Recently, I read a blog titled, "On Being Fired from My Job" by Lory Peroff, a National Board Certified Teacher and Hope Street Alumna. No, she wasn't fired from her teaching job; she was fired from a job she had writing for Civil Beat, a local publication.
I know Lory. I was the principal who hired her when she started teaching, 17 years ago. In fact, I nominated her as a Milken Teacher of Promise because as a new teacher, she was so innovative, caring, and created wonderful relationships with her students. Lory started doing project-based learning before it became a buzzword in education. Her students collected hygiene items for the homeless, and raised plants organically, sharing what they learned through a classroom blog, garden tours, and presentations to the school community as well as other principals. Because many of our students had parents who were deployed, Lory shared articles in the newspaper about current events, and student questions drove the discussions. As I’ve observed her continued growth after she left our school to teach abroad and now at Waikiki Elementary School, I cannot help but feel grateful to know her personally as well as professionally.
I was so proud when I opened up my Civil Beat app that morning and saw her first article. I was thrilled that she would be a regular contributor to their publication. Lory is an engaging writer, and I found myself looking forward to reading what she had to share. Therefore, I was a bit concerned when I realized that I was no longer seeing her articles. I wondered why. When I read her explanation, I couldn’t believe it. “Edgier?” They want articles that show the negative side of education? Maybe that’s the problem.
Lory shared a side of education that the general public might not have known about. She talked about the lack of funding for the arts and how their school sought out grants to have artists come to share their craft with students. She discussed the challenges of living in Hawaii on a teacher’s salary, and she shared deep concerns her students had about the state of our country and their discussions via “Philosophy for Children.” Like most educators I worked with, however, Lory saw the glass as half-full rather than half-empty. She saw challenges within our system or within her school or classroom, but she chose to seek solutions rather than just complaining.
I know that teachers like Lory are making a difference for students; this is why I looked forward to reading her articles and why I follow her on Twitter. Recently, she reached out to Eran Ganot, the University of Hawaii basketball coach, about a student’s persuasive letter to spend time with a UH basketball player. What a thrill for that student to be invited to practice with the team, a possible life-changing event for him! These kinds of stories are so important in changing the perception of the public about our schools. It is a shame that so much of the news is negative and that the public impression of schools is often based on test scores.
I remember years ago when my husband explained about porcupine power; that explanation stuck with me (pun intended). It means that those who are loudest or abrasive or the most prickly often get what they want or their side of an issue is what is heard and shared. Porcupine power doesn’t work for teachers like Lory and the thousands of others like her in our Department; rather, these teachers work tirelessly to address challenges without complaining or asking for public sympathy. We need to hear more of their stories and how they’ve overcome perceived challenges to engage and empower their students to be the best they can be.
I like reading Civil Beat; that is one of the first apps I check every morning when I wake up. This time, though, I think they got things wrong. Lory’s and other teachers’ stories need to be shared; we don’t need “edgier.” We need hope and positivity and stories of overcoming perceived challenges to help our students be the best they can be. Our schools, our teachers, and our kids deserve that.
Thursday, January 24, 2019
Thursday, January 10, 2019
Should Our Best and Brightest Become Teachers?
“How would you respond when someone you respect tells you your talents and abilities are being ‘wasted’ as a teacher?”
I saw this question posted on Twitter, and I’ve been thinking of an appropriate response. I know that the “best and brightest” are often encouraged to become attorneys or doctors or engineers and discouraged from going into teaching. How do we change the perception that teaching is not for our best and brightest?
Through my years as an educator, I worked with or connected with teachers who were in their second career. They worked in businesses or had jobs in the travel industry or were engineers out of college. Some of them took big pay cuts to become teachers, and when questioned, their responses were similar. They shared that they didn’t feel fulfilled in their previous profession and absolutely did not regret their decision to become a teacher.
What motivates us in our decision to pursue a career? Is it status? Economic stability? The ability to grow professionally? The opportunity to make a difference? Impacting our next generation? Something that stokes a passion? If we pursue a career for the "wrong" reasons, we may not feel fulfilled and may not give our best effort.
Not everyone can be a teacher. It takes a special kind of person to spend their whole day with kids and to commit to all the expectations of an educator. Teachers teach much more than academic skills. School is an opportunity for students to learn empathy, to work with others who have different strengths and challenges, to gain confidence through support from not just teachers but from classmates as well, to care about our world, to be exposed to new ideas, to have opportunities to pursue passions they didn’t know about before, and so much more! Teachers don’t just teach content. Teachers teach students, and therefore, teachers impact our future. These students will be our workforce, our leaders, our innovators to tackle the challenges in our community, our state, our country, and our world.
I can’t think of a more influential profession than teaching. After all, every other profession depends on teachers to do their job in educating our children. Journalist Charles Kuralt stated, “When we become a mature, grown-up, wise society, we will put teachers at the center of the community, where they belong. We don’t honor them enough; we don’t pay them enough.” Nelson Mandela shared, “Education is the most powerful weapon for changing the world.”
I recently read this article by Valerie Strauss, a writer for the Washington Post: "What teaching is and isn't." I think she accurately and succinctly explains why others may think that the "best and brightest" should aspire to a different profession. As for me, I was thrilled to hire the "best and brightest" at our school. Giving them opportunities to grow professionally and to take on leadership roles made a difference for our school community.
I saw this question posted on Twitter, and I’ve been thinking of an appropriate response. I know that the “best and brightest” are often encouraged to become attorneys or doctors or engineers and discouraged from going into teaching. How do we change the perception that teaching is not for our best and brightest?
Through my years as an educator, I worked with or connected with teachers who were in their second career. They worked in businesses or had jobs in the travel industry or were engineers out of college. Some of them took big pay cuts to become teachers, and when questioned, their responses were similar. They shared that they didn’t feel fulfilled in their previous profession and absolutely did not regret their decision to become a teacher.
What motivates us in our decision to pursue a career? Is it status? Economic stability? The ability to grow professionally? The opportunity to make a difference? Impacting our next generation? Something that stokes a passion? If we pursue a career for the "wrong" reasons, we may not feel fulfilled and may not give our best effort.
Not everyone can be a teacher. It takes a special kind of person to spend their whole day with kids and to commit to all the expectations of an educator. Teachers teach much more than academic skills. School is an opportunity for students to learn empathy, to work with others who have different strengths and challenges, to gain confidence through support from not just teachers but from classmates as well, to care about our world, to be exposed to new ideas, to have opportunities to pursue passions they didn’t know about before, and so much more! Teachers don’t just teach content. Teachers teach students, and therefore, teachers impact our future. These students will be our workforce, our leaders, our innovators to tackle the challenges in our community, our state, our country, and our world.
I can’t think of a more influential profession than teaching. After all, every other profession depends on teachers to do their job in educating our children. Journalist Charles Kuralt stated, “When we become a mature, grown-up, wise society, we will put teachers at the center of the community, where they belong. We don’t honor them enough; we don’t pay them enough.” Nelson Mandela shared, “Education is the most powerful weapon for changing the world.”
I recently read this article by Valerie Strauss, a writer for the Washington Post: "What teaching is and isn't." I think she accurately and succinctly explains why others may think that the "best and brightest" should aspire to a different profession. As for me, I was thrilled to hire the "best and brightest" at our school. Giving them opportunities to grow professionally and to take on leadership roles made a difference for our school community.
Friday, January 4, 2019
From Cook to Chef
Our grandson, Jayden loves to cook! For his 9th birthday, we bought him a 6-month subscription to Raddish. Every month, he receives recipes that kids can cook with the help of an adult. We asked him to bring his recipe binder when he came to visit us in Hawaii so he could cook for us. We agreed on a menu and made out our shopping list. He and his brother, Jace, went with me to the market, and truthfully, we had to search for some of the items because I had never bought them before.
We spent more than three hours preparing dinner! Jayden selected the menu: Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese, Apple Turkey Meatballs (he also made Apple Beef Meatballs since Grandpa Randy doesn’t like ground turkey), and Hot Cocoa Cupcakes. It was such a learning experience, not just for Jayden, but for me as well. The recipes appear to be simple, but nothing is short-cutted. Jayden had to read the instructions carefully, and it’s great that there are step-by-step instructions with accompanying illustrations. Raddish also adds interesting information about the dish or the ingredients and even adds jokes, art projects, and a Featured Culinary Skill with each recipe. I was also thrilled that Jayden was practicing math skills in a very practical way.
We had great discussions as we worked. I had to help him with some of the tasks but for the most part, Jayden was the cook. We discussed that - was he a cook or a chef? - and we agreed that until he learns the basics and gets more experience, he is a cook. When he starts to change up recipes and become more innovative, then he can call himself a chef. This led to a great series of questions from Jayden: Can a recipe be copyrighted? What happens if a chef has a signature dish, hires someone to prepare it, and that person leaves and takes the recipe with him? Isn’t that wrong? We ended up researching and having a discussion about the moral issue of "stealing" someone else's recipe. In the end, Jayden decided it would be wrong to "steal" someone's recipe; instead, he wants to make his own signature dishes.
What was most surprising to me was Jayden's perseverance; he was totally focused and never once complained that the job was too hard or boring. The meatballs weren't perfectly round, and some of the cupcakes caved in. However, they tasted great; in fact, Grandpa Randy ate three cupcakes! Jayden asked if we could extend his subscription for another six months, and I readily agreed. I loved seeing his focus and his obvious pride in preparing a full dinner for us, and hearing our compliments must have been so gratifying for him. I appreciate that his Dad enjoys experimenting in the kitchen and is passing on that love to Jayden.
Go for it, Jayden!
We spent more than three hours preparing dinner! Jayden selected the menu: Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese, Apple Turkey Meatballs (he also made Apple Beef Meatballs since Grandpa Randy doesn’t like ground turkey), and Hot Cocoa Cupcakes. It was such a learning experience, not just for Jayden, but for me as well. The recipes appear to be simple, but nothing is short-cutted. Jayden had to read the instructions carefully, and it’s great that there are step-by-step instructions with accompanying illustrations. Raddish also adds interesting information about the dish or the ingredients and even adds jokes, art projects, and a Featured Culinary Skill with each recipe. I was also thrilled that Jayden was practicing math skills in a very practical way.
We had great discussions as we worked. I had to help him with some of the tasks but for the most part, Jayden was the cook. We discussed that - was he a cook or a chef? - and we agreed that until he learns the basics and gets more experience, he is a cook. When he starts to change up recipes and become more innovative, then he can call himself a chef. This led to a great series of questions from Jayden: Can a recipe be copyrighted? What happens if a chef has a signature dish, hires someone to prepare it, and that person leaves and takes the recipe with him? Isn’t that wrong? We ended up researching and having a discussion about the moral issue of "stealing" someone else's recipe. In the end, Jayden decided it would be wrong to "steal" someone's recipe; instead, he wants to make his own signature dishes.
What was most surprising to me was Jayden's perseverance; he was totally focused and never once complained that the job was too hard or boring. The meatballs weren't perfectly round, and some of the cupcakes caved in. However, they tasted great; in fact, Grandpa Randy ate three cupcakes! Jayden asked if we could extend his subscription for another six months, and I readily agreed. I loved seeing his focus and his obvious pride in preparing a full dinner for us, and hearing our compliments must have been so gratifying for him. I appreciate that his Dad enjoys experimenting in the kitchen and is passing on that love to Jayden.
Go for it, Jayden!
Wednesday, December 12, 2018
The Power of Questions
We’ve been traveling a bit since I retired earlier this summer. Tonight, we returned home from a short trip to San Francisco where my husband, Randy, had meetings with the California Public Utilities Commission. Randy attended the University of San Francisco Law School, so visiting here is special and brings back memories of his days as a struggling law student.
Since we began implementing project-based learning at our school, I noticed that I was much more curious about generating questions and researching to find answers. ("The World Looks Different from a PBL Perspective.") Last year, one of my friends, Julia Myers, posted photos on Facebook of a family trip to Montana, and I was intrigued by one particular photo. I wrote a blog about how we collaborated to find out additional information. (“What Can We Learn from a Photo?”)
When we traveled to Las Vegas earlier this month, I saw a sign on Fremont Street outside the Golden Gate casino and researched to find more about this piece of history. I learned that the first telephone number in Las Vegas was “1” and that the first paved road and stoplight in LV were on Fremont Street. I know that when I return to visit (my son and grandsons live there), I am going to look for more pieces of history about Downtown Las Vegas.
Since we began implementing project-based learning at our school, I noticed that I was much more curious about generating questions and researching to find answers. ("The World Looks Different from a PBL Perspective.") Last year, one of my friends, Julia Myers, posted photos on Facebook of a family trip to Montana, and I was intrigued by one particular photo. I wrote a blog about how we collaborated to find out additional information. (“What Can We Learn from a Photo?”)
When we traveled to Las Vegas earlier this month, I saw a sign on Fremont Street outside the Golden Gate casino and researched to find more about this piece of history. I learned that the first telephone number in Las Vegas was “1” and that the first paved road and stoplight in LV were on Fremont Street. I know that when I return to visit (my son and grandsons live there), I am going to look for more pieces of history about Downtown Las Vegas.
This is the plaque that sits at the spot where the first telephone was installed in 1905.
Yesterday, we drove down to the Fisherman’s Wharf area in San Francisco, and decided to visit the San Francisco Maritime Museum. While there, I learned about two people whom I would never have known about before. The first is Hilaire Hiler, the artist who was commissioned to do the artwork at the Maritime Museum. I often wonder what inspires artists and how they come up with their ideas. One room is covered with sea-themed murals of vibrant colors. The other, a room which he titled, “Prismatarium," shows a color wheel on the ceiling. His theory about the relationship between color and the human psyche is certainly novel.
The photo above shows the artist who was commissioned to work on the murals at the Maritime Museum. Notice the colors of the murals which cover the walls of one room in the Museum.
At the Maritime Museum, I also learned about Kenichi Horie who, at the age of 23, made a solo voyage in a 19-foot sailboat from Japan to San Francisco. The voyage took 94 days. The story of his journey is amazing and is captured in a book and was made into a movie. Since then, Mr. Horie has traveled solo across the Pacific in solar-powered, pedal-powered, and wave-powered boats, some of which were made from recycled materials. Clearly, he is a visionary!
This is the Mermaid , the boat that Kenichi Horie sailed in on his 94-day voyage. He gifted it to the San Francisco Maritime Museum. As you can see, it’s not very large. Can you imagine being in that vessel for 94 days in the middle of the Pacific Ocean?
This is the journal Kenichi Horie kept while on his voyage. Everything is in Japanese, but I was struck by how neat his penmanship is. Beautiful handwriting!
Finally, I noticed this home and the sign when Randy and I were walking to breakfast one morning, and I went back to take a picture. I wanted to know more about the person who built this home. After I posted these photos on Facebook, one of my FB friends shared a link to a newspaper article about Captain Cavlary’s death so I was able to learn more about him. He was quite an accomplished steamer commander. Isn't it wonderful to be able to research our questions about people and events?
I love these old-style homes in San Francisco! That sign intrigued me; the house is 140 years old.
There are so many opportunities to ask questions and research to find out information about what's around us. All it takes is a bit of curiosity. Lifelong learner - that is what I strive to be!
Saturday, December 8, 2018
Dear Jace and Jayden
Dear Jace and Jayden,
Grandpa and Grandma really enjoyed spending time with you last week on our last trip. I always feel that these trips are much too short and this one seemed to be more so because you were still in school. Nevertheless, I love that we got to share some quality time with you.
While we were with you, our 41st United States President, George H.W. Bush, passed away. I learned that he wrote letters to his grandchildren, letters that they cherish to this day. I decided that this would be a great time to write you a letter, too, and share some of my thoughts with you both.
Jayden mentioned that I remind him of Mama Bear in the Berenstain Bears books. Did you know that your Dad, Uncle Jarand, and Uncle Jordan loved those books? . We read and discussed each one when they were published because they all were very applicable, addressing problems like messy rooms, too much TV, and sibling rivalry. I guess that thinking I am like Mama Bear is not a bad thing; she just wanted the best for her little bears.
After sharing time with you last week, I thought I’d suggest two bits of advice. I imagine that these could be themes in a Berenstain Bears book.
First, BE RESPONSIBLE. I know it’s hard to keep track of your things when you go from your Dad’s house to your Mom’s house. That’s why you need to figure out how to be responsible for your things for school and for activities like soccer and tennis. Maybe you will make a list for yourself or maybe you will get all your things ready the night before or maybe you will have another system that works for you. Being responsible will help you tremendously as you get older. Start developing good habits now and you will be ahead-of-the-game.
Second, BE KIND. I asked you to share with me how you were kind to someone that day. Remember when I read you “Wonder?” When kids were kind to Augie, they realized what a neat kid he was. You might not realize it at the time, but a kind word or a compliment to someone can make a difference for that person and turn a bad day into a good one. You will discover that once you start being kind to others, your kindness might start to spread to others. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if everyone were kinder to others?
Take care and do your best. I can’t wait until we see you again in a few weeks!
Love,
Grandma
Grandpa and Grandma really enjoyed spending time with you last week on our last trip. I always feel that these trips are much too short and this one seemed to be more so because you were still in school. Nevertheless, I love that we got to share some quality time with you.
While we were with you, our 41st United States President, George H.W. Bush, passed away. I learned that he wrote letters to his grandchildren, letters that they cherish to this day. I decided that this would be a great time to write you a letter, too, and share some of my thoughts with you both.
Jayden mentioned that I remind him of Mama Bear in the Berenstain Bears books. Did you know that your Dad, Uncle Jarand, and Uncle Jordan loved those books? . We read and discussed each one when they were published because they all were very applicable, addressing problems like messy rooms, too much TV, and sibling rivalry. I guess that thinking I am like Mama Bear is not a bad thing; she just wanted the best for her little bears.
After sharing time with you last week, I thought I’d suggest two bits of advice. I imagine that these could be themes in a Berenstain Bears book.
First, BE RESPONSIBLE. I know it’s hard to keep track of your things when you go from your Dad’s house to your Mom’s house. That’s why you need to figure out how to be responsible for your things for school and for activities like soccer and tennis. Maybe you will make a list for yourself or maybe you will get all your things ready the night before or maybe you will have another system that works for you. Being responsible will help you tremendously as you get older. Start developing good habits now and you will be ahead-of-the-game.
Take care and do your best. I can’t wait until we see you again in a few weeks!
Love,
Grandma
Wednesday, November 21, 2018
Giving Thanks 2018
I considered not writing a blog for Thanksgiving. This year has been challenging with the unexpected passing of our second son, Jarand, in May. As I reflected on this past year, though, I realize that there is still much to be thankful for.
I am thankful for my family who has helped me to be strong in this most difficult of times. My husband Randy and our sons, Justin and Jordan, have been a source of strength. Together, we help each other by recalling events and memories of Jarand, the son and brother we knew and loved. Jarand has also given us an opportunity to build awareness of Chronic Kidney Disease, and we hope that by sharing his story, we can help others. Jarand passed peacefully in his sleep; we had spoken with him the night before and ended our conversation with “I love you.” I am grateful for that last conversation with him.
I am thankful for Randy, my husband and soul mate for nearly 42 years. Like all married couples, we have had our ups and downs, but through it all, we have remained best friends and supported each other. This was especially true these past few months which were, undoubtedly, the most challenging experience in our marriage. I am proud of Randy for all he has accomplished for our State throughout his professional career, and I look forward to spending more time with him now that he will be retiring at the end of the year.
I am thankful for Randy, my husband and soul mate for nearly 42 years. Like all married couples, we have had our ups and downs, but through it all, we have remained best friends and supported each other. This was especially true these past few months which were, undoubtedly, the most challenging experience in our marriage. I am proud of Randy for all he has accomplished for our State throughout his professional career, and I look forward to spending more time with him now that he will be retiring at the end of the year.
I am thankful for Justin, our oldest son, who is a great Dad to our grandsons. When Jarand decided to move to the mainland to be closer to his nephews, Justin helped him get settled. I know that Jarand missed Hawaii but with his big brother’s help, he was able to acclimate and thrive in his new home. I am proud of the way Justin is raising his sons. They are respectful and so much fun to be with! I am a Proud Grandma.
I am thankful for Jordan, our youngest son, who is serving our country in the Air Force and recently returned from a deployment to Afghanistan. We are so proud of him! After working with military families for so many years as the principal of Daniel K. Inouye Elementary School, I know there can be many challenges. Yet Jordan is upbeat and independent, and I am confident that his military experience has helped him as he plans for his future.
I am thankful for my family and friends who have been there for me during these past few months. They share their own memories of Jarand, and their many stories and photos help us to heal. We realize what a special son we had, and although we will always miss him, I am proud to know that Jarand had such a positive impact on so many people.
I am thankful for everyone at Daniel K. Inouye Elementary School. After serving as their principal for so many years, they were my second family. It was not easy to retire, especially when I was still enjoying my job and the people I worked with, but I know that it was the right decision. Retirement has allowed me to relax and enjoy the simple things in life that I didn't even realize I was missing.
Despite the curve ball that life threw at us this past year, I realize that there is still much to be thankful for. May you all count your blessings and have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
I am thankful for Jordan, our youngest son, who is serving our country in the Air Force and recently returned from a deployment to Afghanistan. We are so proud of him! After working with military families for so many years as the principal of Daniel K. Inouye Elementary School, I know there can be many challenges. Yet Jordan is upbeat and independent, and I am confident that his military experience has helped him as he plans for his future.
I am thankful for my family and friends who have been there for me during these past few months. They share their own memories of Jarand, and their many stories and photos help us to heal. We realize what a special son we had, and although we will always miss him, I am proud to know that Jarand had such a positive impact on so many people.
I am thankful for everyone at Daniel K. Inouye Elementary School. After serving as their principal for so many years, they were my second family. It was not easy to retire, especially when I was still enjoying my job and the people I worked with, but I know that it was the right decision. Retirement has allowed me to relax and enjoy the simple things in life that I didn't even realize I was missing.
Despite the curve ball that life threw at us this past year, I realize that there is still much to be thankful for. May you all count your blessings and have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
This was the last selfie of our family, taken on New Year's Day 2018.
Tuesday, November 13, 2018
Resilience
I’ve been doing quite a bit of yard work since I retired. I find that it’s no longer a chore like it used to be when I was working. In fact, it’s relaxing and when I see the fruits of my labor, well, there is a sense of satisfaction. The yard is definitely not perfect, but it’s neater than it just was a few months ago!
I’ve been watching this weed grow out of a rock. My first inclination was to pull it out, but I decided to observe its growth to see what would happen. I see it as a sign of resilience and individuality. While other weeds grow where the conditions are more amenable to their growth, this weed has chosen another growth path. It’s as if he is telling me, “Who said you need dirt to grow?”
Isn’t this how some of our children are? There are some who need to be different, as if to prove that they CAN do it. They are individuals who have chosen to be different from others. We sometimes discourage them and try to steer them to the path we think they should take. .
Let's remember that weeds and people can flourish in the most unusual places!
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