Something to think on...

Education for all

I was saddened after reading an article in the Washington Post on education in Afghanistan. We, on this little island, take free and available education for granted. We do not realize that there are places where children cannot go to school because they are forced into labour camps, or sweat shops. Girls are not afforded the right to an education as they are seen as not being equal enough to be able to be literate. Wow.

What a year...

It has been a while since the talking teacher has posted up. What a year we have been through. New Education Ministers, meetings during that day that disrupted the flow of the day, press conferences, battles with the board, people getting "15" minutes of fame, according to some, what a year. The Talking Teacher must say though, despite it all fellow teachers, you must do it for our young scholars. You have to> I am amazed and also enraged at the ignorance that some hold about the Government system. In fact, I usually try to stay out of the barber shop conversations, and the family get togethers when education appears on the radar. Sometimes though, the ignorance prevails so much that I find myself drawn into the conversation like a pit-bull being drawn to a cat. But ignorance has no place in 2009.

2008 was great my people, but 2009, your classroom experience must be divine. We must be the best for them. They need us to be. Educators, seek to present the best laid out plans for them. If that didn't work, go home, reformulate, and then try again. Never stop trying, never think that you have reached a point where you think you can't improve. For real.

To the teachers who are just in it for the money, or even for the holidays, maybe it is time to try another career option. Seriously though, there are many other options that can make you more money, much faster. We don't need any dead weights in 2009, none!!

My challenges:

To the Paras- you are the right hand in the classroom, think not that you are limited in what you can do. Link with the teacher and be the professional as your name describes.

To the teachers- never be content, always try to improve your craft, after all, it is the BEST profession in the world.

To the principals- be visible, be the support that your teachers need, let them know and feel your presence in a positive way.

To the custodians - Take pride in your surroundings, your love for a clean environment will rub off on the students.

To everyone- 2008 was great, but we have to, we must make 2009 devine!!

Episode 13- It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Click here to hear the show:

Episode 12 Robert Crawford

What an enlightening show. Click here to listen to the show.




The Talking Teacher learned a lot from this show. The past. Sometimes we may glamorize it,sometimes we want to hide it, or even run away from it, but we can surely learn a lot from it. The model used for the Robert Crawford school turned out a lot of successful, productive citizens. It offered the academic as well as the trades. Take a listen to the show, see what you think.

Episode 11 -We just talked

Well, it was a good show, an open forum, whatever is on your mind type of show. It was good. Check it out, go ahead, click on the icon.

Episode 10, Season 2 November Conference Workshops are here!!

This week was part two of our November workshop show. Last week, remember that Ms. Resheemah Swan shared a few things about the committee, and what they were up to, this week, we had a few of the presentors on. Dr. Ash Molloy, Martha Kaufeldt, Ako Kamdon, Lisa Daily, and Cheri Eck, shared a bit of their expertise with our listeners.

Dr. Ash Molloy runs the Transformation Education Institute, a group whose mission is to promote and empower persons who seek to include everyone. Dr. Ash, was recommended by a few of our Para-Educators, who, after hearing him present at a conference, insisted that the Union bring him in and utilyze his expertise. He presented a workshop for our Paras, and stressed the following things for any successful school:
1. Collaboration is key
2. Communication is key
3. Don't judge people
He also stressed that any one in the school system take on the attitude of service.

Martha Kaufeldt, is an experienced educator, presenter, and author whose concentration is dealing with Brain-Compatible Teaching and Learning. Her site is full of information, ideas and links, check it out. She shared three basic points concerning brain learning:
1. Brain learning is minimized while the brain is under stress
2. The brain grows and develops if we play
3. When it comes to what you know, you have to use it, or lose it

She comes from the angle that since we are dealing with the brain, we might as well understand how it works and how it works best in order to ensure our young scholars get the most out of our lessons.

Lisa Dailey, a counselor at one of our senior schools stressed the "unsent letter". Getting those ill feelings that you may have towards someone out in a productive way. She can be contacted at awakenings88@yahoo.com.


Cheri Eck, presented on a few interesting things also,on math games and her site can be reached by clicking here. Her 30-sided dice and other tricks had her participants really engaged in meaningful tasks.


Ako Kamdon was the keynote speaker and had the entire crowd enthrawled by his words of wisdom and motivation. Representing the Visionary Learners Institute, Mr. Kamdon shared a few thoughts to us on how to move from being a collection to a group:
1. Envision your goal
2. Take criticism
3. Know your gifts
4. Approach people in the right spirit, a humble spirit, one of a person willing to serve.

The brother is dynamic!!! Check his site to find out more or to contact him.

So, what a show, click here to listen if you missed it. Enjoy, leave us your thoughts, enjoy!!