Personally Speaking...
What i have found to be true.
In my experience, learning, like life, flourishes when people give and take the ABCs of Acceptance, Belonging, and Community. This is true, I believe, not only in academics, but in social interactions and civic awareness as well. The truth is, the ABCs apply to every one of us: students, parents, teachers, staff, and other stakeholders, too. They sit at the top of a pyramid of other building blocks.
The blocks are the foundation of a synergy of holistic core values that nurture and empower our kids, our students, to become the people they want to be. The first, relationships, is built on open and honest conversation and a sincere appreciation for others and their views. Other important values include: Personal authenticity that leads to trust, student voice and high expectations, team collaboration, relevant curriculum, real-world learning experience, and community service. Together these values help our children develop confidence and independence, the thrill to try and the courage to fail, the grace to accept and enjoy success, and the desire to help others strive and achieve.
So you can understand how I arrived at this place, let me tell you a little of my story.
In the beginning.
I grew up in Massachusetts – first in Boston and later, Brookline. My parents were first generation Americans, and their proudest moment was when I graduated from college. After graduation, I moved to New York City.
While I was building a career in advertising, my son was born. He loved balloons and airplanes, stories, Ninja turtles, and Mario. He made every day shimmer with smiles and boundless energy. He was curious and joyful all the time.
Life changes.
When he was five, my son was diagnosed with learning disabilities. Watching him struggle, learning how to cope and overcome, I felt his frustration, his hurt, his confusion, and his anger. I wanted to hug him and make it all better.
Leo, the Late Bloomer became our favorite bedtime story. When my son would look at me and say, “I’m stupid, Mommy,” I would tell him, “No, you’re very smart. Just like Leo, you’re a late bloomer, and when you bloom, watch out.” That made him laugh.
Like every parent, I wanted to do everything that I could to help my child. In our journey, we met many compassionate and gifted educators. Yet when it came to my son’s I.E.P., relationships were sometimes strained. Issues that I thought could be easily resolved, or accommodations that I believed were easily doable became intractable walls of refusal and rejection.
I felt helpless, sometimes furious, and so, I determined to be part of the solution.
Transitions.
I went back to school to study the evolution of education, methods and best practices. I earned a Master’s degree in special education, found a position as an urban educator, and never looked back. Later, I earned a C.A.G.S. and my Doctorate in Education. My goal was and is to practice holistic education based on the core values in which I believe. My purpose was and is to build a bridge of collaboration between parents and educators that honors students’ strengths and helps them overcome their challenges.
Over the years, I have studied schools and educators that have consistently been successful in mentoring their students to learn, achieve, persist, and thrive happily. Through these opportunities and in my own practice, in K-12 and as a university professor, I have also discovered another core value that completes the synergy. It is this: an enthusiastic willingness to be flexible and responsive to the changing needs of our children.
Update.
Today, my son is a wonderful young man, happy in his life, successful in his career. He gave me permission to share part of his and our story. I love him. I am very proud of him. He is the reason I became a special educator.
In my career, it has been my privilege to know and teach many children. Some have IEPs and 504s; others do not. That is why now, I am simply an educator. No pre-fix is necessary because every child is an individual, unique and special.
My focus and practice have expanded from what children need in order to achieve to how instruction should be framed – respecting and incorporating children’s interests and strengths. Learning should be memorable and motivating, relevant and inspiring. It should challenge students to think and to do, give them voice and ask them to be proactive for themselves.
And now…
I have grown. As a mom I know what is true for my son and me. As an educator, I have learned what works for kids, parents, teachers, and our greater community. As a person, I have discovered that being flexible and open to new ideas is crucial for continual growth. As the world changes, as our country changes, as times and education must change, we, too, are always in the process of becoming. It is how we learn. It is how we lead.
The 21st century is unlike any that preceded it – digital, global, fast-paced, demanding, and brimming with promise and opportunities. Our children deserve to meet it with eagerness, confidence, and competence. Our job, as parents and educators, is to clear the path so that they can move forward - excited, independent, and persistent - until they reach the wonderful choices that are just in front of them. To do this, we must all be healthy in mind and body. My job, my purpose, is to point the way for us and for our children, to show you what works based on my experiences as a mom, and as an educator. In the process, I am excited to listen, see, and know you, and look forward to our journey together.
