The word assess comes from the Latin assidere, meaning "to sit with". A teacher who "sits with" a student practices collective learning where both assume equal responsibility for the creation and sharing of knowledge. An outstanding teacher is challenged and inspired by the true teacher of teachers; the student.

In elementary school, I was diagnosed a 'slow reader'. Each day, I was pulled from a "one size fits all" heterogeneous classroom and sequestered in a "one size fits all" homogeneous classroom. My reading skills and abilities did not improve over time. I carried the shame associated with being more unalike than alike for quite some time. Until I didn't.

Teachers did not teach me to read. Throughout my education, countless teachers introduced me a dizzying array of genres to open my mind, fill me with wonder, and enlarge my vocabulary. They provided ample time for me to read throughout the day. Reading became a "need" equal to air, water, food, and shelter. With every passing day, I grew academically, socially, and emotionally. Sharing stories we have read as well as personal stories from the heart affirms we are more alike than unalike.

Education is a noble profession and all work is honored. I honor my mother who worked in a school cafeteria for 25 years. I honor my father who was an over-the-road truck driver and was illiterate (I never told him I knew). He taught me that the world is flat; no one is above or below another. Know no stranger and give freely without condition. I carried these early teachings into adulthood and practice them daily. As a teacher, I do my level best to walk their walk in service to all.