I *Puffy Heart* My Dad!

Today is my Dad's birthday.

 He is a retired Assistant Superitendent and a major reason why I am an educator today.  My dad was the first person in his family to go to college.  He is the only one of his siblings to earn a Master's Degree and beyond.  My love of reading, writing, and "getting rid of the Box" I'm supposed to think "outside" of  comes from him.  He and my mom live in Florida now,  so I only get to see them a few times a year.  I talk to him on the phone, but I always look forward to the time I spend with him.  He "gets" it when I complain about assessments.  He "gets" it when I am so excited about a new book I have found.  He "gets"it when I am practically jumping out of my chair over the fact that my Smarties can actually formulate a solid thesis statement.  My Dad introduced me to Don Graves writing when I was a first year teacher.  I was thrown into the LIONS DEN that year!  Inner city, 5th grade PEP test for writing, 4 classes of it, and a reading class.  I had graduated with a specialized degree to teach middle school MATH or SCIENCE.   I was a nervous wreck!  After I got my first job and moved, a package arrived in the mail.  It was Graves book with an inspiring note of encouragement.  I devoured the book in one weekend, and good thing because I would NOT have been prepared.  I got so much out of it that first year, I went on to get my Master's Degree in Curriculum Instruction with an emphasis in Reading... just like my Dad.  Now an Assistant Super?  I can't see that in my future, but you never know.
Who has inspired you in your career as an educator? Drop me a quick comment and let me know who has been an important part of your learning community!!
Happy Birthday Dad!!

6 comments

  1. Hmmmm... I am a first year teacher and just about everyone inspires me! My blogging community inspires me, and my cooperating teacher last year during student teaching was amazing and I absorbed as much of her as I could! And some of my profs were completely inspirational! Love them! My first year back to school for my elementary ed degree we had to write about a teacher who inspired us and I had a high school english teacher that encouraged me when I was really incorrigible, not encourageable, and who believed in me when I was really just a punk. I became a teacher to be an encourager to other children like she was to me. Thanks for your post. It is so cool that your Dad is your inspiration.

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    1. Thanks Carrie! My Dad is pretty cool. He still challenges me to think about things in a different way. Best thing to do as a teacher.. learn to think for yourself!
      Michele

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  2. What a wonderful tribute to Dad! My Aunt Norma who is now 91 (lives in Syracuse) was my inspiration. She is an artist and was a fantastic teacher. She used to send me old TEs and plan/grade books so I could play school at home. I knew when I was in 2nd grade I wanted to teach. When I started teaching, she introduced me to Lucy Calkins. She said "she is up and coming in education". Sure enough...I still use Lucy today! Thanks for sharing and wish Dad a happy birthday!
    Gina
    Beach Sand and Lesson Plans

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    1. Thanks Gina! Lucy is great! Her new book is a great professional read! Pathways to the Common Core!
      Michele

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