Happy Thanksgiving!

Next week marks the beginning of a series of celebrations, starting with Thanksgiving and rolling into what we used to call Black Friday.  I guess Black Friday is not so much of a big deal now with the onset of deal shopping at all times of the year. Black Friday has been replaced by Amazon Deal Days or something like that. I’m not so upset about it, because in my younger days, I remember White Flower Days (I probably just dated myself). For those of you that don’t know this awesome event, it was the Black Friday deals of yesteryear in Macy’s. But I digress. The Saturday after Thanksgiving is Small Business Saturday, which I absolutely love. I really do. My wife and I usually head into town and shop all the little stores. Not so much a Black Friday sale day, but it is a healthy community day that adds to the events of the season. As a society, we’ve created an extended "holiday season" as many of you know. It starts with Halloween and doesn’t stop until the Super Bowl in February. That’s over four months of festivities and gatherings. Whatever your plans are, let us hope for rain, just not the troubles that accompany the rain. So, here’s my humble holiday wish this year: may everyone’s roof hold up against the elements. It might not be the flashiest or most exciting wish, but if your roof fails during a storm, you’ll quickly realize how critical it is. Having been there a few years ago when the roof leaked and warped the drywall ceiling in my house. It was not fun with tarps and buckets trying to save the flooring. For that, I’d hate to be the guy who didn’t send out well wishes in advance.  Most importantly, the holiday season is a time to take stock of what truly matters. While it’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of shopping, decorating, and planning, it’s equally important to pause and appreciate the simple things: a warm home, nice meal, family and friends, and the roof over your head…literally and figuratively. And since it’s Thanksgiving, why not start by reflecting on gratitude? This weekend, as you prepare for the whirlwind of holiday activities, take a moment to consider the things that bring meaning and joy to your life. Maybe it’s the laughter of loved ones gathered around the table, the satisfaction of a job well done, or the comfort of a familiar routine. Whatever it is, cherish it. As the holidays unfold, let’s hope for the best.  The best in all of us. Let us hope for laughter instead of leaks, for joy instead of storms, and for peace and warmth to fill our homes. After all, this season is about more than just celebrations; it’s about connection, resilience, and gratitude for the things we often take for granted. So, as Thanksgiving gives way to Black Friday and the holiday hustle, remember to pause and savor the moments that matter most. May your weekend be unbelievable, your spirits be high, and your roofs hold strong. Happy Thanksgiving!

Until next time...

10,000 Hours

Throughout my career in education, I have pushed the concept of incremental change. I believe in the power of small changes. I utilize it in my life. I teach it to my children. The true power of change is found in incremental change.  Look at erosion, plate tectonics, investment, and in my case, keeping the garage clean. Small changes over time will make a big difference. The evidence is all around us. This idea was much more pronounced in the book I recently read called ‘Outliers’ by Malcolm Gladwell. He presented several stories of success and boiled them down to the “10,000-hour rule”. His thesis is that mastery in any field requires about 10,000 hours of dedicated practice and that resonated with me. I know that meaningful growth is a product of consistent, focused effort over time. It doesn’t happen by chance and it cannot happen overnight. In education, that is why incremental change is so important. Success is the result of small, daily improvements that compound over time. Each lesson plan, classroom interaction, and professional development session contributes to the growth of teaching skills. Even the most seasoned teachers can refine their craft by embracing incremental change. Consider dedicating just 30 minutes each day to honing a specific skill. Whether it’s integrating technology, improving classroom management, or designing engaging lessons, it will add up to over 180 hours in a year. Over the course of a teaching career, these small investments yield significant dividends. The key is consistency. As I stated above, I not only utilize this approach professionally, I employ it in my private life. If our paths would have crossed two years ago, you would have seen me 80 pounds heavier. For health reasons, I decided to make a change. I had read an article in Runner’s World on ‘Streaking’ and it inspired me. So, on January 1st of 2023, I began streaking. No, not running around without clothes, (we will leave that action to the decade of the 70’s where it was born), but doing something with consistency and holding a streak. My streak was simple: run, walk, or jog a minimum of 2 miles a day. Today I am happy to say that I am at day 685 of my streak. Not only have I lost 80 pounds, but my blood pressure is lower and my resting heart rate is lower. These outcomes are a result of consistent, incremental change. As educators, our role is to guide students in breaking down large goals into manageable steps. For example, a student struggling with reading can benefit from 15 minutes of focused reading practice each day. Over time, this small effort leads to substantial progress. Similarly, in subjects like math, consistent practice with foundational concepts builds the skills necessary for tackling advanced problems later. In sport, it is about learning the fundamentals so well that the performance of fundamentally sound movement becomes second nature. As a guitar player, I no longer have to think about where to put my fingers, I just do it. When I think about it, I get slower. Gladwell’s 10,000-hour rule aligns with the powerful truth that hard work over time can lead to significant success. This idea is often illustrated with the concept of compound interest. Just as small investments grow exponentially in a financial account, incremental improvements in education compound to create profound transformation. The progress may seem slow at first, but over months and years, the results are undeniable. By focusing on incremental change, we remind ourselves and our students that every small effort matters. Together, we can build a foundation for long-term success, one hour, one day, and one step at a time. Make tomorrow better than today and begin your own streak.

Until next time...

Hope

This week, I wanted to write a bit about hope. In our profession, we often see things that give us pause. For me, during the pause, my brain trails off into a thought about hope. How do we inspire it? How is it lost? How does it fuel us? Though I may have some answers, I will not offer them. I will simply allude to the obvious, that hope is the force that fuels us all, but it is not the blueprint. It is a powerful force in education. I see it like the midi-clorians that make up ‘The Force’ in Star Wars. The more you have, the more powerful your potential. Like hope, it is intangible but real, potent but not able to be held in your hand. Unfortunately, just like in Star Wars, we can’t simply hope to beat Darth Vader. Hope is part of the motivation, but it is not a strategy. Our job as educators is to work with hope daily. Just as misery likes  company, hope loves an audience. As a parent, I learned early on that hope is not the plan, but the push. Not the physical push, but the mental. As a coach for many years for Cross Country and Track and Field, I often asked my student/athletes to go beyond what they had done before. I talked to them about how the hard work will pay off at championships. I would give them the ‘tough love’ that we cannot rely on hope because hope is not a strategy. This phrase is one that I have used countless times before. In schools, we cannot wait for test scores with fingers crossed to see if our students did well. We have to meticulously plan for their success and when it happens, it is not a surprise. We planned for it. To base our outcomes on hope alone would be ridiculous. We cannot sit back and wait for things to turn around on their own, and we can’t spend our days with crossed fingers expecting results. Hope without action is just wishing in disguise. We’re here to make real change, not wait for it. Our students deserve it. Our parents expect it. When we add proper planning and execution with hope, that is when the real magic happens in the classroom. Every lesson plan, discipline strategy, and classroom rule is a layer of action. Hope is what fuels our energy to take that action, but the structure we build with our plans is what holds it up. For educators, this means getting clear on your goals. You’ve got standards, you’ve got common formative assessments, you’ve got every acronym known to man. Choose the right strategies that will get your students from Point A to Point B. When you have meticulous planning, hope becomes part of the atmosphere. It’s real, and it’s what we’re doing every day. With hope, we all know there is a time limit associated. We never want our students to lose hope. I would not wish that on anyone. Therefore, begin taking steps to fuel a brighter future. The flickering flame of hope can be fanned into a bonfire with on-time planning. Just remember, no one ever won a battle, taught a classroom, or ran a school on hope alone. I hope you enjoy your weekend. With amazing weather, enjoy the outdoors but most of all, be restful! (cue Beethoven - Moonlight Sonata).

Until next time...

Book Reviews

This week I am entering into the world of books. As many of you know, I love reading. I plow through both reading and audio books relentlessly. I can’t get enough. Every now and again, I get into a book that makes me pause. That was the case with Erik Larson’s ‘The Demon of Unrest’. I read it on the advice of a colleague and was absolutely blown away. The narrative grabbed me and took me on a journey of intrigue in the months that preceded the Civil War. It was amazing to me to see the many parallels that exist in our society still today. It begs the question, are we advancing or retreating? As an educator, I couldn’t help but reflect on the relevance of history and how important it is to prepare the next generation with knowledge to face similar challenges. Throughout the book, the author discusses political division, social inequality, and the fast pace of technological change. This is truly no different than today. 

 I thought the most interesting part was how the author discussed the importance of the leader within: The moral and ethical conundrums that we all face navigating our own objectives. When faced with challenges, do we rise up to meet it, or do we wilt like a flower in the sun. The lesson of integrity is so important today. Certainly the greatest theme addresses change in the Southern States. No doubt, change was coming and the book details how different social groups and people responded to it. Some people avoided it like the measles, others faced it. Those that faced it and accepted change, in the end, were better off. Those that resisted change, were met with a difficult existence or much worse, sad end. This is so true with our personal lives, our work experiences, and society in general. By studying history, we can see that change, while difficult, can also lead to growth and innovation.

Then while reading the book, the emotions got involved and I was tangled up in the story. I kept asking Why? Why did that have to happen? Why…Why.WHY! It’s not like the outcome was a big surprise. I know the winners, but the stupidity of it all. I have traced my family tree and have found ancestors that have fought on both sides. Thankfully they survived so I could be here, but I still ask the questions. The answer to the Why is, I guess, stubbornness. More than a belief, more than economic realization, it boiled down to a way of life and an unwillingness to change. Just NUTS! It relates so much to the current social climate that it was truly scary. Not that we are on the verge of a North/South battle anytime soon, but just the idea of social unrest, underserved populations, the erosion of ethical and moral conduct, and the distrust of elected officials. It’s all in the book. 

I know, I know, I sound like a book ad. I really don’t write reviews of books because when I read them, they become mine. What I take from them, I get to keep. For this book however, I took away deep thought and strong emotions. I want people to read it and experience the same. For me, it was more than reading because I have to stop to digest. That in turn, started my thoughts and emotions, which prompted me to dive into it further. So, for this one, I say thank you to my colleague for encouraging me to read it. It was an absolutely riveting read. Next on the reading list is another from Erik Larson, “In the Garden of Beasts” and then one from Amor Towles, “A Gentleman in Moscow”. I’m sure I’ll have something to say about these as well. Stay tuned. This weekend's weather is perfect to pick up a book and read outside. Whatever you do, have an enjoyable time. 

Until next time...

Hyperbole

In our world, communication can be challenging. Sometimes we use hyperbole to drive a point home. I use it with my children all the time like, “I’ve told you a thousand times to take out the trash!”.  In education, the communication can be clear as mud. (See what I did there? Hyperbole strikes again!) Whether we’re teaching math, science, history, or any other subject, the way we communicate can make or break the classroom experience. 

While we might not realize it, hyperbole plays a starring role in the classroom. As you probably remember from your high school English class, hyperbole is an exaggeration not meant to be taken literally. It’s when we stretch the truth like we’re trying to make taffy at a summer fair. “This is the hardest test in the history of mankind.” Sound familiar? Yeah, we’re all guilty. And, spoiler alert, so are our students. Hyperbole is like the secret spice of language. A little dash here, a sprinkle there, and suddenly our sentences have more flair, more drama. It makes everything sound bigger, grander, and often, funnier than it actually is. Which is great, until someone believes it.

Let’s take a walk down memory lane. You’re in the classroom, explaining a concept you’ve gone over a thousand times. “This is the most important lesson you will ever learn,” you say, hyperbole oozing from every syllable. You’re hoping to stress the point, but somewhere in the back, little Johnny’s eyes widen with terror. The poor guy thinks that if he doesn’t nail this concept, his entire future will spiral into ruin. That’s when hyperbole jumps from being a helpful rhetorical device to a panic-inducing nightmare. Sure, we’ve all exaggerated to emphasize the importance of a lesson, a rule, or a procedure. And yes, there are times when that works. We have seen students sit up a little straighter, pay a bit more attention, and maybe even write something down in their notebooks. But the danger comes when hyperbole stops being a tool and starts being reality.

Teachers aren’t the only ones dabbling in hyperbole because we know our students are practically professional exaggerators. “This is the hardest homework ever,” they wail, as if you’ve assigned them the task of defining nuclear fusion. On the one hand, we can chuckle at their flair for the dramatic because let’s face it, we’ve all been there. But we also should know the danger of letting hyperbole run rampant. If students start believing their own exaggerated statements, they can fall into a trap of avoidance. If they think a task is impossibly difficult, they might give up before they even start. The point is, hyperbole in the classroom is a double-edged sword. It can capture attention, convey enthusiasm, and even inject a little humor into dry material. Telling students that something is “super important” or that it’ll “blow their minds” can pique curiosity. But we should also balance those moments with reality checks. Let students know that while something is important, it’s also achievable. At the end of the day, a little hyperbole is a lot like teaching itself: sometimes messy, sometimes funny, but always impactful. It’s part of the human experience, especially in the classroom, where emotions run high, and every day feels like an epic journey. Hyperbole can be a fantastic teaching tool when used sparingly and with intention. So, embrace the hyperbole, just don’t let it fool you (or your students) into thinking that every situation is life-or-death. After all, we know that teaching is the hardest job in the world (No hyperbole there, I swear). Have the best Fall Break ever. (cue Vacation - The Go-Go’s)

Until next time... 

Cognitive Dissonance

This week I was doing some research and writing about cognitive dissonance. I was intrigued by how it relates to teacher burnout, the topic I am currently writing about. I guess I have always been fascinated by how our brains work. The idea that one brain can work in conflict is incredible such as when our behaviors and beliefs do not agree. Such misalignment causes problems. To make the point, have you ever felt bad about the way you’ve behaved? I know I have. Perhaps you’ve experienced regrets over something you’ve said or done, feeling as though your actions didn’t quite reflect your true intentions or beliefs. These uncomfortable moments are classic examples of cognitive dissonance. It is the psychological discomfort that arises when a person’s behavior doesn’t align with their values, beliefs, or self-image. 

Imagine wanting to live a healthy lifestyle, but not taking steps to exercise. I lived this way for many years. Food was my comfort and exercise, not so much. I had intentions of staying fit and healthy, but my actions, along with my love of nachos, contradicted my intentions. Like most, I blamed it on time. Time wasn’t my issue. Television, late night snacks, cravings, overeating, and the fallacy of fatigue were my problems. I lived in cognitive dissonance and it was tiring. 

Teachers, like anyone else, experience the tension that comes from behaving in ways that don’t align with their personal or professional standards. For instance, consider the scenario where a teacher knows they have a stack of papers that need to be graded. Their students are counting on them to return these assignments with feedback the next day. The responsible thing to do would be to sit down after school and focus on grading. However, instead of tackling the most pressing task, the teacher might spend their time socializing with colleagues or engaging in other activities that take them away from their grading responsibilities. In this situation, the teacher’s behavior of putting off grading, is in direct conflict with their professional values of responsibility and commitment to their students. Later that night, as the clock ticks closer to midnight, the teacher begins to feel the weight of that ungraded stack of papers. Anxiety sets in, and sleep becomes difficult as the reality of unfinished work looms large. The teacher knows they should have used their time more wisely, and the dissonance between their actions and their professional standards becomes a source of stress and fatigue. The inner conflict of wanting to do what’s right but failing to follow through creates that familiar discomfort associated with cognitive dissonance. I see this cycle constantly in my household with my wife, who is a teacher, my children with their homework, and with my own work. The reality is, when we act this way, we are punishing ourselves.   

We all suffer from cognitive dissonance and the good news is that it can be fixed. The solution is within our grasp. As a matter of fact, you create your own simple solution: align your beliefs with your actions. When your actions are in harmony with your values, there’s no dissonance, and you can move through life with a greater sense of peace and integrity. For me it is going on my runs every morning and staying away from the nachos in the evening. Hopefully your challenges are easier than mine. Have a great weekend. (cue What a Fool Believes - The Doobie Brothers)

Until next time... 

Connections to Our Collective Past

This past week I attended the USDA Grantee Gathering in Omaha, Nebraska. Though I had so much to do on site, as the representative of the school, I was mandated to attend. It was very interesting to see the multitude of people in attendance. There were individual schools, districts, and nonprofits that support schools, all ultimately centered around the idea of farm to school. I had an interesting time. Though I had challenges with my travel upon my return, which left me stranded in Denver airport for a night, I can still look upon the trip as favorable. The highlight was not what was happening within the conference, it was with a person I met. On the first morning, we were directed to sit at certain discussion tables. I found my table group, took a seat, and introduced myself. The woman sitting next to me introduced herself as Linda Moore, Founder of a Charter School in Washington D.C. When she started speaking, her accent did not fit with D.C., so I asked her. She proudly said that she was from Little Rock, Arkansas. At this point, I began to nerd out. You see, I traveled last summer to Little Rock to the PLC Conference with several teachers. In Little Rock is Central High School, one of my bucket list visits. You may be asking, why is Central High School a bucket list item? I taught for 9 years at Central High School in Fresno, and in my first year there, a Central High (Little Rock) Alumnus spoke to us at an Assembly. It was Terrence Roberts, a member of the Little Rock Nine. The first nine African-American students who desegregated Little Rock Central High School in 1957. His story was amazing and the perseverance these students showed captivated me. How could people be so cruel? I asked myself. Then my mind would immediately jump to, How could those students endure such harassment? We have all seen the pictures of racists 8 deep on each side of the school stairway and the National Guard vehicles trying to block them from entering the school. The 101st Airborne Division was sent to protect the students by President Eisenhower, but that was just to get them inside. There was no protection from the other students once inside. State Government versus the Federal and the students were in the middle. I walked those steps to the main doors of Central High and I couldn’t even imagine the emotions experienced by the nine students. They must have been terrified! As I continued talking to her about it, she told me that she knew Terrence and the Little Rock Nine, including Melba Patillo. Then she said Melba Patillo’s mother was her Godmother. I about fell out of my chair. I could continue, but I really should cut it short. She did continue telling me her story, because I kept asking. Truly inspiring! I have now added a family trip to D.C. on my bucket list, not for the Capitol buildings, Holocaust Museum, or the Smithsonian, but to introduce my family to Ms. Linda Moore, the 75 year old founder of a school for inner city youth. I have a date to sit for tea and visit her school. My conversation with her motivated me to be better than I am, to do more than I can, to listen when I can’t, and to see even though I may be obstructed. She was delightful and the highlight of my journey. In speaking with her I was humbled. After that morning, the challenges of my life seemed to not be so difficult. At the end of the second day, I saw her again as we were entering the elevator. She looked tired as many of us were at that point. She paid me the best compliment, “I’m 75 and this stuff makes me tired. I can’t put in these long days like you young folks!” I smiled. “Ms. Moore, it has been a very long time since someone has called me young. I thank you.” May you have a super weekend and enjoy the glorious weather.

Until next time...