The Nerdy Teacher Rocks!

The Nerdy Teacher's blog written by Nicholas Provenzano is a MUST READ!!!
His most recent post is titled "What the US Women's Soccer Team taught me about education." He is a huge soccer fan and has spent a good amount of time watching the recaps of the World Cup match between the US and Brazil. He compares this game to the current state of education.

"To recap, the US had a one goal lead going into the second half. A foul was called on a US player, forcing the team to play with only 10 for the rest of the game, and it led to a Penalty Kick for the Brazilian team. Hope Solo, the US team's goalie came up big with a save on the shot attempt. However, Brazil was awarded another attempt, which the scored on, because a US player (ever so slightly) entered the box before the shot was taken. In extra time (overtime), Brazil scored another goal on a missed offside call. In extra time, the US scored the latest goal in World Cup history to tie the game and send it into Penalty Kicks where the US walked away victorious. Watch this recap to see what I'm talking about."

To him, it feels like the pressure to save our students for education is on our shoulders and we are down a man in the fight. Our hands are tied by people in charge and no matter how we protest, decisions are made and we simply deal. The US team never gave up and fought just as we fight to make a difference regardless of the final score. We refuse to give up, but continue to do what is best for our kids even through loss of funding, etc.

"I don't have an analogy for the amazing goal by Abby Wambach. I feel that would be missing the point. Abby's goal was amazing, but it was because the team kept fighting and that team made it possible. I think that is what we, as teachers, need to remember. We know how to play the game and even if we seemed to be out-manned at the moment, we will continue to fight until the bitter end. I just hope we do not have to wait until the 122nd minute."