Friday's Are Tough When the Stakes Are High

   In one day of teaching so much can happen. The lives of 
young people are in our hands. Everything we do in under
a microscope. So many decisions to make every hour, 
each one with the potential to propel your duty forward 
or keep in stagnant and ineffective. 

   Today was a movement forward in an otherwise typically 
difficult and long Friday. A decision to speak and then a decision
to act opened up a major opportunity today. The incedent made
this a highly memorable and successful day. My influence for the
good and benefit of a student will certainly change life for the 
student in a positive way. 

   It was not easy, but taking a chance comes with risks, but the
may not have done. I am where I am supposed to be. That's a 
teachers job.

Mark 

"Cerrar los ojos a tu Chica" - Latin Music Video - BEAT100

"Cerrar los ojos a tu Chica" - Latin Music Video - BEAT100

The following letter was written from a daughter to her dad. "Susie" is a former student of mine. She moved out of the area after my first year at my high school position. She always kept in touch through her ex-boyfriend who I also had as a student. She posted this on Facebook and it was very emotional for me. I long to have this kind of closeness with my own daughter. Someday I hope...

Add caption

MarkGTR: The Power of Youth

MarkGTR: The Power of Youth: The Power of Youth I know, another story about the abilities of young people. Yawn… Well, being a teacher I’m surrounded by it all day ...

MarkGTR: THE REAL LIFE BROADWAY:Nashville And Its Street Of...

MarkGTR: THE REAL LIFE BROADWAY:Nashville And Its Street Of...: THE REAL LIFE BROADWAY: Nashville And Its Street Of Dreams     I'm walking towards the main drag, Broadway, in the heart of Music City...

MarkGTR: As the title and description of my blog tells you,...

MarkGTR: As the title and description of my blog tells you,...: As the title and description of my blog tells you, I'm all about working with students on music. However, it's impossible not to be...

As the title and description of my blog tells you, I'm all about working with students on music. However, it's impossible not to be aware of the issues these young people get into. This posting from a student says it all. I hope you all out there take a couple minutes to read and ponder. You just may save a young person from a hell they cannot escape.

"We are now living in a generation where kisses don't mean anything, holding hands isn't special & first dates aren't memorable. Trust issues are being passed around instead of reasons to trust. 

Meaningful conversations mostly happen through texting or social networks now instead of being on the phone for hours or face to face lying next to each other. 

Feelings are being expressed through phrases passed around all over the internet instead of something original that came from the heart. 

Arguments between couples are being put out publicly online for everyone to see instead of keeping it private between the two.

 Sex has gotten easier to have between two people who don't have to get to know each other or care about each other when before, people used to enjoy the wait, 

Have something to look forward to & make sure that the feelings are there first."

If this doesn't open your eyes a bit to what social media has done to our children then you best get a reality check on yourself.