On a professional level, I will say that the way things are (Chapter 7) hits a chord with me. Our school district has problems, but at the very core (in my opinion) is the lowering of expectations amongst the teachers and administration. Many have settled for the way things are. They believe they've "exhausted all possibilities," when in fact they've just decided not to try anymore. I don't have that mind-set. We have to try, or we need to find another job.
Hey Tess
I can’t agree with that statement more. All school districts have problems, and there are solutions. You know that or you wouldn’t be there, nor I here. The issue is that we can and do make a difference to someone. How can we create change in such an environment, one student at a time, or one colleague at a time? Do you remember the movie “The Never Ending Story?” It’s about a boy who doesn’t think reading and imagination is important. This kingdom is about to be destroyed by darkness unless he sees that it is his belief in the story that will save it. All goes black except for one point of light. It is that one point of light that one little glimmer of hope that saves the kingdom from utter destruction. We, those of us here, now, we are that little point of light in our schools. The kingdom is crashing down around us. But it is our belief in ourselves and our students that can help restore this kingdom to its greatness again, if we only work out that belief into action, first within ourselves, and then as we relate to others. Hang in there, Tess. We’re all in this together! 
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