Last thoughts on change in Charm City (Part 2)

My last post expressed my apathy towards change in Baltimore. But in my last discussion of change I want to take a more hopeful stance. We all say that change occurs when we all get on the same page.

THAT'S WHAT WE HAVE TO DO!

It is clear that we as educators can no longer afford to do what local and national government does. That is identify a problem, write a report and do nothing. We, as educators, take action at any other point. In our classroom, we modify lessons to reach a goal. We must change our tactics to start change.

A friend asked a question to a group of friends, "How many of you have ever been bitten by an elephant?" No one raised their hand. Then he asked, "How many of you, have been bitten by a mosquito?" Everyone raised their hands! It's the small things that make a difference.

We can talk all day long about what can't change, but let's start with what we can control. Here are some ways that I think change could start:

• Become active in your union. If we all actually joined the union and became vocal, we could ensure that the union lived up to their responsibilities.
• If you sweat the small stuff, take action to change it! (It is small.)
• Things will not change over night.
• If you have concerns, take proactive steps to remedy them. Try mediation with that administrator that bugs you.

To teach is to care. We have to keep the hope that all is not lost in Charm City.