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Showing posts from September, 2017

Leaving Finland

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Lake Jyvasjarvi I have never lived anywhere for 5 months other than Jyvaskyla, Finland. As my Fulbright journey concludes, there is so much to still digest. It will take months, if not years, to truly assimilate all the learning. Before I left Southern California, I wrote about the what I would miss the most from home and what I  looked forward to experiencing in Finland. It is safe to say I met my goals. Top 7 Goals 1. Discussing Education Helsinki Workshop Through professional development programs, Fulbright Finland connected teachers with scholars and researchers, for the purpose of putting inquisitive minds together. The Making Democracies Resilient to Modern Threats seminar provided participants with fascinating research and presentations. 2. Nordic Model Bus station in Espoo What does an efficient and earnest country look like?  It looks like Finland. Yes, people pay higher taxes, but get so much in return. I for one appreciated the well-maintained ro

FULBRIGHT: It Was One Year Ago Today

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In the midst of my 21st year of teaching, I get the email about applying for a Fulbright . It gave me pause. When you have worked a career that involves so many moving pieces, it seems impossible to tear yourself away from your work. Who will take care of my Advanced Studies Program? How can I walk away from a school that faces dire challenges due to the surrounding poverty in the neighborhood? How could I afford this opportunity, if an unpaid leave of absence might be required? Then I remembered that my students and families watch what teachers do, not what they say. My whole career has been dedicated to affording the best educational practices to my students, regardless of their background. And when you think of the best, you think of Finland. Maybe you've seen the Michael Moore video on Finnish education. Maybe you've read Tim Walker 's funny and informative posts on moving to Finland and learning about the schools and culture (my favorite was My Amatho