Year 24!

I am energized and excited. I'm entering my 24th year as an educator! I'll be teaching kindergarten in a new room - well, I spent 5 years in this room, but that was years ago - with a new team teacher and a class of fantastic, adorable, fun students. Lucky me!

I've spent the past few days moving in and setting up. Here is pictorial documentation of the process.

Tuesday, August 27, 2019
The move from my old classroom on the first floor to my new room on the second.

Monday, September 3, 2019
Making a bit of progress. You can see more of the floor.

Monday, September 3, 2019
Playing around with spacing, trying to decide on a floor plan.

Monday, September 3, 2019
The day is over. One final pic before leaving. We've decided on the layout.

Tuesday, September 4, 2019
Making progress, but realizing we have way too much stuff.

Tuesday, September 4, 2019
"By George, I think we've got it." We've created some little nooks for reading, a space for blocks that is out of the way of traffic and can therefore stay up for days and days, and a magnificent library. 

Tuesday, September 4, 2019
One final shot before walking out the door. Tomorrow this room will be alive with the energy of little children.

A Broadway Books First Class Visit From Wesley Taylor

Wesley Taylor with some PreK and Second Grade students

As a young performer I believed the path to finding work in the theatre involved standing in an audition room singing 16 bars, doing a monologue, or reading sides. Later I learned - from friends like Molly Shannon and Charles Busch - that the traditional route of waiting for someone to cast you doesn't work for everyone. Sometimes you have to create your own opportunities. You gotta hustle a bit.

This enterprising spirit is very much alive in Wesley Taylor.

Wesley Taylor and Alison Fraser in
IT COULD BE WORSE

He first came to my attention with the web series It Could Be Worse (now available on Hulu). Wesley created, cowrote, and starred in this comedy, which was inspired by real stories from his life as an actor.

It also starred brilliant two-time Tony Award nominee, Alison Fraser. The cameo roles on the series showcased a who's who of Broadway names. It's nice to have talented, famous friends who can help you realize your vision.

Several years later I went to see SpongeBob SquarePants at the Palace Theatre on Broadway. My focus that evening was on cast member Oneika Phillips. Oneika had been a guest artist with Broadway Books First Class and I was there to show my love and support. The show was a joyous, high-speed adventure set in the underwater world of Bikini Bottom. The characters were larger than life, full of emotion and inner conflict. As I watched I was especially taken with Sheldon Plankton. He was deliciously diabolical. The actor playing him milked the role for every humorous drop of deplorable depravity. He seemed to be having so much fun the audience could not resit falling in love.

I read the Playbill when I got home and learned that the role was played by Wesley Taylor. It was then that I knew I wanted him to be a guest artist in my program. And thanks to Oneika, he accepted my invitation.

It took a bit of searching to find the perfect children's book for him to read. I wanted something to mirror Wesley's childlike energy, his charming arrogance, his gigantic heart, and his sweet vulnerability. I found it in You Are Not My Friend, But I Miss You by Daniel Kirk. It is the story of an adorable, pouty sock monkey with a red ball, who learns an important lesson about friendship. Wesley's main audience for the reading would be a group of preschool children, so this picture book was perfect. The message about sharing was one I could revisit again and again. And because each child would take home a copy of the book autographed by Wesley, I knew their parents would appreciate the message as well.

As I always do when preparing for a guest artist, I asked Wesley for a photograph of himself as a child. He did one better - he shared a video! It seems he's always had a bit of a performer in him. In fact, later when the children asked why he wanted to be an actor he told them, "Well, as you can see from that video. I had a lot of energy. I had so much energy I didn't quite know what to do with all of this energy. And when I was about your age I realized that I loved being in front of people. I loved getting attention - like this! I still love it. I loved making people laugh. I loved singing and dancing and being silly in front of people."

He realized he wanted to be like the people he saw in the movies. He told them that as he grew he wanted to get better so he went to college, he learned and he practiced. A few children raised their hands to show that they wanted to be actors when they got older. It's heartening to think they might one day look back on this morning with Wesley with warm remembrance from their own Broadway dressing room. It could happen!

Wesley Taylor reading alongside ASL interpreter Dylan Geil

We talked a lot about SpongeBob - he even performed a bit of Plankton's speed rap - but, the children were also interested in The Addams Family. This musical was Wesley's second major role on Broadway (the first was Rock of Ages, which he says is his favorite because it represented the achievement of a dream). I know children enjoy a dark, eerie, silly storyline, so the plot of The Addams Family had lots to hold their attention.

Wesley autographed books for every child and then sat down on the floor to talk with some of the preschool students. They immediately tackled him.

Wesley Taylor tackled by the preschool kids

Before saying goodbye Wesley was interviewed by Lindsey Christ from NY1 about Broadway Books First Class and how he came to be a guest artist. Wesley gave a terrific interview and Lindsey crafted a fantastic segment about the program, but for some reason Wesley's interview was not included. There is a shot of him signing books though.

Wesley went into rehearsals the next day for the Duncan Sheik musical Alice by Heart at MCC Theater. And has since completed Season 3 of his web series Indoor Boys. See, Wesley knows how to hustle.

Remembering an Inspiration

On site at PS163 supervising tutoring sessions with struggling first grade students

I saw the headline in The New York Teacher - A GOOD TEACHER NEVER STOPS LEARNING. It went on, "If you are a current, certified New York City teacher eager to expand your range of strategies used to teach reading and writing to young children with learning differences, come to Fordham to learn more about this funded program." These words caught my attention and I attended one of the Open Houses in February 2002 to learn more.

It was there that I first met Dr. Joanna Uhry. She was an established literacy expert, dedicated educator, published author, tireless researcher, and respected authority on dyslexia. I didn't know it at the time, but this brilliant woman would also become my champion, my mentor, and my friend.

Together at a poster session for doctoral students

We clicked immediately. I think she admired my enthusiasm and energy. I know I admired her expertise and calm demeanor. She would often look at me with an amused smile and a bit of a twinkle in her eye. I would look up to her in awe.

Dr. Uhry accepted me into the scholarship program. It offered two summer literacy institutes, classes in language and literacy development, assessment, and supervised one-to-one tutoring in an after school program. I became a licensed reading specialist due, in part, to the courses offered there. It was time to move on.

However, Dr. Uhry had other ideas. She thought I should enter the doctoral program. It wasn't something I had thought much about before she brought it up and I didn't know if I was up to the challenge. For one, I couldn't afford it. Dr. Uhry had that covered. She offered me a position as an adjunct professor. It would cover the tuition fees. I'd teach one course a semester and take one course a semester. She would guide and direct me through the daunting process of becoming Dr. Gary Wellbrock.

And she did just that! She was with me every step of the way. She served as the chair of my dissertation committee, meeting with me every week during the final months leading up to my defense. Her feedback along the way was impeccable and encouraging. Her interest in deaf education was motivating. I loved teaching this esteemed educator about my students, American Sign Language, and Deaf culture. Somehow, she made me feel as though we were on equal footing.

In 2015, I graduated. We had spent 12 years together, seeing one another at least once a week (for many years it was at least twice a week).

I adored her.

Today I received news of her passing. It hurts. It's a tremendous loss.

Dr. Uhry shaped the path of my life and I am proud to be part of her legacy. I suppose now the best way to honor her is to emulate her generosity. Strive to be a champion for other teachers and carry on in a way that would make her proud. And take comfort in the knowledge that when I do, I can imagine her looking at me with that friendly, amused smile.

A Broadway Books First Class Visit From Julee Cerda

Julee Cerda with PreK and Second Grade students

Julee Cerda made her Broadway debut in the 2018 Broadway revival of Children of a Lesser God. She was part of director Kenny Leon's vision to imbue the show with a diverse cast and showcase multiple perspectives. The tagline for this show was "Are you listening?" Its aim, it seemed to me, was to encourage dialogue over sensitive issues surrounding culture, race, (dis)ability, and privilege. The extraordinary cast included my friend and former team teacher, Lauren Ridloff.

I've had the great good fortune to welcome most of the cast (with the exception of Anthony Edwards) into the classroom as guest artists with Broadway Books First Class to extend the conversation started by the show. At school, the children were given a front row seat as they questioned role models (both Deaf and hearing) to better understand themselves and their possibilities.

Children's books are at the center of the visits. It is through them we explore themes, celebrate words, and get to know one another. Julee Cerda chose to read The Missing Piece by Shel Silverstein.

Julee Cerda reads THE MISSING PIECE alongside ASL interpreter Dylan Geil

The Missing Piece - as described on the book jacket - is a "fable that gently probes the nature of quest and fulfillment". It is one of Julee's favorites because of the wonderful, simplistic illustrations and the life lessons contained within its pages. Her joy with the material was evident as she sang the oft-repeated refrain...

Oh, I'm lookin' for my missin' piece

I'm lookin' for my missin' piece

Hi-dee-ho, here I go, 

Lookin' for my missin' piece

At one point in the story the main character finds its missing piece. It fills the triangle-shaped hole where its mouth is (think Pac-Man). It then tries to sing again but the words are now mumbled and difficult to understand. Julee imitated that muffled, incoherent song to the great amusement of the children. In fact, when asked at the end of the school year about their favorite memories, this moment stood out.

Their connection with this small, seemingly insignificant moment brought to mind a quote by Robert Lawson, "No one can possibly tell what tiny detail of a drawing or what seemingly trivial phrase in a story will be the spark that sets off a great flash in the mind of some child, a flash that will leave a glow there until the day he dies."

What are the artistic sparks that ignite a great flash and create a lasting glow?

The message of the book is fairly straightforward, but still leaves some room for interpretation. One take away is that our search for fulfillment brings us closer to ourselves than actually finding the answers we seek. Happiness lies in the quest itself. That is the place where truth and beauty reside. Or perhaps it's telling us we do not need any one else to make us whole - we are fine just the way we are.

Child psychologist Bruno Bettelheim writes in his book, The Uses of Enchantment, that when it comes to fairy tales, its best to let children make meaning for themselves. Otherwise, the stories lose their hold and their power is diminished. I ascribe to that same caution with this modern day fiction. The children can tease the message out for themselves (or not). The good thing is The Missing Piece, like fairy tales, will be there for them as they grow because each child received a copy - signed by Julee - to take home. It is in rereading that they will notice new things and develop new understandings. All as it should be.

Julee Cerda signs a book for a delighted student

The children got to know Julee throughout the visit. When she first sat down she shared that she was very shy when she was a young child. In fact, she would sometimes freeze when someone started talking to her. She didn't find her voice - literally and figuratively - until "much later".  We also learned that she loves acting in comedies because there is an atmosphere of fun that permeates the cast, crew and audience. This revelation led to a few knock-knock and "Why did the..." jokes. They may not all have been winners, but we enjoyed them just the same. A palpable joy filled the room bringing silly smiles to all our faces. That's the power of comedy, folks!

We ended our conversation as it began, with Children of a Lesser God. The students wanted to know more about her character and the fight for social justice. Intertwined with this was a bit of deaf history and advocacy. Issues that touched the lives of the children and their parents. It was interesting to see the small faces become suddenly serious as they sought answers and asked "Why?" Whey were teachers of the deaf traditionally hearing in the past? Why did Lauren's character, Sarah, have to scream on stage? Why did she fight for justice? These questions bring understanding and insight. If Kenny Leon's mission as the director of the play was to encourage conversation, I'd say that mission was accomplished during Julee's visit.

Students ask Julee Cerda a series of questions

A big thank you to Julee for spending the morning with us. We are excited to see where your talent takes you next - hopefully you'll come back to see us again.

A Broadway Books First Class Visit From Richie Jackson

Richie Jackson visiting with PreK and Second Grade students

"Sometimes it takes just ONE." 

from One by Kathryn Otoshi

Richie Jackson is ONE who makes a difference. His careful nurturing of the collective human spirit and, what I see as a determination to fold the world into his loving embrace, makes me want to up my game. He appears very comfortable with who he is and honest about how he got there. Richie leaves me wondering what more I can do, both privately and publicly, to be a better role model, stand up for others, and be unapologetically me.

It is no surprise that his response, when asked which book he wanted to read during his Broadway Books First Class visit, was One by Kathryn Otoshi. It is a book that literally shouts, "Everyone COUNTS!" That is the message Richie brought with him on a crisp February morning when he visited with our deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing students in preschool and second grade.

Photo Credit: Eileen Lograno

A student introduces himself  to Richie Jackson by fingerspelling his name

Richie and I go way back - over 30 years! We met when we were both students at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. I remember him as a blonde, floppy-haired, young man full of energy and movement with a great, big, welcoming smile. He seemed to know everyone, was universally liked, and could answer all of my questions about school, the city, and Broadway. I often felt like a small fish in a big pond at NYU, but Richie had - and still has - a way of making those around him feel valued. He takes you in, he listens, and he shows his heart. He was a very good fellow for me to know.

Since those early years he's continued his work in the theater. In fact, Richie was nominated for a Tony Award this year for producing the Broadway revival of Harvey Fierstein's TORCH SONG, which starred another Broadway Books First Class guest artist, Michael Urie. Richie's mom took him to see the original production in the early 80s and it left an indelible imprint on him. It's amazing to think that he brought it back to the same Broadway house over 30 years later.

Richie Jackson reads ONE by Kathryn Otoshi alongside ASL interpreter Cathy Markland

I wanted Richie to share time with the students and was so happy when he accepted my invitation to be a guest artist. After introductions, which included Richie sharing photographs of himself at Age 4 and Age 7, we dove, quite naturally, into a discussion about fear and expectation. There are things children worry about. Things that have to do with growing up and getting older. Things that cannot be controlled. But, Richie told them, when/if they do happen you realize it wasn't really something to worry about in the first place. I think we've all experienced this. As FDR said in his First Inaugural Address, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself". It's better to place our energies into something more productive, if we can.

It was a perfect introduction to the reading because ONE tells the story of Blue. And Blue has some worries. Richie began...

"Blue was a quiet color. He enjoyed looking up at the sky, floating on the waves, and on days he felt daring - splashing in rain puddles" 

The problem is, there's a bully in this story. I don't want to give it all away but issues are cleverly resolved and we learn a lesson about fear, anger, and acceptance. A lesson that ends with these words, "Sometimes it just takes One".  It invites children to be that one - to step up, conquer fear, and move forward.

Photo Credit: Eileen Lograno

The students ask, "What does a producer do?"

After the reading, the children asked Richie a few questions about being a producer. In addition to Broadway, Richie produced the movie Shortbus and the television series Nurse Jackie. He explained the role of a producer to us. A producer chooses what play or show to do, hires actors, raises money, and figures out how to bring in an audience. He likened the working parts to the operation of a school. The principal is the producer, the teacher is the director, and the students are like the actors. In both situations everyone works together towards a common goal. As the light bulb of understanding went on, a second grader suggested we make the school into a Broadway show.

Richie shared a bit of his story concerning how he became a producer. I love when our guest artists break down the mystery and let the children see the journey before the arrival - the fact that it is a process of amassing understanding and becoming educated in a field. That the hard work unfolds on a daily basis, while keeping your eye on your goals and dreams. Richie started out answering phones for a production company representing Cats and Starlight Express. Over time he created opportunities for himself and became a success because he laid a firm foundation.

Richie Jackson signs copies of ONE for each student

As we were about to move into a bit of gift giving one student raised her hand. She had a question she really wanted to ask because it surrounds an issue she is grappling with in her family. She asked Richie, "How did you become gay?" Now, she knew a little bit about Richie's personal life because we talked about the fact that he has a husband and two children. Richie responded to her saying, "I knew I was gay from as young as I could remember. I knew in my heart that I was gay and I was so happy and it made me feel so special. I never thought I was anything else." She took it in and thoughtfully replied, "So, you were being yourself." Yes, indeed!

With that we gave Richie a few presents - a copy of ONE signed by all of the children and a Broadway Books First Class t-shirt. And, in turn, he signed copies of the book for each child. A wave of acceptance and love washed over us all that morning. As one girl wrote in her thank you note...

"Thank you for reading the book. It showed me a great life lesson."

Thank you cards for Richie Jackson