Inside the Mind of an Educator

Mark your calendars for American Education Week, scheduled for Nov. 17-21, 2014.  The weeklong celebration presents opportunities to celebrate public education and honor the teachers who make a difference in the lives of children in classrooms across America.  Fun fact: The first observance of American Education Week took place in Dec. 1921.     Flourishing In Education By: Alecia Gardner Who do you consider an educator? I have studied, researched, and my ideas have evolved throughout the years in trying to answer this question. I have even written a book on the subject of the difference in a teacher and an educator. However, one of the best definitions I have found came from Sr. Geralyn Schmidt, " An educator coaches individuals to become what is essential — to develop into human beings who are fully alive."  Education has been deemed a thankless career field, with consistently low pay. However, there is no greate...

November 11th is Veterans Day and Cardinal students, staff and community are preparing for the big assembly we have every year. The teachers are all developing lessons, activities, and sharing information about what Veterans Day really means. Students are feverishly working on the annual coloring and writing contests hosted by the Student Council. The entire district is discussing the importance of freedom and sharing why they are so thankful for veterans.  It is a time of great pride and patriotism as we think of ways to show the love and respect we have for the veterans in our community and in our lives.  As a military wife, I know all too well the sacrifice that families and soldiers make to ensure we can be free to hold ceremonies like this one. However, this year the Cardinal community has a new level of understanding of the word sacrifice. This year we will be honoring all our veterans,  and paying a special tribute to a fallen soldier and Cardinal g...