Its been a long time since I was in the classroom, and while it isnt hard for us former teachers to keep up with the latest trends in education, its easy for us to forget that teachers are just different from those who pursue other careers. Last weekend, I attended the 2009 ASCD Conference, and while there, I realized that Id forgotten how passionate educators are; how much they care about their students; and how far theyll go -- how much theyll sacrifice -- to ensure their students success.
From Greg Mortensons kick-off keynote address, to the Recorded Books evening with such impressive educators as three-time California Teacher of the Year, Alan Sitomer; 2009 NEA Educator of the Year, Joe Fatheree; 2009 Florida Teacher of the Year, Jean Lamar; and 2007 Wisconsin Teacher of the Year, Terry Kaldhusdal, to the unheralded educators I talked to between sessions, I was just blown away by the dedication of the profession, even in these difficult times. This years conference theme -- Learning Beyond Boundaries -- was well chosen.
I came back from this conference better informed and more knowledgeable, of course, but more importantly, I came back inspired by what all of you are trying to do in your classrooms and in your schools. I hope were helping you do it.
One last highlight of the tripI was sitting on the front porch of a BarBQ restaurant one evening, sipping asodaand listening to a real live country singer, when the space shuttle launched -- seemingly from across the street. It was spectacular and -- appropriately enough -- two teachers were aboard. The lengths youll go to
Oh, and did I mention it was 85 degrees in Orlando?

Eric Baylin
Sometimes I ask the stars up above
If I can be a teenager in love.

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