Teachable Moments
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Different But Not Less
HBO is currently running a movie entitled, Temple Grandin. It is a portrait of a
1960's-1970's animal scientist who overcame the stigma of autism to become the leading authority on the humane treatment of livestock.
It was amazing to watch both the positive and negative depictions of teachers and her experiences in school. On the one hand, there were teachers who mocked, insulted and intimidated Temple; then there were other teachers who supported, encouraged and nurtured this young woman.
Temple's mother, a driving force who believed in the power of education and the capacity to achieve success despite the challenges, made sure that her daughter was given every opportunity to reach her potential.
Temple graduated from high school and college completing a bachelor's and master's degree!
Her mother repeated with vigor and determination throughout Temple's life that she was "different but not less"!
This is a teachable moment for every educator!
We must learn to encourage, support and foster the abilities of every child, no matter how "different" they seem to you or the other students.
It is our ingenuity and sincerity that will propel each child, despite their differences, to realize their God-given talents!
1960's-1970's animal scientist who overcame the stigma of autism to become the leading authority on the humane treatment of livestock.
It was amazing to watch both the positive and negative depictions of teachers and her experiences in school. On the one hand, there were teachers who mocked, insulted and intimidated Temple; then there were other teachers who supported, encouraged and nurtured this young woman.
Temple's mother, a driving force who believed in the power of education and the capacity to achieve success despite the challenges, made sure that her daughter was given every opportunity to reach her potential.
Temple graduated from high school and college completing a bachelor's and master's degree!
Her mother repeated with vigor and determination throughout Temple's life that she was "different but not less"!
This is a teachable moment for every educator!
We must learn to encourage, support and foster the abilities of every child, no matter how "different" they seem to you or the other students.
It is our ingenuity and sincerity that will propel each child, despite their differences, to realize their God-given talents!