Worth It

Our school is participating in a fantastic program called AVID.  AVID is set up for kids who show academic promise but are from homes that don't have a history of attending college.  This is the second school I've worked at that supports AVID, and I've become a big advocate of the program.

The problem with worthwhile endeavors in education these days is that they usually encounter strong opposition from politicians and some administrators.  Also, teachers with massive egos that don't participate in AVID for some reason seem to greatly resent the positive attention AVID receives.

The three of us who teach the AVID elective classes have encountered such opposition this year.  Many of the better, more level-headed teachers at our school have embraced several of the AVID strategies, and have been tremendously supportive.  But, as Einstein once said, "Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds," and we have.

Such opposition requires tons of energy and time to circumvent, time which would be better spent helping kids.  Oh well, such is the hand dealt.  Today, after some semi-violent opposition, we were granted our one and only college visitation.

Was it ever worth the struggle.  A blue-sky day greeted us as we explored our way around campus and completed many a fun task and challenge.  The smiling faces made it all worthwhile.