Dreaming Big-Big Dreaming

I wrote yesterday about a fascinating conversation about Dreaming Big and Big Dreaming. I posed the following question:What can you do NOW to begin moving towards something you dream about or believe in?

I am proud to share my answer with the world, let me introduce you to Support a Local Teacher (S.A.L.T.) :

I believe that nothing will change or improve in education without teacher support and support of teachers.  It is the goal of Support A Local Teacher (S.A.L.T) to find funding to further the professional development of local teachers. Without question: Smart teachers will produce smart kids. 

Teacher expertise matters. But who pays for the expertise? As districts struggle with dwindling budgets, it is often left to the individual teacher to initiate and support their own professional growth. S.A.L.T. was born out of many conversations with teachers who were eager to learn, hungry for tools and training, but strapped because their district did not have the money to support their learning.

S.A.L.T. works towards Building and Preserving Excellence in Education by finding and helping provide corporate sponsorships to further the professional development of local teachers.  We hope this becomes a nationwide effort, we are starting in the MidWest.

For years, the business community has cried out how education is not preparing the right kind of workforce necessary. Here, we have teachers willing to learn -- and it's our hope that an organization like S.A.L.T. can bridge the gap between business and education.

More to come...

UPDATE: I'm going to post this on the Big Dream Gathering board on May 13th. I'll let you know what happens.

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Comments

[Tyler Osby]

I'm digging the dream Angela! I also agree, smart teachers do equal smarter kids.

Let me know how I can help!

[Angela Maiers]

Thanks, Tyler! Let's hope that it catches on, and I can offer teachers the training and support they desire while creating the workforce that the business world desire! It just makes sense!

[Vicky H]

Hi Anglea,

Love reading what you write, love your love of learning. I am just starting to realize my own dream, which is my content-less (but soon to have content) website http://RemarkableParents.com. This is not a shameless plug for my website. I haven't even put it out on twitter or anywhere yet.

I have a FT job and am doing this for love. The S.A.L.T. idea is great. Love it.

I would also like to say, since I belong to my school's PTA that parents can support their schools, teachers, and principals in many ways. Boxtops for Educ., volunteering, a nice card, a thank you, a smile during a conference.

Don't forget the small stuff parents!

Keep going Angela, your doing FANTASTIC!

[Rosa Say]

Angela, how inspiring you are! Our talk story when you are visiting with me in July will definitely have to be Hawaiian S.A.L.T.y

Let's get the Joyful Jubilant Learning Community to help with your challenge too... going to give this much more thought. The scheming officially begins.

[Angela Maiers]

Vicky,
Your site looks fantastic. I am proud of you for getting started and making the voice of parents ring through the blogosphere. I can not wait to hear what you have to say! Parents are a child's first teacher and an often unheard voice in the school system!

[Angela Maiers]

Rosa, Rosa, Rosa,
You made my day! I can hardly wait to talk. Any support and encouragement from my friends at JJL would be welcomed with anxious and open arms. My mind is a buzz! I know that this can make a difference in the world!

[Harris]

Hi Angela,

This is an awesome blog, I love the content layout arrangement, very SEO friendly. It really appeal to me and I believe the rest of the readers feel the same.

[Angela Maiers]

Harris-
Thank you so much for the positive feedback. The blog still feels like a new baby to me, and your comments make me smile from ear to ear. I just checked out your site-wonderful tips! I am so glad you stopped by, and I found this resource.

[Chad L.]

I think this is a great idea! I would love to try and get something going in my area. However, like many things I want to do, it will most likely be left by the wayside.

[Angela Maiers]

Thanks Chad,
I feel the same way. I am trying some things out in Iowa, and I will keep you posted. So far the response from the business community has been great-just working through the legal stuff on becoming a nonprofit. I would love to see this go nationwide! Had a great time on skype-love to do it again with the kids!