RadicallyTransformingLives

493 faces in the crowd from 1306 SW Webster Street to the Starbucks on Westlake at South Lake Union, Seattle, WA. Even gender division, well-dressed and disheveled, young and old, tired and alert, black, brown, white and in-between. 493 faces in the crowd. On the street corner. Metro bus route 125. South Seattle Community College. Westlake Center. Sidewalk passing Fantasy Girls adult theater. 493 faces in the crowd. I noticed 493 different faces in the crowd this morning. Counted them actually. I was struck by the enormity of the work within our public schools in Washington State and around the country. I paused this morning to consider the differences portrayed on the faces I passed. What is it that creates "the look" of each face I passed. What role did/will teachers play in the attitudes of fellow human beings that crossed my path this morning? There really seemed to be no "in between." Faces were filled with joy, hope and optimism or sadness, despair...

In 1978, Ron Edmonds  in his  Some Schools Work and More Can  speech , said, " We can whenever, and wherever we choose, successfully teach all children whose schooling is of interest to us. We already know more than we need, in order to do this. Whether we do it must finally depend on how we feel about the fact that we haven’t so far." As a public educator for the past twenty years I am dismayed at how much time and energy goes into the "blame game" about why are schools are not yet meeting the needs of all kids. What a waste of time, energy and resources. Everyone has a finger to point at someone else....Consider the comments that I've heard or read in the last two weeks: Those dang parents-if they would just do their part That teacher-if they would just teach! We need a new evaluation system to run them out. Principals-why don't they lead with courage? Let's evaluate them out too. We need a new superintendent...one who really understands t...

Gorgeous day in Seattle, WA. The drive over the West Seattle Bridge to the Abeo School Change ( www.abeoschoolchange.org ) offices near the Space Needle were breathtaking! My heart aches...actually bleeds with physical pain because we have failed as a local community, state and nation. Where is the public, moral outrage for the schools that are failing our kids? Why haven't I done more? Why haven't we ALL done more? Don't get me wrong-There are many great schools and many great teachers. I'm convinced I had a few as a student. The point is-we have NOT moved to a place in this nation where we can guarantee every child a high quality public education. Worse yet, too frequently the kids and communities that need the best teachers and principals are denied. The continual perpetuation of classism and racism in our country crushes my spirit as a father of six and a public school educator of thousands. I was struck yesterday at the sense of relief now that George Z...

Today, Maundy Thursday, I aspire to follow one of the most amazing role models to ever walk the planet. In John 13:15-16 Jesus said, after washing the feet of his disciples, " I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him ." I frequently am disenfranchised to see others who claim deep "spirituality" and religion and yet find it so challenging to model service to others. I'm baffled in our current political battle to see the condemnation of a "social floor" that would, for example, ensure that every human being has access to health care. My heart hurts when I am confronted face to face with incredible poverty that is juxtaposed to incredible, unaffected wealth. I am inspired by those who have found their path to acceptance, tolerance and unconditional love. I'm encouraged by those who seem to make it th...