Category: Career lessons

  This is the first week back to school for tens of thousands of students.  For others its just “back” after a long week-end.  Schools in Michigan have been having “first days back” for the past couple of weeks.  It’s another one of those location – location deals. I started my career in education fifty …

I received tons of advice when I first became an elementary school principal.  One of my favorite observations was from an older cousin who knew nothing about what I had done or was about to do.  He offered up, “If you work hard, someday you’ll become a high school principal.”  Becoming a high school principal …

  Ruth took Brady and Eva out for lunch last Saturday.  They spent their mid-day sharing time and conversation.  We’re lucky that our two grandchildren think enough of us to share theirs. Part of the visit was a discussion of making money.  As they drove to lunch the kids pointed out some nice homes and …

I work with 40 – 50 high school students each summer.   They work on projects at local businesses for two weeks in July.  Students who want to become involved  in the program must complete an application and write a two-hundred word essay on why they wish to participate.  After they complete their paperwork, I …

I met Bob Brower when we were young.  He started teaching in Plainwell in 1966 and I joined the staff in 1969.  He passed away last week and his funeral is today. Bob and his then wife, Pauline, invited me into their home early in my career.   They set me up on a blind …

When I was growing up in Royal Oak, I don’t recall ever having a snow day.  I probably would have liked one, but we were a tough breed back then.   The first snow day that I can recall took place my second year of college.   I was a student at Western Michigan University …

I recently decided upon a new career path.  It was a spontaneous inspiration fueled by a challenge that most of us face each day.  Unbalanced tables.  I have decided to invest in a fleet of commercial vans that will be:   1) Nimble.  2) Provide for the greatest impact and thus increased income.  3) Employ …

After I retired from what I call “my real job”, I became the director of a program sponsored by the local branch of Michigan Works! The original version of the program placed a teacher in an area business for four weeks during the summer. The teacher learned the workings of the business while completing a …

Teachers take a bad rap for having several weeks off in the summer.   The misconception that teachers have it made because of their short work schedule is far from accurate.   Most educators take summer classes, make plans for the next school year, or take on additional part-time/seasonal  jobs.   I did all of …