Morning T and Slicers,
I was back traveling on familiar highways and roads yesterday- over the Tappan Zee Bridge, the Cross Westchester, Rt 684 and finally local 22…destination Dover Union Free Schools. Leaving just after the morning rush hour and text Jack once I’m stopped at Dunkin Donuts for coffee with just 15 minutes left of the hour’s drive.
Over the last 10 years I’ve come to know the ride well and even though I’m parked in the back of the school this time Jack is at the door to welcome me and grab my bags as we walk together into the building anxious and excited to show off the progress he’s made in his classroom/tv studio.
We walk through the halls, moving from the middle school to the high school. Kids shout out to him, teachers greet me. It’s so good to be back and catch up as he walks me around his classroom, proudly sharing the transformation, moving closer and closer to a professional studio.
Once the bell rings his group sprinkles in and Jack proudly backs away into a supporting role allowing them, in their roles to prep and create the afternoon announcements.
In Jack’s new dream position he teaches just one class and spends the rest of his day supporting teachers K-12 as they embed more technology into their teaching lives. It’s so good to see him pumped. It’s easy to be with him, with his students, with his teacher team I know well.
The session ended and we were back walking in the halls to see Matt, and my cousin Rebecca, who coincidentally teaches English in Jack’s old room. She’s pregnant with her 3rd child, a boy. Matts still his next door neighbor and involved in Jack’s teacher academy for techies. I sit down pull,out my camera and without hesitation Matt and Jack reflect on their past projects with me and their recent learning experiences. We are all still passionate out our learning and teaching. 10 years with Dover teachers. Now Betsy Devon, that’s something to document and celebrate.
I am a teacher lover… so good to be home again.
TRUMP, keep your hands off public education!
Bonnie S.
Digital Bonnie 
More people need to be walking in those school hallways, ducking into those classrooms, talking to those teachers. We need to get all kinds of people out into schools so they can be witness to the great works being done in those oh-so public schools. Then the public would know where the money goes, and know they need to spend even more.
I can feel your joy of visiting this school.
That feeling of being in a school where teachers and students, staff and even frequent visitors, know and like each other because they share learning together- that’s what came through in your slice. And what the “powers that be” need to see and understand!
Enjoy your day, Bonnie – those teachers are lucky to have you!
Sounds like you had an amazing day in a place you love with people who inspire.
Your joy shines through this piece. You are in your element.
I’m so happy they have you in their lives Dover is a lucky district.
So fun to hear you back helping teachers, Bonnie. You look happy! And fun to hear those connections even in that school.
Teacher lovers unite – what a great slice documenting community – in place as well as over time.
There’s a lot of things we need 45 to keep his hands off of! Public education, healthcare, EPA, CPB, etc. The list, unfortunately, goes on and on. Should be interesting to see what happens with the House vote today.