I am still trying to come to terms with the passing of my teacher, mentor, and friend. In an attempt to accept the horrific news, I chose to reflectively celebrate my history with Joe, rather than dwell on the loss. As I think about our short five-year history together my tears are replaced with a smile. I can only smile and allow myself to be cloaked by his warm and enveloping spirit. Joe had a wonderful gift of making everyone who came in contact with him feel special. As a student, he made me feel that my every thought was valuable. His mentoring style was respectful and effective. He would devote time to having lengthy conversations with me until a new understanding appeared in me, an “AHA moment”. It was a natural and painless way of learning that left me with dignity and new knowledge. As his friend, he made me feel as if I were important in the relationship. Everyone who touched Joe’s life was a priority to him. I sometimes think his life’s work was about GIVING BACK!

FIGHT! An eye for an eye. Right or wrong it doesn't matter. This is the message we send to the children of the world.

Is talking about difference now totally out of the question?

Should we stop and ponder what motivates violence?

What part does each individual play in allowing violent acts to occur in the world?

Questions, questions, questions! Are we ready for answers/alternatives? I would argue that alternatives are within each of us and we have an obligation to the children of the world and ourselves to constantly strive for alternatives.

Walk the Walk and Talk the Talk

Dear Freire Bloggers,

Consider International Spherical Achievement Networks!

It is my intention through the 911Educators website to stimulate voice from varied sources and alert the international public that immediate ACTION is imperative in order for young people to achieve their full potential.

The mission of this site is to engage and merge global input concerning the topic of literacy. Literacy, in the context of 911Educators, encompasses 21st century aspects of reading, writing, speaking, viewing, and listening. It is an all-encompassing approach involving a 3D perspective, self, school and society which introduces the idea of Spherical Learning Environments.

I am concerned that schools are ill equipped to deal with all emergency situations and as a result the safety of students and staff are at risk.

A team of staff members at my school developed an emergency plan following the Columbine High School tragedy. The plan is to be used in the event of imminent danger such as a bomb threat, if the school is under attack, or if an armed perpetrator is in the interior or exterior of the building. It is a reactionary plan. It focuses solely on events that happen after an incident occurs within a specific radius of the school building.