outdoor evening boot camp two days a week which included two… Continue reading For Students Who Have Sworn at Your Teachers
Heather Ehrman Krill: The "Write" Kind of Coach 