State Superintendent Mark Johnson has mentioned many times that he draws upon his “years” of teaching as casting perspective in his new role as the leader of the public schools. And as an “instructional leader,” he should know that questions asked in any “class” should be answered in a straightforward manner with honesty and integrity. … Continue reading The State Superintendent and the Elephant in the Room – Mark Johnson’s Refusal to Drive the Bus
What if Schools Could Operate Like the NC General Assembly – A 10-Point Lesson Plan
As the North Carolina General Assembly comes together in Raleigh for another of its patented “special sessions,” public school advocates are looking for lawmakers to make several “fixes” to rather ill-conceived initiatives like principal pay, class-size mandates, and the Innovative School District. However, as leaders were trying to gather members into their caucuses to go … Continue reading What if Schools Could Operate Like the NC General Assembly – A 10-Point Lesson Plan
Mess With The Bull, You Get The Horns – Defending Durham Schools
“Local leaders know what we need.” – Mark Johnson, Sept. 29th, 2016 in debate with Dr. June Atkinson. “Mess with the bull, you get the horns.” – Skipper from The Penguins of Madagascar “Hit Bull, Win Steak.” - Sign in the greatest minor league park in the country, the DBAP. When Mark Johnson said his … Continue reading Mess With The Bull, You Get The Horns – Defending Durham Schools
We Should Not Allow the ACT to Have This Much Power Over Our Schools
Almost to the day two years ago, an extended editorial appeared in newspapers across North Carolina concerning public education. I happened to read it in the Winston-Salem Journal. It was written by Walter McDowell, a board member of BEST NC. McDowell, a former executive with Wachovia, talked of the dire need to transform education in … Continue reading We Should Not Allow the ACT to Have This Much Power Over Our Schools
Yep – Your Items of the Week For Sept. 24th -Sept. 30th
San Juan Mayor Tillerson and North Korea Tom Price Response to Maria Russell Westbrook New Tax Plan 201 Twitter Accounts Kushner and private emails Graham – Cassidy Saudi Arabian women
Let Us Praise Great Coaches Again – Thinking of Coach Lambros and the North Davidson Community
If you teach long enough in the public schools, you will be fortunate enough to come across some great individuals who coach sports teams all the while teaching these very athletes lessons of life and success even in the wake of defeat. When winning seems to be the only criteria by which many measure the … Continue reading Let Us Praise Great Coaches Again – Thinking of Coach Lambros and the North Davidson Community
Not Saying Much With a Lot of Words – The Disappointing Interview With State Superintendent Mark Johnson
In what might be a first in the nine months that he has been in office, North Carolina State Superintendent Mark Johnson gave an interview that was accessible to the average North Carolinian. In “‘Fighting the status quo’: Inside the combative world of NC’s new public schools chief,” Johnson offers some explanation of his vision … Continue reading Not Saying Much With a Lot of Words – The Disappointing Interview With State Superintendent Mark Johnson
A Prayer For Coach Mike Lambros
News tonight that Coach Mike Lambros had entered hospice care as he continues his battle with cancer struck this West Forsyth Titan softball fan with a myriad of feelings for a man I had seen coach on numerous occasions and had met one time. Coach Lambros has been at the helm of one of the … Continue reading A Prayer For Coach Mike Lambros
It’s Banned Books Week – Ray Bradbury Would Want You to Read One
Below is a list of the most challenged books of the first decade of the 21st century. From the American Library Association (http://www.ala.org/advocacy/bbooks/top-100-bannedchallenged-books-2000-2009). Have you read any of these? 1. Harry Potter (series), by J.K. Rowling 2. Alice series, by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor 3. The Chocolate War, by Robert Cormier 4. And Tango Makes Three, by Justin Richardson/Peter Parnell 5. Of Mice … Continue reading It’s Banned Books Week – Ray Bradbury Would Want You to Read One
So, “How does North Carolina rank on a list of best and worst states for teachers?” – Take a Guess.
Today we learned that North Carolina is 45th on WalletHub’s ranking of 2017 Best and Worst States for Teachers. According to T. Keung Hui’s report today in the News & Record. North Carolina was 45th on WalletHub’s ranking of 2017 Best and Worst States for Teachers, finishing as the seventh-worst state on a list that … Continue reading So, “How does North Carolina rank on a list of best and worst states for teachers?” – Take a Guess.
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