ASKING QUESTIONS, EXPLORING OPTIONS, CHANGING THE IMPACT OF PUBLIC EDUCATION.

Making a Difference

Bottoms Up: Utilizing Social Action to Inspire at the Source

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There is really no avoiding the grandiose, often idealistic, language associated with the connected fields of education and social action.  I do not believe these lofty aims are simply the machinations of politicians and fundraisers; rather (for the most part), they are the noble intentions of individuals exercising in a post-industrial construct.  I have fallen prey to my own lofty, heroic ideals on numerous occasions, and can still sense their siren’s call when standing in front of a classroom full of students, or auditorium full of educators.  Unlike many who proffer plans on how to “change the world,” I have had the beautifully brutal experience of seeing my most well-intentioned plans crumble in a red cloud of African dust.

After living with a group of orphans in Thoera, Mozambique, a tiny village near the Zambezi River, I found myself in the most epic heroic narrative of my life. (more…)

Innovation, Making a Difference

Cognitive Sprawl: A learning landscape of expansion without intention

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This is my maiden entry in the Rice blogosphere, but I have stalked the REEP Blog for a couple months now.  My name is Kap McWhorter and I have sojourned in education for the better part of the last decade.  I have held administration and teaching positions in both private and public schools.  I have been everything from the Campus Pastor/High School Religion teacher at a small private school to my current position with Humble ISD as Small Learning Communities Coordinator.  Smattered amidst these varied experiences are extended periods of work in the non-profit sector and global relief organizations.  These seemingly incongruous experiences have found harmony in my current work in directing Finding Heroes, a non-profit organization committed to providing meaningful learning experiences by connecting students and educators to the needs of their local and global communities. (more…)

School House

Meet Micaela Canales…Our Newest REEP Blogger.

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Hello, intensely diverse and ever-expanding universe. I am Micaela Canales, extending a firm handshake and big smile. I am currently a high school senior in the Houston area. My goal here is to introduce myself to our readers and offer insight as to my background, which will frame my future blog posts.

I have been surrounded by educational chatter since I was in diapers, with opinions from my varied and various family members in the business of education. Common conversation themes around my house include professional development, diminishing school budget, and funny stories from the classroom. As I have grown up and been encouraged, I have found my own voice in the educational mix, the voice of a student.

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School House

Teaching 2.0

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A few years ago, I heard someone deliver this quote: “All this talk of educational change is ridiculous. You, kids, are sadly mistaken if you think that my generation of teachers is just going to retire, while a new and motivated generation joins each other hand in hand, expelling ignorance from the educational landscape of America. I’m sorry, that’s just not how it works.”

And to an extent, the female who said this is correct. I really don’t see that happening. There is no wave of new teachers, there is no generation with a goal of expelling ignorance, there is no silent withdrawal of older teachers, there is no sign of union or determination among educators.

There just isn’t. So I applaud the brashness of the statement above, because, to a large part, it makes sense.

But then again, maybe there is. After my recent experience attending the REEP Education & Innovation Exchange at Rice University Jones Graduate School of Business, I began to really see the flaws in the quote I opened with.

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Student Life

Spotlight On Brian Johnson

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Wondering who REEP students are? Looking for fellow educational visionaries—the ones who would never call themselves as such yet are undeniably special? Lucky for REEP, we get to work with these individuals every day; today, you get to know one, too.

Brian Johnson is an Assistant Principal at Kingwood High School in Humble ISD and he is currently enrolled in the REEP Business Certificate Program at Rice University. When I contacted Brian to schedule an interview within a narrow time frame, I learned that although he would be driving from South Carolina back to Texas over the next few days, he was happy to meet me the very morning he returned. This, I think, has got to be quintessential Brian Johnson. Thoughtful, committed, straightforward, no frills, results driven. Interview after hours upon hours of driving? No problem. I was overwhelmed by Brian’s kind willingness to meet.

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