I recently completed my doctoral work (a distraction largely responsible for ignoring my writing here). My staff made a big deal about the accomplishment including an announcement that I was now "Dr. TalesInEducation." Of course, elementary school aged children generally don't understand this, most confusing it with being a doctor of medicine.
A particular sweet 4th grade boy named Bryan came up to me, said "Congratulations, Dr. TalesInEducation", and gave me a hug almost stumbling over the doctor part in his sentence. He then looked up at me and said, "I don't understand why you're a doctor."
I replied by explaining that I was a doctor of education, not a doctor who helps people who are sick. After a slight pause, the Bryan looked back up at me and said, "But you could fix education if were sick, right?"
It was my turn for a pause. "It is definitely sick Bryan. And I'm not so sure I can cure it all...."
And away I flew like the down of a thistle, to my favorite watering hole.... Happy Friday, educators!
