I was contacted recently by The Academy for Teachers to inform me that the "excellent work" I am doing with elementary school students in the realm of fairy tales and mythology has been recognized.
They invited me to attend (through a nomination process I knew nothing about) a Master class on fairy tales with Harvard professor Maria Tatar being held at The New York Public Library.
When I was first notified of this honor I did not know anything about The Academy for Teachers. It turns out it is a "new organization that honors and supports strong teachers. We bring prominent experts together with small groups of teachers led by Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winners, academic superstars, major artists, and other leading lights". A little Internet search brought me to their mission statement which reads...
Teaching is our most important profession but teacher morale is falling. Our front-line educators are burdened by tests and isolated in their classrooms. They get discouraged. At times, they feel maligned. Fifty percent of new teachers leave the profession within five years, and the problem is worse in our most troubled schools.
Education can't only be about tests: Great teachers have passion and passion must be nurtured. The Academy respects our educators as intellectuals in need of inspiration and support. Our Master Classes reignite a teacher's own love of learning. We are also building a community of like-minded teachers who support one another beyond participation in Master Classes.
It is a though they read my sad little blog post and decided to bring back joy. It's amazing how the universe takes care of us, isn't it?
We launch in New York City but our program sends a message to teachers everywhere: Your work is important and it's valued by our culture's best minds and institutions.
WOW!It is a though they read my sad little blog post and decided to bring back joy. It's amazing how the universe takes care of us, isn't it?
7 comments:
Go you! Post about it when you've gone and how it went :)
Hallelujah!!!!! Yes!!!!! They could not have tapped a better soul. I'm very happy for you and for this sign that we cannot afford to lose one such as you.
I will Pauline. It takes place on November 19th and I hope it'll be a day of inspiration and bliss.
Angella - I think this is exactly what I needed. Ever since I wrote about my frustrations and disillusionment things seem to have turned around. Well, my attitude and the way I approach the oppression have changed anyway. And now this! I feel like I am being guided into a better perspective and I am paying attention to signs like this.
You deserve this opportunity and recoginition! I'm so happy to see this happening for you, Gary!
Wow!! Good job! Congrats!!!
Hope you're well, it's been a while and time flies soooo fast.
:-)
Xpressive Handz - Thank you. It is still about two weeks away but as it approaches I am getting more and more excited.
Bellina - It has been forever! Did you do away with your other blog? How are the boys? You? XO
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