"
Our best schools are places where
children learn about the world and begin to imagine life beyond their
neighborhoods. They are places where the arts are valued and
pursued—where children learn to draw and dance and play the piano, as well as
to understand a poem or a painting or a piece of music. They are places
where ideas are sought and explored—for the purpose of expanding young people’s
notions of justice, broadening their visions of the possible, and welcoming
them into ongoing cultural conversations. Our best schools are places
where children gain confidence in themselves, build healthy relationships, and
develop values congruent with their own self-interest. They are places of
play and laughter and discovery."
From the Washington Post's October 18th post on
The Answer Sheet, By Valerie Strauss, "What
poor children need in school" .
As I close one chapter of my journey towards doctoral-hood I immediately open another, the nontenured chair, my journey towards tenure as a dept. chair. Please, stay with me as I share the trials and turbulations of my first years in the academy.
