I have recently put together a professional teaching portfolio.  I wanted it to reflect who I am as well as what I have learned and accomplished in the area of education.  The cover is the picture below.  I decided that this needed some explanation, so I included the following in the cover of the document.

COVER PHOTO EXPLAINED

The photograph on the cover of this portfolio is a picture taken a few years ago near Owego, New York. I have just found a “hidden treasure” while GEOCACHING with my family. GEOCACHING is like high-tech treasure hunting using GPS devices and the internet. Scattered around the world are secret stashes, to find them you log in to the website, locate a GEOCACHE site near you and off you go. The best experience I have had with this was a site in Northwest Maine. We had searched for a long time for the stash there. Everyone was ready to give up, but I refused to quit. My perseverance paid off and I located a small box buried beneath some branches. It was my second attempt and after that I was hooked.

I see teaching as a type of treasure hunt. Each child enters the classroom with abilities, gifts, and experiences waiting to be discovered. Too frequently, we give up and take the easy path. The greatest treasures, however, are not found on the wide simple paths, but in the narrow and risky trails that often take us beyond our comfort zone. Teaching is bringing the best out in each student, and being willing to sweat it out until that treasure is uncovered.

I have been glad every time I have found one of these GEOCHACHE treasures. They are nothing of value or worth to anyone else, but to me each experience is a priceless memory. I hope to find that same value and worth in the treasures that enter my classroom each day.

From Dave Bentley’s Professional Portfolio – September 2013

 

The Hidden Cache in Main that Hooked Me

OK…OK…I’ll weigh in…gosh.  Why do people always want to know what I think about stuff?  The topic: Miley Cyrus performance at the VMA awards.  After so many…Many…MANY…posts, comments, articles and protests about the performance, people have asked my opinion.  I have been reluctant to give it because, well, I really don’t care that much, but for the sake of not seeming out of touch or prudish, here goes:

Real simple, if you expected anything different from MTV and today’s rising pop-culture icons then you are naive.  I watched about thirty seconds of a video link someone sent to me and shut it off.  There is a reason I don’t watch MTV.  I remember really liking the channel…when it was MUSIC VIDEOS.  Now I don’t even pay attention to what’s on there because it’s either drama or…dare I say…C.R.A.P. (Corrupt, Raunchy, And Putrid)! 

If I thought that protesting would make a difference then I might, but it doesn’t.  If I thought that petitions would impact the actions of “child thespians gone wild” I’d sign them, but it doesn’t.  I make my opinion known by NOT WATCHING TRASH.  This is why I can’t really offer an opinion on Miley’s performance, or any other for that matter.

I can offer an opinion, however, on something else.  As I understand it there were thousands in attendance for the live production.  In addition to the live audience tens of millions tuned in around the world to the program.  I imagine that if people are truly outraged, and if those offended celebrities and spokespeople are genuinely appalled by such shenanigans, next years audience numbers will be in the hundreds or perhaps thousands rather than millions and millions and millions.  I guess we’ll have to wait and see just how genuine all this negative response truly is.

Glad you asked.

Life At 29MPH – A Journey Out of the Fast Lane

Recently my wife and I had the amazing blessing of spending a couple of days driving on Skyline Drive in the Shenandoah National Park. Words fall far short of being able to capture the experience. Pictures can only show you simple images, not the majesty we felt as we stopped along the drive. However, I will include some in this post as eye candy for those who appreciate visuals.

One thing, however, that I do hope to somehow capture for you is the difference in the pace of life on the drive. Prior to getting on the scenic by-way we had been driving interstates all the way from Florida. We had become accustom to highway speeds. On the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive the speed is significantly slower. Most places on the Blue Ridge are posted at 45MPH and Skyline is primarily 35MPH. After a few miles on the roads, however, we determined that even those speeds were too swift to really appreciate where we were.

So we slowed down. We slowed way down. When you have been averaging speeds of 70-75 on the interstate it is a little shocking to set the cruise control at 29. It was hard. Once when we got off the drive to go into town for something we hit a highway and were stunned at how much faster it felt to drive 55. It does not feel normal to go so slow in our hectic race and rush of life.

As we were talking about the experience we thought about a couple of things related to the change in speed as we traveled. First, what are we missing as we are zipping through life? I know that we would have missed seeing at least one of the bears we saw as well as several deer and some incredible sights if we had not been cruising at 29MPH. As we pass things in such a blur in the daily rat race I am grieved to think of what I could have seen if I had only slowed down a little.

Second, what are we failing to fully appreciate in the rush of our daily routines? I couldn’t begin to account for the number of times we uttered a stunned “WOW” as we drove along. There were vistas that allowed us to see for miles. Beauty discovered just off the road on a meadow path. Amazing wildlife some might wait their whole life to see. It was all around us. Then I remembered, aren’t these things around us, or other similarly amazing things, all the time. We just don’t slow down enough to appreciate what surrounds us.

I probably won’t set my cruise to that speed again for a while. What I hope I can carry away from these past few days, and what you might also glean from this, is that it is alright to slow down. In fact, I think it’s a requirement to truly enjoy and appreciate life. So, slow down, set your cruise for comfort and be amazed. You might discover something astounding living life at 29MPH for a little while.

Enjoy the Journey!

Isaiah 45:6-7 
^…so that all may know from the rising of the sun to its setting that there is no one but Me. I am the Lord, and there is no other.  I form light and create darkness, I make success and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things.

This has been a very interesting summer.  For the first time in our lives we have not worked during the summer and been able to spend it together.  In addition, we have been away from home with our daughter and son-in-law who live just across from the beach.  One might think that this is the ideal circumstance for a couple, but being “out of my comfort zone” has been hard.  I am a home-body, so I’ve been missing my familiar surroundings.  It’s been nice going to the beach and being with the kids here in Florida, but I’m looking forward to returning to our normal lives.

But…what is “normal?”  So much in my life has changed in the past few years.  I have moved in a different direction in relation to my career.  I have become a grandparent.  I have returned to college.  Perhaps the turmoil of these transitions is part of my draw to return to “normal.” 

Speaking of turmoil, last night I walked out on the beach.  The waves were intense.   

Video: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10201594266759734

I love watching the waves.  It allowed me some time to contemplate things.   If you think about what causes these waves, there are forces at work hundreds of miles off shore that start the process.  The energy moves through the water and brings the wave crashing on the shore.  In my life it might seem like I’m experiencing turmoil right now, but my faith reminds me that what I am experiencing now is not actually happening now, but was set in motion according to a greater purpose.  I may not fully understand why, but God is in control, and He is the source of the energy or turmoil I’m currently experiencing. 

I still miss my home, my bed, my space, but I’m comforted in my faith that God is in control, and He is working out His plan in my life.  I don’t know what is coming around the bend…it might be even bigger waves…but I know that God is sovereign, and I know I can completely trust Him, even in the stormy seas of life.

July 17, 2013 – Daytona Beach Shores, FL

Each morning for the past few days I’ve been blessed to take a pre-dawn walk on the beach and watch the sunrise. I’m constantly in awe as I watch the waves, the sun, the birds. For me this is a “How Great Thou Art” moment as I pause to recognize the creator of all things each day.

Something else amazes me too each morning. I’m not alone. There are several other people, even in the early hours, walking up and down the beach, riding bicycles, running. The thing that amazes me is that no one seems to be stopping to breath in the view. This morning my wife remarked that people are listening to music in headphones instead of the symphony of the surf. It reminds me of the significant difference in perspective and worldview.

I’m not saying that these people are bad people, they are just missing out. The longer that they stay here the less the impact of the beauty of the environment in their lives. They begin taking what they have here for granted. While I am singing “Oh, Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder consider all the worlds Thy hands have made.” They are thinking, “Oh Lord, I’m going to be late…I have so much to do…will my marriage survive…where will I get my next fix?” Their lives are so full and marked by chaos that they can’t pause to contemplate the sunrise off the coast. A part of me wants to stand in front of one of the runners and say, “stop for a moment, and look at that.” I want to say to the waitress hurrying to the pier restaurant, “Have you looked around at what God has given you today?” I want to…but they take little notice of us as we stroll along in wonder by the water.

Wherever you are today—right now—please just pause. Whatever day you might be reading this, whatever the weather might be outside, and whatever you have on your list to do today, pause. Look to the sky and see the wonder of all that God has made.

Next time I think I will talk about the order of all the cosmos and the design in what I see around me.

Pastor Dave’s DEVO for this Week:

While we are in Virginia we can’t participate directly with our LifeGroup in Vermont. However, I can pass along my DEVO for this week. This is something we discussed during our family quiet time last night and I continued to ponder today.

PROFOUND LOVE

Mary therefore took a pound of VERY COSTLY perfume of pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair; and THE HOUSE WAS FILLED WITH THE FRAGRANCE of the perfume.

John 12:3 (NASB77)

Setting the stage

Jesus has come back to Bethany, to the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. This was a place where He often went, and He found a home in a life of homelessness. These were His friends, His family, and they had seen the power and love of Christ engaged in their lives. Lazarus, who had been four days in the grave, was seated at the table. It was a powerful and moving moment, and it was about to get even bigger, better, more profound.
Costly Love

Mary enters the room with a bottle of perfume. Not just any perfume, an extremely expensive perfume. In fact, some describe the cost of such a bottle as being the equivalent of nearly eleven months wages for a middle class worker. I have bought nice perfume before, but never at such an extravagant cost.

We aren’t told how Mary came by this bottle of perfume. We might speculate that she inherited it as a family heirloom. Perhaps it was given as payment for something. Regardless of the source, she knew the value. Her actions tell us, however, that the thing she prized most above all other things was the presence and person of the Lord Jesus.

A Challenging Question

Would I be willing to pay the price of this kind of love and devotion? What do I value most of all in my life? Is my family my greatest prize? Do I place my beloved bride above everything and everyone else? Most would commend me for such great love. Then I remember what I’ve been given in Christ. Is there anything or anyone that can take His place in the center of my heart? Any that I value or prize more than Him? Mary demonstrated a profound love for Jesus, one that she clearly placed above everything else. Why? Because she realized that everything—a brother brought back from the grave…life brought back from the shadows…love brought through heartbreak—is given to her through Christ.

Ask

I pray that my love for the Lord would overflow. That it would be visible, tangible, and even costly. I pray that people would be impacted by that love as those in the room were by the fragrance. I pray that I would love even though some might criticize or condemn. I pray that my love for the Lord Jesus would be profound and extravagant, and would eclipse my love for everything and everyone else, because I realize that in placing my love in Him to such a degree will enable me to love those others with even greater passion and depth.

A PowerPoint Created by my Daughter for our Surprise Anniversary Party!

Most of the time people write reviews of auto repair businesses to criticize or complain, myself included.  However, I have had such an experience today with VIP that I felt compelled to respond in writing to the company.  Below is my message to them:

To Whom it May Concern:

(Please Pass this on to The “Big Boss” on my behalf)

I want to tell you all about the outstanding service I received this morning in Claremont, NH.  I went in for what I expected to be a complicated oil change.  I had tried to have it change the previous week only to find the drain plug was stripped and would just spin in place.  Well, in the process of changing the oil the technician accidentally left our air suspension system engaged, this resulted in rupturing the rear airbags.  Here’s the part I really want to compliment:

The young lady who had made my appointment and a man–I assume the store manager–approached me in a very professional and conciliatory way that reminded me of a doctor entering a waiting room with really bad news.  They explained what had happened and assured me that the needed repairs would be taken care of as soon as possible.  In addition, the oil change–which had not been as complicated as I had anticipated–would be free of charge.  Tomorrow afternoon they will fix the car and I’ll be back on the road.

My point is that I have been treated poorly before by various mechanics.  A friend of mine recommended that I try VIP, even though it is a slight distance from my home in Vermont.  My first internal response when the staff approached me was a fear that they were going to give me a list of things that needed to be repaired.  The way that they managed a difficult situation and the care they showed to me in that moment has earned VIP my family’s continued patronage. 

Well Done VIP!

Please feel free to pass this on to the Claremont location and share as you like.  I will be telling as many as I can about our experience and the exceptional care of the staff there.

Sincerely,
Dave (& Andie) Bentley
Springfield, Vermont

Teacher Talk: Regarding Physical Restraint

I have been through several Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) classes in which I have been taught how to manage the behavior of children who have reached a state where they are “out of control” through Nonviolent Crisis Intervention. Many people mistakenly assume that this process of restraint is punitive in nature, a consequence administered because of a specific behavior pattern. However, this passage from a textbook I am currently reading captures the true essence of what should be involved when a student must be restrained in terms of the actions and behaviors of the one doing the restraining.

Perhaps no children are more concerned with their physical and emotional well-being—and perhaps their continued existence—than children who have lost control of themselves in a tantrum. These children feel totally and absolutely helpless. They simply cannot control their physical and verbal behaviors. On such an occasion, physical restraint is not only necessary but a kindness. The child is held until calm. The teacher communicates physically and verbally to the child in a calm voice or whisper. The teacher communicates to the child, “You are safe; I will protect you; I will not let you harm yourself (Shea & Bauer, 2012).”

Restraining a student is never the automatic g0-to option.  The primary focus of training courses, such as CPI, is to become more aware of antecedents that may lead to increased anxiety and acting out behaviors and how adults can effectively respond to those stages of increasing anxiety in ways that can stop a student’s behavior from escalating to the point of needing to be restrained.  However, at times when restraint must be applied it is important to remember that this response may provide the student opportunity to experience security, compassion, and kindness at a time when it is needed most. 

 

Reference:

Shea, T. M. & Bauer, A. M. (2012). Behavior management: A practical approach for

educators. (10^th ed.) Boston, MA: Pearson.

Value and Cherish – two words that seem to be misplaced in modern relationships. DO NOT be a man who values or cherishes anyone or anything above your wife. If you don’t think she’s more precious to you than gold then spend some time remembering what you loved about her and return to focus on those things. Let her know that you put her first…before your job…your hobbies…your sports teams…everything. Only ONE should ever take a higher place in your heart and life, and that is reserved for your God.

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