How Old Is Your Ironman?

Ironman's first story here. 

Ironman stopped by for a visit after school. He's a sophomore this year. Yes, my Ironman is not yet sixteen.

My Ironman amazes me with his inventiveness. He is part engineer, part artist, part pioneer, part explorer. He is a problem solver and a visionary. His imagination is bigger than Africa.

Last year he sculpted an Ironman suit out of foam and cardboard and glue. He is a maker.

My Ironman stopped by after school to say hello and tell me about his current project. Did he know I worked until ten o'clock last night, grading left over summer reading projects and painstakingly putting grades into the computer? Did he know that I've proctored two mandatory assessments in the last five instructional days? Did he know that today was my day to holistically score 125 "on demand" essays--a monthly writing assessment mandated by the county?

I think Ironman knew I need a lift. Someone sure did.

My Ironmnan has grown. He's a sophomore now and boys fill out between ninth and tenth grade. He smiles the same though. He's working on a Patriot Suit. His creation process fascinates me.

He described what he's learned about cutting, coating and painting the foam and cardboard. He experiments with silicone molds. He made a mold for his boots this time, so that his feet are more comfortable. My Ironman doesn't need Dr. Scholl's he's figured out his own orthotics.

Did he know that today I learned we are are farming out six sections of English to teachers willing to take on an additional class because we can't afford to hire anyone? Did he know that I need to figure out how to coach a foreign language teacher through teaching English to English language learners? Did he know that the supply cabinet ran out of hall passes? Maybe he heard teachers clamoring.

He came by my classroom to visit. I asked a couple of questions. And I learned. I learned about pouring silicon and rotational casting and articulated abdomens. I learned about the improvements he discovered after making that first suit. My Ironman is engineering a costume that will move as he moves.

Best faculty meeting ever, written by the drama department and
performed in full costume by administration and support.

Did he know that negotiations for teachers' contracts are not moving. They stalled and are being dragged through the media mud. Superman is supposed to be on our side negotiating raises with the union. Raises for teachers that seem slim in comparison to dollars spent on [you choose]. Can you remember teachers last got a raise?
Things aren't looking good for the Justice League.

Elastigirl may  be smiling, but she worries sometimes. Moms do that. Teachers too.

2005 Mission: Incredible Year 

Ironman must know.

My Ironman took pictures of the Mini-Maker Faire show dates I called up on the computer. I assured him; his people are there. His people might also design sets for film and television. I plan to ask Batman to send up a signal. We need to make contact with professionals.

I shared how the Makers inspired my foam carving and epoxy explorations. He described silicone mold making two ways down to the thickness of the pour and the resulting plastics problems.

My Ironman is a problem solver. He seeks solutions. He's going to build is own vacuum forming machine. He can wire portable circuits and by Homecoming week will have a working palm repulser. I think I need one of those.

When he appears in public, he is now fearless. He said realizes it is not about him. It's about the suit and the doing and the learning. I think it's courage and passion and joy. Score one for the good guys, Ironman.

Do you have an Ironman? I bet you do. I bet you can call your Ironman (or woman)  to mind as I write. Think about him or her. Think about those "Supers:" the kids lift you up and carry you through.

They, and the ones they fight for, befriend and protect are why we teachers do what do every day.

Focus on the kids and find your joy.

Then ask for the jet pack because sometimes a little swoop in to save the day is a good thing.

Speak up for good this week. I'll listen.

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