Lead Learner in Cheatham County

One of the many blessings of living in a rural Southern area is the bountiful harvest from summer gardens. I have been the happy recipient of treasures such a tomatoes, corn, squash, cucumbers, and even okra from coworkers' gardens. To be back in Tennessee again and see a dinner plate that comes completely from a garden is a treat to behold. The colors, the smells, and the tastes-oh my! I have been equally blessed to learn of the many treasures that Cheatham County Schools has to offer! The treasures here are equally as rich! For example, I was so happy to learn of the Academic Specialists in place. These specialists serve as coaches and for sure, every teacher deserves a coach. Our most elite athletes in the world pay dearly for multiple coaches to help them with the most minute parts of their game. Why should teachers not be afforded the same to help them get to the levels equivalent to an elite athlete? Surely the work that teachers do is far more valuable than a professional

Education is like a three legged stool. For the stool to stand, the weight must be distributed equally with all legs holding up their portion. The three legs represent the school, the student, and the parents or caregivers of the student. All have an equal yet different responsibility in the education of a child. The school has the responsibility for providing a safe and respectful environment in which to learn. A guaranteed and viable curriculum must be delivered daily to all students. Classes and opportunities should be available to develop the whole child including art, music, physical and vocational education. Opportunities to develop 21st Century skills should be offered to give students chances to collaborate in meaningful ways. Students need lessons that require them to create, analyze and use higher order thinking skills. Finally, the schools should develop relationships with students that give them mentors, role models, and caring adults in their lives. Parents are their c