Fostering Independence

When I was in college studying the many theories of what is education, words like fostering, facilitating, and modeling were the buzz words. Then when I became a teacher, very few teachers used those words, especially at the daily team meetings where they should have been used. Note: team meetings at the elementary school level are pointless and it is truly only a time for teachers to TRY to out shine their fellow "collaborating" super star teachers by showing what awesome guided reading centers the kids do not really use. I have such strong opinions about the waste of time in education. Efficiency is NOT the game. ANYWHO...Well upon my 3rd year of teaching, I found a fellow teacher who is all about trimming the "fat" in education and who uses buzz words NOT to out shine other teachers BUT to actually do what is BEST for children. I am so glad that Stone knows, loves and learns for my good buddy, Deb...

Deb, thank you for calling me your "Paula Dean" cooking friend AND thank you for being one of my two friends that have helped foster my personal independence. You and my buddy Natalie are my soul sisters.  It is kind of funny that you is from the east coast and Nat is a west coast babe AND I am a southern belle!  You two know every awful thing about me.  You two; along with God- truly have the worst "file" on me and you two still love me and want the VERY best for me. Deb, I had so much fun hanging out with you, Josey, Maverick and Stone. Thank you for fostering Stone's independence at your house and for encouraging me at David's Bridal as I tried on dresses for Natalie's wedding. You two do not know one another BUT having you with me at the store, as I tried dresses on for Natalie, and taking with Nat via iPhone was such a highlight of my day. It was like all of my best girlfriends were hanging out...literally!   I am an independent woman because of you two and NOW Stone is on his way to total independence! Thank you for your fostering skills!