My Plate Is Full, But There's Always Room to Visit the Incredible Faculty & Students of @Harding_High (Go, @joannagwarren, Go!)

The way yesterday went: up at 5 a.m., at the University by 7 a.m., and out to a school by 8 a.m.

This week my Fairfield University students had the wonderful opportunity to work with a few Harding Presidents 9th graders - the wonderful youth under teacher Joanna Warren's care. We've collaborated on a reading of Trevor Noah's Born a Crime, her freshman classes and 19 undergraduates thinking about a career in education. Today, our explorations included learning about school from the perspectives of freshmen, many of whom are in their first years of learning English.

Teachers always prep visitors for the ins and outs of particular classes: the challenges, the celebrations, the worries, and the love. We're always nervous to meet strangers. With that noted, the students quickly found ease. As Joanna noted, "This is great. Kids who I never see talking are talking."

We did dialogue books about our lives right now, growing up, elementary and middle school, and hopes for the future. 

I have to admit, my heart was proud. There's nothing better than seeing 100% on-task behavior period after period - if only we could find a way to mix our communities more often to help teachers reach their goals. It's a win/win scenario: collaboration, intention, sharing, dialogue, and learning. 

While in Ms. Warren's classroom I was introduced to paper-plate self-portraits and was amazed by the talent of student work. I also love her project of turning short stories into graphic comics.

It was fortunate, too, to have Vice Principal Kathy Silver thank the Fairfield University students for their time, but also to share her years of (heart) wisdom. The appreciation, however, should also go to the 9th graders who offered their expertise as we learned from them. I am thanking them and Ms. Warren for their intelligence, honesty, and willingness to work with Fairfield undergrads.

So, go Joanna Warren, GO! She perseveres toward excellence like few I've ever known. The love for her students radiates out of her room and I continue to be impressed by her drive, life passions, and joy of learning with her kids.

Opportunities like this bring joy to my world.