Lessons

“There are no mistakes or failures, only lessons.”...Dennis Waitley....American motivational Speaker and Author

Teaching, for me, has been more of a calling, then a vocation. For me, teaching represents ministry-work that deals with the soul and its push/desire for progress. Sure, as an English teacher,I had to deal with the basics like grammar, essay writing, nouns and verbs, and such. However, I started to realize that teaching was the ultimate vocation. You are in charge of others. You are in charge of what they learn, how they learn, and to a certain extent, what they do with what they learn. I could go and on and wax poetic about what makes a good teacher, however I believe that poem could never be written, as new ways of learning and being are being sought and discovered, every second. I will say this, for me, the best teachers have been those who have been able to give the best of themselves. The best of who they are and what they represent.... melds into their creative curriculum. Peace. T. Semakula

Lessons about FREEDOM

Popular "Misogyny" classroom scene in the movie Freedom Writers

Hands down, Buttafly picks the movie, Freedom Writers as on of the best movies about teaching and learning. This teacher was so brilliant. She was able to tap into her student's own personal experiences and she utilized it to catapult their potential. She allowed the curriculum to be developed via their personal struggles and triumphs. Their lives created beauty for ashes.

The book, The Freedom Writers Diary, inspired the movie. Erin Gruwell, the teacher who developed Freedom Writers has created a whole curriculum that revolves around the theme of Freedom. She has a foundation called The Freedom Writers Foundation. Check out the Freedom Writers website.

Lessons about TOLERANCE

Teaching Tolerance is a wonderful organization based in Milwaukee that is determined to influence the lives of today's youth. They have a wonderful initiative called Mix It Up that encourages youth to mingle with someone of another race, culture, etc, during their lunch hour. It's an amazing initiative that many schools are starting to become a part of. This is what Martin Luther King and others who fought for Civil Rights were trying to address. Let's come together folks.

Mix It Up!

Lessons about CHANGE

Buttafly teaches a wonderful workshop ABOUT CHANGE called Project SOS (Save Our School).

Project SOS (Save our School) - is your school challenged by gang crime, low achievement, or an environment not conducive to learning? This radical project involves the student body, school officials, and the surrounding community. Students will be engaged in utilizing their social capital to promote change within their schools. This project involves community organizing via proposals, letters to city government, and the creation of an SOS action plan. To schedule or inquire about this workshop, click here.

Buttafly's Call For Workshop Proposals Winter/Spring 2009
http://www.buttafly.4t.com/box_widget.html

Buttafly's Out and About

Come check out T. SEMAKULA at Sam's Soul Food on

November 23, 2008

HEY EVERYONE JUST A REMINDER TO COME ON DOWN TO SAM'S SOUL FOOD RESTAURANT & BAR - LOCATED ON
150/151 GRAND CONCOURSE IN THE BOOGIE DOWN BRONX FOR OPEN MIC FOR ALL POETS, SINGERS, DANCERS,
MUSICIANS WHO NEED A PLACE TO DO THEIR THING.

HOSTED BY APRIL M. JONES & MARILYN THOMAS-KING
FEATURE: THE DYNAMIC DUO HOBO BOB & OBISIDAN
FROM: 5 - 8pm

COME HOLLER @ US AND ENJOY!

SEE U THERE... MTK