The rapport between teacher and student is a sacred thing. It is hard won…over time. It cannot be rushed. It cannot be faked. It is trust that shows up time and time again, until mutual respect is achieved. Building rapport is something all great teachers do. It is an intangible skill that can’t exactly be … Continue reading Rapport
Education
A Tribute to Schools
While doing random errands yesterday, I came upon multiple school buses running their routes. Getting ready. Making sure they know where to go and how to get there. Bus running is not an easy task. You couldn’t pay me enough money to be a bus driver. A million? No thanks. School bus drivers are made … Continue reading A Tribute to Schools
Caught by Surprise
Our new book is gaining some traction and we have been invited to speak in different locations. Our first presentation was for a group of Parkinson’s patients and their caregivers. I was a bit nervous, but excited to get this book into the hands of caregivers who need it. I made the drive to Greenville … Continue reading Caught by Surprise
John C. Campbell Folk School
In 1908, John Campbell and his wife Olive Dame packed their belongings in a covered wagon (the RV of their time) and began a road trip that would change a multitude of lives. They were on a fact-finding mission to increase the quality of life of the mountain people in Appalachia, but in order to … Continue reading John C. Campbell Folk School
Bonnie
I just learned that my friend Bonnie Petras died in July. This is my tribute to her. I first met Bonnie at my interview. I was looking for a teaching job in White County, and she was on the interview committee, which felt like more like an inquisition. I sat at the head of the … Continue reading Bonnie
Wonder
I was inspired. At least that’s what I told myself. I volunteered to be the field trip coordinator for our grade level for the year. No more staying in our little community and taking kids places they went all the time anyway. I wanted to broaden their horizons. Open their eyes to new places. At … Continue reading Wonder
Retirement
They say cleanliness is next to godliness, but I have never believed that statement. My house looks lived in. There are piles of clutter, blankets of dust, and fur tumbleweeds. All those things make my house a home, at least that is what I tell myself. The closets are burgeoning with all the clutter piles … Continue reading Retirement
Facing the Unknown
We could have never expected a pandemic to upend our world. It is like something out of a movie plot. As parents, it has caught us all totally off guard, and uncovered some of our deepest fears for the safety of our families. The unknown is at the core of most of our anxiety, whether … Continue reading Facing the Unknown
8 Things to Remember When Teaching Your Children
It is no secret we are living in unprecedented times. That word alone has been overused to the point we are all tired of hearing it. As parents and teachers, we know as well as anyone that education has never been easy, but now educating our children has become a game show experience. Guess the … Continue reading 8 Things to Remember When Teaching Your Children
Mary Frances Early
My Aunt Betty had a best friend named Mary Frances. She was spoken of at every family gathering as if she was sitting in the room. We met many times because often she was at a concert we attended or at Betty’s house when we were there. Betty told us all about Mary Frances, and … Continue reading Mary Frances Early
Michelle's Mosaic 