"No Teacher Left Behind" Movie

"No Teacher Left Behind" Movie by Dr. Maurice Martinez (WSE)

My Thoughts: Ninth Factor Team

Many people take good health for granted. Well my family knows that chronic illnesses exist and the effects of it firsthand.  I have two wonderful boys that remind me that life is precious and each moment is a gift. My boys were diagnosed with Severe Hemophilia shortly after birth and as any parent I remember grieving and feeling so isolated. My first question was why and my next concern was my pitiful little boys. Well after my brief pity party, I armed myself with information.

Myles age 8 and Kendall age 5 have been my heroes. We are members of the Hemophilia of North Carolina Chapter and wanted to make a difference.  My school began a fundraiser idea by printing T-shirts (Got Hooker?) to celebrate my NCTOY award and selling them to raise money to support my cause. The Ninth Factor Team was created and my boys were the junior captains for the 2011 Annual Hemophilia Walk. They sold pizzas, t-shirts and solicited private donations because they wanted to make a difference. With help of our family, friends, coworkers, local businesses we raised $6,500 and had more than 60 walkers on our team.  Remember: There will be struggles and disappointments in life. Your reaction creates the momentum for your outcome.

Shout Out: Teachers of Excellence

As I delivered the keynote address to the Teachers of Excellence, I was humbled and honored to be in the presence of so many amazing teachers. Commitment breeds excellence! During the evening I listened to the State’s most distinguished Special Education teachers talk about their students, their schools, and their relentless loyalty to the profession. Their schools and students are blessed.

My Thoughts: Don't Call Me a Classroom Teacher

During a recent school tour, I made the mistake of asking a veteran teacher whether she was a classroom teacher or an administrator.  She vehemently told me that she was not a classroom teacher that she was a SCHOOL teacher.  Her impact was not limited to the four walls of her classroom.  Her presence and guidance was felt school-wide.  When you accept the title of classroom teacher, it places you with one group and with one content.  Her reach is far broader than that.  So what would you like to be called?

Alamance Co. Teacher Named Statewide "Teacher of the Year"