Category Archives: Parenting

Funding Backpacks

Posted on December 22, 2011 by sutterlearn

Paul T. Hill, of the Center on Reinventing Public Education, often has forward-thinking reform ideas that I would like to see implemented to scale.  Recently, in a paper called “School Finance in the Digital-Learning Era”, he submits an idea to … Continue reading →

Posted in Parenting, Politics, School Reform, Students | 1 Comment

Football Apologies and Thanks

Posted on September 24, 2011 by sutterlearn

To my daughter and the other eighteen daughters on your cheerleading squad, you deserve an apology.  You are learning synchronization, how to smile in a crowd, the rules of football.  You are proud to put on matching uniforms, to make … Continue reading →

Posted in Parenting, Students | Leave a comment

First Day Reflections

Posted on September 7, 2011 by sutterlearn

Yesterday was the first day of school, but the last day of something subtly sacred to me as a father, something that me as a teacher never realized I would miss. This is why it took me a day to … Continue reading →

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Chasing Squirrels and Dreams

Posted on June 8, 2011 by sutterlearn

I’ve lost count of how many people have tried the derail my dreams and ambitions throughout life.  Perhaps it’s because I never kept count of them, but I’m sure I can keep it on both hands if I counted those … Continue reading →

Posted in Leadership, Parenting | 11 Comments

Sunday at Five

Posted on May 10, 2011 by sutterlearn

I am convinced that five-years old is self-actualization.  After five, life gets complicated, complex, and downright unfair, but at five we are old enough to function independently, enjoy life fully, and question endlessly…all while running.  Here’s an example of what … Continue reading →

Posted in Parenting | 1 Comment

We

Posted on April 1, 2011 by sutterlearn

I read a post on Facebook in which someone made some pretty pointed remarks about their child’s teacher.  I put myself in both the parent’s and the teacher’s shoes to try and understand the situation.  As a parent, I’ve experienced … Continue reading →

Posted in Parenting, Teachers | 2 Comments

Playground Politics

Posted on March 20, 2011 by sutterlearn

Again it played out on television, this time with a backdrop of Libya.  It could have been Iraq or Afghanistan, perhaps even Vietnam years before.  Either way, we’ve seen it, teachers more than most.  The journalist is surrounded by adrenaline-pumped … Continue reading →

Posted in Leadership, Parenting, Politics, Students, Teachers | 2 Comments

Report Card Frenzy, Conference Expectations

Posted on March 9, 2011 by sutterlearn

I love and hate report card time.  It is forced, in-depth reflection on data that I collect and see at-a-glance on my students every day.  It is an experience of aggregation, disaggregation, strengths, weaknesses, academics, social-emotional growth (mine and my … Continue reading →

Posted in Parenting, Teachers | 3 Comments

Daddy Daughter Dances

Posted on February 12, 2011 by sutterlearn

Tonight was our local Daddy-Daughter Dance. Since my daughter was freshly five this has been an annual tradition, one that I dread even while I know how important it is to her now and how much more important it will be to … Continue reading →

Posted in Parenting | 5 Comments