Creative writing often appeals to teenage students, who enjoy the opportunity to create and control their own worlds and the chance to voice their own ideas. Besides, what teenage writer has not at some point fancied him or herself the author of the next great American novel? Though seeking fame is hardly the motivation we … Continue reading Five Do’s and Five Don’ts for Young Creative Writers
I was not a cool kid. I conducted my high school and college life on the fringe of popularity. I did not know the right thing to say at the right time; I certainly was not funny or spontaneous; I was neither strikingly beautiful nor impressively fashionable, and I was far too scrupulous--or at the … Continue reading On Being a Cool Teacher
“In this discussion, all opinions are equal. It doesn’t matter what your opinion is--there are no wrong answers.” Haven’t we all heard this? Teachers use the above concept to preface all kinds of conversations and assignments. I can not actually say that I haven't: I would hope that I haven't, but sometimes in flustered, blushing … Continue reading Classroom Discussions: “There Are No Wrong Answers” Is the Wrong Answer
My Dear Students, After eight posts which emphasize the importance of education, I find it a fitting time to temper my enthusiasm for education by saying this: it is better to be uneducated and love God than to be an accomplished scholar and despise wisdom. Of course, uneducated people can certainly despise wisdom, and educated … Continue reading Even Accomplished Scholars: A Teacher’s Thoughts on the Limits of Education
My Dear Students, There is another reason to go to school which I have intentionally saved for last because of its significance. The explanation is short because it is simple, but its simplicity does not make it any less profound. We know that we are here on earth to serve and glorify our Maker and … Continue reading Why School? Part 8: The Most Important Reason
As a classroom teacher, I was silent more often than I expected to be. One day, I overheard a student exclaim, “Guys, I’ve done the math. Dropping out now gets me way more money than going to high school.” As I watched the others swarm around him eagerly, I wanted to stop everything and spend … Continue reading Unspoken Words: Why I Began This Blog
