I have an almost complete disregard of precedent, and a faith in the possibility of something better. It irritates me to be told how things have always been done. I defy the tyranny of precedent. I go for anything new that might improve the past.” –Clara Barton
I love teaching because it gives me the opportunity to form compassionate students. After all, isn’t teaching about the hope that one of our students makes the world better? Isn’t the goal of research to find something new that might improve the past? I suppose it is human nature to see oneself as in the mainstream of thought. I have sometimes delighted in being outside the mainstream. I enjoy thinking big thoughts and imagining something better, more compassionate, and less violent. It is hard to imagine such a world when a child being held hostage after a shooting.
If we are going to…
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Sheri Lawrence de Grom 
Sheri, when I changed email addresses three months ago I lost all my links. I’ve tried numerous times to get started back up following you and others with little result other than frustrations. So glad to be getting yours again. I’ve missed you.
David – I wondered where you were and what had happened. I hadn’t seen you on the blog, not in my reader, nor in my e-mail notices. I’ve since started keeping a hand ledger to keep track of links, etc. We were hacked in Nov. and lost communication and a lot more. I’m happy to see you here. Sheri
The Clara Barton quote at the beginning of the reblogged post is awesome. I’m fascinated by Clara Barton. She was such a multifaceted woman who accomplished so many good things.
Sheryl – The quote is what drew me into the piece for reading.
Instilling hope in the hearts and minds of our students is the most important role of a teacher, IMHO.
Patricia – I couldn’t agree more.