Teaching Moment

Last night, I was sitting at my desk when multiple Twitter feeds starting pinging my phone about the passing of Nelson Mandela. I just sat by myself with a blank stare reflecting on the impact that one person can have on another individual, individuals, a classroom, a school, a country, a world. I’ve had many difference makers pass during my life that I never met and some that I have met. When I was 5, JFK, and when I was 10, RFK, MLK, and Malcolm X. I wish my teachers or parents spoke to me about the influence or nature of those assassinations or the impact of those human beings but I don’t remember any of that.

For me, as an adult there was Christa McAuliffe, Clarence Clemons, Jerry Garcia, and now Dr. Mandela to name a few.

Carry on and keep making a positive difference. Be an inspire-er of dreams. It matters. Connect that one student that no one else can connect. Connect that one opinion that no one else respects.

This is great teaching moment and a correlation to diversity, character, and leadership.

“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”
— Nelson Mandela, at Walter Sisulu’s 90th birthday celebration, Johannesburg, May 18, 2002

http://whatwillmatter.com/2013/12/nelson-mandela-moral-courage/

Peace,

Frank

Frank Rudnesky, Ed. D., Principal @DrFrankRud

Belhaven Middle School: 2011 "Schools to Watch" award recipient

51 Belhaven Ave.

Linwood, NJ 08221

609.926.6700 voice

"Pass the Passion"