READ

I knew I had a good group of students this semester when I suggested we do READ photos with their favorite books and….everyone got excited…everyone got dressed up…everyone had a book.  Being an advocate of literacy isn't always easy.  I can't tell you how many times I have bitten my tongue when hearing a preservice teacher exclaim with pride that s/he doesn't read books or hasn't read a single book since being made to read in high school.  I always want to ask if s/he would like to say that to the parents of their students.  Would one be impressed to hear that from their child's teacher?  To be honest, some parents would laugh and agree that they too are in the same boat, but many (actually I believe most) would be horrified.  Horrified.  


So this semester when my group of students (who will be teachers within the next three years or sooner) eagerly and easily found their favorite books, I felt very hopeful.  In our crazy race to the top in order to leave no child behind, we often forget about our quality future educators.  I have watched them spend countless hours and energy to design interactive lesson.  And I have listened as they have expressed their dismay over visiting classrooms that emphasize the worksheet machine rather than truly igniting a passion for learning…and reading.  


This time of year we typically give thanks for all that is good in our lives, and for me, I give thanks that the future of our classrooms is bright.  Today I'm not consumed with worrying about testing mandates or low-performing students.  Today I am thankful that a group of bright and eager readers are ready to take their place as teachers in your child's classroom.

---