This Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China has 1500 years of history. Built during the Northern Qi Dynasty during the reign of Emperor Hongwu, it has many watchtowers and even more stairs & steps. Standing on this piece of history and reflecting on my relatively brief existence on this planet (even though it is well over 1/2 a century), I consider how enduring the "Great Wall" that I have constructed over my teaching career will be. I started teaching 10th grade Biology during the era of typewriters (pre-computer), wired telephones (pre-cell), and mimeograph machines (pre-xerox). Now, I find myself in the 21st century, still teaching, but it is a completely different process. I am surrounded by amazing technology that enhances the learning experience and creates a social atmosphere in the classroom. Just as this Great Wall of China stands witness to evolution, I too, have seen so many changes in our approach to learning and teaching. I think about the thousands of students that have passed through my classrooms, the bricks in my great wall, ---and I stand on the shoulder of their successes -- doctors, scientists, dedicated teachers, principals, nurses, artists, baggage handlers, mathematicians, curriculum designers, professors, mothers/fathers, actors, clergy, professional surfers, musicians, computer programers, athletes, entrepreneurs, CEOs, lawyers, bakers, counselors, engineers, . . . . . . I look forward to learning with you as I continue to build my Great Wall.
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