Until we meet on fiddlers green

Double Hooks

October 12, 1976 - September 1, 2009

The cavalrymen's poem is as follows:

Halfway down the trail to Hell,
In a shady meadow green
Are the Souls of all dead troopers camped,
Near a good old-time canteen.
And this eternal resting place
Is known as Fiddlers' Green.

Marching past, straight through to Hell
The Infantry are seen.
Accompanied by the Engineers,
Artillery and Marines,
For none but the shades of Cavalrymen
Dismount at Fiddlers' Green.

Though some go curving down the trail
To seek a warmer scene.
No trooper ever gets to Hell
Ere he's emptied his canteen.
And so rides back to drink again
With friends at Fiddlers' Green.

And so when man and horse go down
Beneath a saber keen,
Or in a roaring charge of fierce melee
You stop a bullet clean,
And the hostiles come to get your scalp,
Just empty your canteen,
And put your pistol to your head
And go to Fiddlers' Green.

Cheers

Jahra

IT ALL HAPPENS FOR A REASON

How often have you heard that phrase in life? For me... Countless times...The scenarios in which we hear this phrase are never good and the last time I heard these words was no different.

I was diagnosed with cancer shortly after my last posting .

The last month and a half has been an adventure in the exploration of mortality, life, and all those emotions surrounding the moment you are told your survival is based upon a rate or mere percentage.

For medical reasons it was impossible for me to enter into the NYCTF 2009 cohort...

I equate the difficulty of informing the fellowship that I was no longer a fellow with the feelings I had when writing the families of the soldiers under my command after their loved ones had been killed on the battlefields of Iraq.

I will not go into great detail (right now) into the surgeries and treatments I have been enduring during the past weeks but I assure you that life has not been pain free.

I am hopeful that all of my former fellow fellows are finding success during their pre service training...I am sure that the hours are long and the work difficult (and at times tedious). Keep moving forward...Keep energy levels high...Keep your eyes on the prize.

I am not sure as to the status of the hiring freeze and if it is not lifted I am hopeful that it soon will be. You all have sacrificed too much to be shafted.

Know that I am one of your biggest cheerleaders and while I cannot join you now....God willing...I will be right there with you in a mere 365 days.

I plan to continue this blog at such a time as I am strong enough to proffer intelligent thought in a format greater than bullet points....until then my friends..................

CHEERS!

Logic...Double Hooks Style!

I would like to thank thirdgenerationteacher.com and Mystery "M" for their groovy comments. You both give me some rather great points to ponder. One day in the future I hope to buy each of you a round at some local watering hole.

I am very thankful that people can critique without making personal attacks. I believe critiques help me become a better person and ultimately a better teacher. My positions on the observation program and assumptions on turnover rates have recently been challenged by a friend from cohort 17.
My fellow fellow stated that :

"The point (of the observation program)was to see effective schools with good special education programs. You can't replicate what you've never seen."

+ I added the parenthesis for clarification +

I would like to say that I did see very good schools with very good programs during the observation. The fellows and administrators in each of the schools worked very hard to assure an excellent experience. It was truly a job well done. I take nothing away from their efforts.

The logic behind my thoughts focuses on the results of the experience.

Based on the observation I could (though I do not) come away with the belief that all students are well behaved, hard working, and really want to be in class. Likewise, I could come away with the feeling that all educators are high speed and low drag.

Now fast forward a new fellow's first day of class in a High Needs classified school. You have a recipe for disaster when one takes previously instilled faulty beliefs and coalesce them with the realities of many High Needs schools.

Observing and Teaching during summer school is no substitute from observing the proverbial real deal.

Additionally, I have no desire to replicate a doggone thing when I enter the classroom. Will I take advice and adopt good practices from my colleagues. You Bet! But, everything has to go through the Double Hooks filter and become something specifically mine.

To say that I should replicate what I saw during the observation is to say there is a one size fits all approach to teaching every single Special Education student population. I do not ascribe to such a belief.

In all honesty I do not really think my friend in cohort 17 ascribes to such a belief either. I am most likely looking too deeply into cohort 17's words...If I am...Sorry...I am always the first to admit when I make an error.

My friend from cohort 17 went on to say:

"I also don't know why you speculate that people will drop so quickly. As for the bad schools, which one's have you visited?"

Laws of averages and to a certain extent Darwinian philosophy leads me to an assumption that there will indeed be people who will quit the program (for whatever reason) in late September into early October. I believe an immediate turnover of 1.5% is conservative.

I know that I could inquire the actual rates from the NYCTF or file a Freedom of Information request...However, I am fairly certain that I am in the ball park.

I think those folks in the 1.5% should be scared off before day one...I think a week long observation *during the academic year* in some of the Highest Needs Schools in the city would naturally weed out the dead weight and save valuable financial resources.

Let us do some math based on a 1000 person cohort:

1.5% = 15 folks

summer stipend @ $2500 per person
$37,500

Pace University Tuition: 12 total credits @ $763 per credit (includes 2 summer and 2 fall classes)
$137,340

1.5 months of salary on a 10 month period based on $45,000
$101,250


My estimated total spent on folks who will leave by mid October
$276,090

I think the value is really closer to $300,000. A huge waste of limited resources.

Turnover is indeed a natural part of a program like the NYCTF... The goal should be to minimize turnover by making sure that only the truly dedicated are admitted to the big dance.

As to what schools I have had contact with in the past days and weeks....I will tell you at the watering hole with some adult alcoholic beverages in hand!

Cheers

IT'S 10PM...Do You know where your jobs are?

Hey folks it has been a few days since last we spoke and much has happened.

To start... All of the interviews I had set up have now been canceled with no alternative dates established...A big thank you goes out to Joel Klein for his leadership and vision to have some of the most piss poor teachers in creation come out of the reserve pool and into positions that could go to people that actually want to teach. I know that not all 1100 folks in the pool are poor educators and those that are worthy should be placed first and foremost.

Prior to the decision by my buddy Joel, I interviewed at 4 of the most difficult schools in New York. 2 schools offered a position on the spot. All offers were rescinded after the announcement by the chancellor.

I fear that we will all be waiting to INTERVIEW until after labor day. Thus not having regular employment until after October 1st. I hope I am wrong.

I am not a big political guy but...Where the heck is the one trillion...That is $1,000,000,000,000 the President printed up to get out economy going? I guess the largest educational system in the nation does not merit any financial support...I am beginning to think the change I believed in is turning into change I can fear in.

Enough with politics...I generally hate the mere mention of the word.

The observations set up by the NYCTF were both a sham and a disservice to the people who participated.

NYCTF sent the approx 70 folks in the observation to model schools with ideal examples of the Special Education Program. There was nothing "high needs" about the schools that 90% of the participants were sent to and as I said during an after meeting...If I were offered a job by any of the schools I visited during the observation, the NYCTF would be giving me the speech about how we need to be working in high needs schools.

I think that there are some folks out there that have no idea about the kinds of schools that we are expected to work in and the populations we are to serve...The candy coated observation program was in no way the reality we face.

I told the NYCTF staff that people really need to see the reality not the fluff...I think some folks would be scared off by reality...Which is fine with me... Some folks need a reality check. I think the person who will be quitting in late September or October when faced with the reality of teaching in High Needs schools wastes the limited resources of the city and takes up valuable space in the University they attend.

Drop the dead weight early NYCTF and make space for the folks who really want to fulfill the goals of the fellowship.

I am not happy about the current lack of opportunity I face as I go forward in the NYCTF...I feel as if I have wasted many many man hours making contact with schools and setting up interviews.

I cannot say that I feel that the job situation will be vastly improving anytime in the near future.

I really feel for my colleagues that are moving to New York from all over and their prospects for employment are zero at the present time.

I am glad that my license to practice law is and will continue to stay current.


Cheers

April showers bring May...Interviews

I have spent the last week completing my remaining tasks at my former law firm... My final billable hour has been logged and I am going to enjoy the roughly 45 day break until the commencement of the fellows program. I look at this time as the calm before the proverbial storm. The hurricane flags will be raised soon my friends so be ready.

My proactive approach to the job search has yielded rather positive results. I have been able to secure 15 interviews throughout the city before June 15th. To say that I am pleasantly surprised is an understatement. I was thinking that I may only secure maybe 2 or 3 interviews before June. I am not saying that I would expect an offer of employment on the spot but, I am glad that I am afforded the opportunity to potentially have a choice of schools. I am a rather huge proponent of choice and selection.

I believe that a good fit between candidate and school is of tremendous importance. Professional development is tremendously curtailed when you are not happy in your situation. Nobody wins when you go to work and dread or despise the very environment you are supposed to love.

I have completed the Special Education online course and the previous comments I have made on the subject remain my
position....It was full of great information. It was poorly written (in a technical sense) and the overt passive nature of the writing made reading and following the author(s) a painful experience.

The multiple choice questions were appropriate for the format but, I could have done without the essays. Essays like the ones compelled during the course have their place. That place is not on an impersonal online course. My gut tells me that we will all be writing similar if not identical writings throughout the summer. Redundant work is a waste of everybody's time and energy. In my opinion, redundancy of tasks (in our particular situation) do not foster learning but creates frustration and anger.

The web seminar was alright. For the most part it was a rehash of information easily obtained on the NYCTF web site and in the Special Education Online Course. The main benefit came from an explanation of forms that will be required to be filled out during the course of the observation.

This week I have one interview and will be participating in the Special Education observation program. I will take some time to digest the entire program so I figure my next post will be on Friday May 8th.

Until next time my friends be well and start making contacts with schools. Be the lead dog and not a follower!

Cheers

The Special Education Online Course.

Those that know me well would define me as a hard worker and one who suffers from chronic happiness. Absent my feelings towards my current employment , I would have to say that I live up to that definition. Or maybe I should say that I try to live up to that definition.

A friend of mine who has read through my posts called me today. Amy seemed displeased to say the least. She asked me when I became so negative and cynical...I was perplexed to say the least. I had no idea where this statement was coming from.

She said that the general tenor of my posts were somewhat negative...I had to stop, think, and reread...It is a true rarity to have Double Hooks and negativity in the same sentence. I wanted to know the basis for this observation made by a dear friend.

I conclude that Amy had mistook passion for negativity. Though I can see how someone can misinterpret some of my words as negative. I assure you that there has not been nor will there ever be implied or expressed negativity or ill will in my words.

I believe that I am part of a cause greater that myself. That cause being the NYCTF. Like it or not we are all representatives of the NYCTF program and failure is not an option. I have pledged 110% of my efforts to become a success in this program and in the classroom come September. While I will never be perfect, I can strive for perfection. Is it wrong to wish the same for program management and my fellow fellows?

The beach was great on Sunday...91 degrees and perfect...That was yesterday...Today was The Special Education online course...Chapters One and Two.

What I enjoyed about the chapters:

I liked the K-W-L Chart on Special Education. Admittedly it is a cheesy chart but, I think it was a good base point for the progression of the reading.

The history section and use of US case law (Brown v. Board) was informative. It gave a good background of where we have been, where we are now, and where we are going as it relates to education.

The Special education today section focused on the Federal Statutes. Remember that just like in the legal world, the Statutes will be your bible...Respect your IDEA...Pay close attention to all statutes. The section was a good mix of statues and practical information.

LRE was informative and I enjoyed the use of the perspective scenarios.

The breakdown of the 13 identified disability categories gave good background information. I liked the technical definitions of the categories. The definitions allowed for a better understanding of the categories.

What I did not care for:

The writing structure was very very poor. I did not know whether I was supposed to read the pages or bust out my red pen and mark up my computer screen. The passive sentence structure of the entire chapter made the reading very tedious.

I cannot stand contractions in professional writings. My jaw dropped when I saw them throughout the online course.

I would have like to see hyperlinks to ALL of the cited materials. I wanted to see where the NYCTF's research material originated.

Overall I would give chapters 1 and 2 a solid B...Great information but, the writing style was too distracting.

I will continue with the next chapter tomorrow...Until next time.


Cheers!

No...Sleep...Till Brooklyn.

I commend the NYCTF for Hitting The mark on Friday. Borough assignments did indeed go out as advertised at the NYCTF reception last week.

I have been selected for D75 in Brooklyn. The placement is exactly what I was anticipating. No complaints here.

University assignments were not included in the notification.

More hoops were added to my checklist to include the report of test scores and finger prints. There were also two mandatory fun online seminars (save workshop and mandated reporter workshop) on the check list.

I have really not spent much time scrutinizing all of the new information...It is 88 degrees in Manhattan right now and have been enjoying my life. Thus far my day has consisted of going to the dog park with Beauregard (my St. Bernard), rollerblading, volleyball, and the consumption of some adult alcoholic beverage. A day well spent if you ask me.

Those of you who are going to be moving to New York City for the first time are in for the ride of your lives. Enjoy every minute of the experience. I shall extrapolate on that thought later on my friends.

I am off to meet up with Bernard (a friend I have discussed earlier) for some over priced corporate iced coffee. I suspect that I will be off the radar until Monday (I am heading to the beach tomorrow) so I am hopeful that you all have a great rest of the weekend.

Monday, I plan on discussing the online Special Education course and my plan of attack for finding the best placement in my new profession. Until then...

Cheers

The truth...The whole truth...And nothing but the truth.

I was not going to post today but, I purposely failed to mention something that was discussed at the reception and wanted to throw in my two pennies. I was not sure how I wanted to approach the subject yesterday and as a result felt it best to let the issue marinate for a few more hours.

The subject is borough (County for those that do not habla New York yet) assignments.

It was no surprise to me when the fellows in attendance were informed that 99.99999% of us will be assigned to either The Bronx or Brooklyn. Throughout the entire application process that fact could not have been made any more clear.

The issue is whether the NYCTF told us all the truth when they stated (at the reception) that if we completed the initial acceptance and online survey by 1159pm on Wednesday, April 22, 2009, we would find out our borough assignments by close of business on Friday, April 24 2009.

I am a rather huge proponent of truth and honesty. Those two attributes are very important to myself and something I expect in others. To this point I believe that there is reason to doubt the veracity of any statement made by the NYCTF program as it relates to there own suspense dates.

I will not speak on the issue extensively. Here are two major points of contention.

1. I used due dilligence to complete my initial application by the original due date (as indicated on the NYCTF web site) in early December. I was not all too happy to find out it was extended until sometime in February. Say what you mean and mean what you say. If suspense dates are meaningless then say so from the outset.

2. Rolling admissions and the NYCTF's warped definition of the term. The NYCTF should NEVER use the term rolling admissions again and set a firm acceptance date in late March or early April. Need I say more on the issue?

As a side note...I am never going to speak of a problem without giving a possible solution. People that complain without offering solutions just like to hear themselves speak (in my opinion). My solution is to make a pledge to volunteer to help in coming recruiting years in any capacity that will enable a more streamlined process to future folks. I will be able to say that I was part of a solution.

Based upon the above you can see why I may take exception to the proposed borough assignment date. I also feel that there is a world of difference between misinformation viewed on a computer monitor and when told to my face.

If you lie to my face on pertinent issues like when I can begin seeking employment then when can I ever trust you? When you are misleading on simple issues what is one to think about statements on the complex? In such cases you will have already lost credibility and my respect. This is not a game that we are playing. This is our lives and futures. I am aware that this position may be harsh. My expectations of leaders are very high and so should yours.

So the bar is raised Ms. Guggenheim (as she was the one who passed the information along)...Will you meet and exceed expectations? I guess we will all find out tomorrow.

I am going to begin the online course for special educators today. I will take some notes and give you all my assessments as I move forward...Until then enjoy springtime in NYC or wherever you may find yourself.

Cheers

Bernard and the NYCTF Reception

***Introductory note***
I would like to thank all of you whom have given a few moments to leave comments. I have been attempting to respond but, have been faced with some technical difficulties. Rest assured I will be responding as soon as I figure out what the heck is wrong with my wonderful piece of computer technology. Until then...Stay vigilant my friends!

Digression ended...Back to the matter at hand.

I had the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful spring afternoon in Bryant Park (Located in the heart of midtown Manhattan, behind the New York Public Library's main branch) with one of my oldest friends. Bernard is a musician and composer. I feel that he truly embodies the french phrase "J'ai la musique dans la peau"...literally it means I have music in the skin...so expressive is the french language.

It was an overcast and dreary morning and early afternoon in Gotham. I made the decision to bring my umbrella with me to ward off the rain gods. True to form, by the time I had purchased my over priced corporate coffee and took my seat in the park, the sun was out in all its glory. It really was one of those warm spring moments that New Yorkers wait for all winter.

Bernard and I usually have deeply philosophical conversations about life, relationships, and where we are going in life. This one was no different. Without boring you all with a play by play of our lively discussions and debates I will briefly speak about one aspect of our conversation. The power elites.

In our own circles Bernard and I have interactions with some of the most influential and powerful people in our respective fields. Some of those folks (as people) are better than others but, (for the most part) they share a common bond...They are part of the intergeneraltional wealth club...To be clear... I am far from being a member of this club but, I am fluent observer of life and see how these folks interact with (and feel about) the general population and one other. I do not despise these folks as many of you may think...

On the contrary I think it is great that we live in a country that allows for anybody (regardless of race and gender) to do what ever they want to do with their own lives and amass huge sums of wealth...The American dream is all for the taking...Look at me...My American dream is to become an Educator in New York City...Everybody's American dream is different...What is your dream?

Back to the power elite and the point at hand...I promise that this story does relate to the NYCTF. It will take a few moments to come full circle.

In my humble opinion, the power elites have no business telling me how to live my life as a middle class Joe. I have a general rule...If you cannot tell me how much a gallon of gasoline (regular unleaded of course), a gallon of milk, and a loaf of bread costs, you do not live in my world and as such have no authority to give me any level of life advice. It may be a rather shallow position but, it has worked well for me.

Let us leave Bryant park and fast forward to the NYCTF reception...The High School where the reception was held is located downtown. It sits a stones throw away from the site of the former World Trade Center Towers. The construction zone was quite visible from the some teenth floor cafeteria (where the reception was held). The devastation area to this day is still a shocking site.

There was coffee and cookies to go around and the atmosphere was jovial. The DOE employees there from the NYCTF were all very pleasant, professional, and eager to answer questions. Have you ever been to a TGI Fridays or some other cheesy chain circus restaurant and had a member of the wait staff ask you how your meal was after every bite of your chicken crispers or burger? That is what it felt like with the staff of the NYCTF. Every other moment there was a new face asking how I was and if I had any questions. While I do not like to be disturbed when I eat, I take a different view in a situation like the one I was at with the NYCTF. I was happy to see the DOE folks being forward and proactive. KUDOS TO YOU ALL...WELL DONE.

At 646 the presentations began. We were first introduced to the NYCTF program director Ms. Lesley Guggenheim. Red flags went up in my head immediately...Honestly, my first thought was of an individual who entered into the education management industry as a philanthropic endeavor (or some could say a hobby). It surely would not be the first time I have witnessed such a thing. The Guggenheim family name is kind of a big deal in the art world. If you have never been to the Guggenheim museum in Manhattan, you are missing out on a true artistic treat.

Ms. G came across as an individual excited about the program and told us future fellows how tough things were going to be throughout the coming months...I thought great...a power elite telling me about how life is going to unfold...I could not have been more judgemental...As I sit here now, I could not have been more wrong.

As a lawyer my job is to research and know everything on a particular subject matter. I must know more than the law. I must know who my judge and opponents are in a courtroom. I do research on people to gain an advantage in my arguments. If you know a persons weaknesses and pedigree, you can use that information to help you formulate a winning trial strategy. Great lawyering is both an art and a science.

My very very basic research on Ms. G has proven that my initial impression was based on a false premise. I am always the first to admit when I an wrong and as it stands at the moment I am wrong. My sincere apologies Ms. Guggenheim. If my little information birds are correct...Congratulations and well wishes are in order for your coming big day!

In retrospect, Ms. G did a good job boosting morale and answering questions. She also indicated that the number of accepted fellows this year is a number around 750. An acceptance rate into the program of less than 10%. Congratulations again to my future colleagues.

In regards to jobs...Here is what we must understand...Nobody is going to be waiving a magic wand and granting you a position anywhere! My readers know this already. If you are new to my blog and feel a little lost and confused I will be crystal clear. If you have not yet learned the true meaning of the words "SELF RELIANCE", the NYCTF will be your proving grounds. If folks are not sending Resumes, making initial contacts with schools, going to job fairs and marketing themselves to administrators...well...They shall be left smelling the proverbial behinds of the lead dogs!

New York is a dog eat dog kind of place regardless of career field. You WILL be eaten alive if you are not the fortuitous one. I tell you this not because I want to scare you but, because I love all of my future colleagues. Set yourself up for success!

The second presenter was a former New York County Assistant District Attorney turned educator David Strom...I am not sure if I have his last name correct but, I know it is close. He spoke very well about the program and his two stories about former students were heartfelt and inspiring.

Shortly after 700 the math and science fellows were broken off of the main group and continued their program in another area of the building.

The second part of the evening was details on the special education fellows program. Here is what I learned.

1. The two presenters really enjoy what they do.
2. The level of support you receive at your school may or may not be all that great.
3. You may or may not have a curriculum when you enter the classroom...Be prepared to make it up.
4. Make sure your class knows who is the boss from day one.
5. Make friends with your fellow fellows at your school. they will be your support structure.
6. This career is the best one that I could have decided upon. I cannot wait for the adventure to begin.
7. Positive action yields positive results...Stay positive my friends.

My overall assessment is that the reception falls in the low "A" category...I would improve the reception by the following:

1. Have a handout with information on your speakers. I am the type of person who is always open to criticism and advice. However, I have to know in my mind that the presenter, instructor or mentor has the background, authority (moral or otherwise) and knowledge to provide information and feedback.

2. Break the groups down even further. It seems to me that there was enough staff to break the group down into 10-12 person sections as opposed to having all the Special Education Fellows in one area. It would have provided a better opportunity to meet some folks and not have to deal with the poor acoustics of the cafeteria.

3. On the funny side...NEVER run out of regular coffee...Decaffeinated while tasting like the real thing does not pack the same punch...I guess we cannot have it all :)

I am glad that I attended. The Meeting was a great starting point and I look forward to my next interactions with my future colleagues and the NYCTF.

Cheers!

Jumping through hoops

My tenure at a well respected NYC law firm shall end effective 1 May 2009. Resignation tendered.

I was called by a NYCTF colleague (from Los Angeles) today and we discussed the myriad tasks that are required to be completed prior to the 15th of June and the first day of the 2009-2010 school year. I said that I was looking at each of the items of the tasking list as nothing more than circus hoops.

Collectively the tasks can appear to be somewhat daunting. You have a recipe for some level of panic when one coalesces the tasks with the stress of moving to a new city.

Fear not!

Remember that the circus tigers do not jump through all 20 hoops at the same time. They jump through them one by one. I advised my friend do the same.

I told my friend That the military uses suspense dates and backwards planning in many aspects of its operational planning system.

In essence you :
1. Take a due/suspense date
2. Go backwards in time and set targeted goals
3. Meet the targeted goals
4. Set yourself up for success

On a side note...This year 1/3 of all cohort members will be fresh out of the college dorms. I remember being an undergraduate many moons ago and know the poor organizational habit of waiting until the last minute to finish a given task or paper. I also know that poor organizational habits are not exclusive to college students. I often observe poorly organized attorneys running to the court house to file papers moments before the clerks office is to close. Indeed persons with poor organizational skills are all around us.

Anyway...I told my friend (in sum and substance)that (s)he needs to set all the hoops up now in advance of the jump time. Be proactive and know that when it is time to jump you will be well prepared.

I am off to the Accepted Applicant Reception shindig tomorrow from 630 to 800. I will take good mental notes and report back. I reckon that it will be a 90 min cheer leading session. Which I think is fine right now. The hammer drops in about 50 days and we will all be running and jumping through rings of fire.

Cheers all

Pulling the trigger

Every story one ever reads will possess identical elements. Those elements of course are plot, setting, character, conflict, point of view, and theme.

I am sure that over time this story will encompass all of the aforementioned elements.

I am sure that at various times I will be your hero, your villain, and/or your omnipotent story teller. One may agree or disagree with my words. I encourage discourse. I have simple rules. Keep your comments entertaining, educational, and above all professional.

I pulled the trigger today. I pressed enter on my computer and accepted the invitation to join the 2009 New York City Teaching Fellows Program. Admittedly, I was accepted on 10 April and have taken the past weeks to complete a full self assessment. The end result being that I am a public servant and educator.

I have been involved in the legal world for several years. I have never been so successful financially. I have never been so respected by my peers. I have never been so miserable. Tomorrow I will tender my resignation and on May 1st I will walk away from the world I know and prepare to enter into the world I desire.

Am I scared in some ways? You bet your sweet bippy! I am reminded of something I often told my soldiers prior to leaving the wire on missions in Iraq.

"Gents, it is OK to be scared...Just do not be afraid"

The above meaning that scary situations will always present themselves and you will react with action. When you possess fear or are truly afraid (in a given situation), you will react with inaction. Inaction is as deadly on the battlefield as it is in the classroom. I believe that inaction not only creates dead soldiers but, can also lead to dead futures for the students I am soon to educate.

Like leading soldiers in ground combat, leading a classroom is an awesome responsibility and honor NEVER to be taken lightly. I know that like in my past, lives will be forever altered by my words, my actions, and my conduct.

Of all of the lessons I have learned in life I have learned that there is only one absolute. I AM NOT PERFECT. I will leave that up to God or The big bang or The big electron or whatever higher thing lies out there. I am simply a man who tries to live a good and decent life. A man who tries to evoke the best in all of those that surround me. A man who is a realist but, believes that it is possible to positively effect change.

This year the acceptance rate for the NYCTF will likely fall into the 10-12% rate. I send my sincere congratulations to those who will soon be my colleagues. I look forward to making the journey with you all.

I feel it important to address my friends in the 90%. You all have my admiration and I know each of you will find success. My advice to you all is to be angry/sad/upset for 24 hours. Thereafter, cowboy(girl) up and find your next battle. Focusing on the negatives will only hinder your ability to work for the positives. You are all public servants at heart and should use each of he 24 hours you are given to create your own reality.

I know some may take a level of umbrage at my advice and that fact is fine with me. The advice really stems from a mission in Iraq where several of my soldiers were killed. We were given 24 hours to run the emotional spectrum and then we were back into the fight. Nobody can change yesterday but, we can each change our today and our tomorrow.

I am excited about the coming days, weeks, and months. I am happy to have been afforded this outstanding opportunity in the city I love. I know the journey towards success will be long and the tasks often challenging but, the end result will be a better me.

I welcome you all to this blog and will do my best (each posting) to express the realities of the New York City Teaching Fellows Program and Classroom Teaching as I perceive them. So, follow me and lets drive forward towards the big win.