This entry today will be more of a reflection today. I have to admit, I put a lot into work. I not only give my hours but I give my heart and soul. I have chosen to make education an area that I would dedicate my life towards. The first lesson I always teach is that education is not retaining and regurgitating information. Part of my philosophy is that education is planted and then nurtured to help it grow. If someone is truly educated they should never forget the knowledge not information they gained.
All in the name of education I made the decision to move to an area where the education, public I might add is what I feel up to par. I wanted to provide C.J., long before she was thought about or born the best garden possible to grow and flourish in. With her daddy and mommy doing their watering, fertilizing and pruning and the teachers and community doing their part I believe that C.J. will have the optimum environment for educational growth. Never will it be OK for C.J. to just cram information in her head for tests and grades. I want her to acquire knowledge that she can draw from for the rest of her life.
This all stems from what I saw at work the past two days. I saw students who are not challenged, not allowed to explore different academic subjects, schools that paid more for security cameras than their course offerings. I met with students who thought it was OK, to not do well and then expect for someone not to look at their historical grades. I saw a kid who were content with mediocracy and school districts that fostered that behavior.
As a educator I want more for these children. I will continue to fight that they be challenged and given the opportunity to explore the world beyond their home cities. I will continue to advocate on their behalf that they deserve educators who are willing to take them to places beyond their wildest imaginations. I will continue to say to the politicians that more money is needed in areas of low income and poverty. I desire for all children to learn how to learn and to not be swamped with the badgering of pass the test because that is what measures what you know. Education is not nor has it ever been quantitative. When we went there we went wrong. If we valued knowledge like we should then our children would value education as they should.
So I have a lot more children than just C.J. I will continue to pray that God allows me to have her in a healthy garden where the land is tilled and turned to keep it fresh. I will also pray that the concrete jungles that have been called playgrounds be dug up to unearth the healthy soil beneath that is home to so much knowledge waiting to be explored.
Pray with me people because we all know that prayer changes things.
C.J. Daddy wants you to know that he will do all he can to help you reach your goals and aspirations. Do me this one favor always value what you know and never settle for just enough. If you challenge yourself, ask questions and read like your mommy:), you will develop a passion for learning and that passion will turn into a burning desire that will keep you going and on top for a long time. Love you baby! Your daddy.
