Blogging at its Best

Sometimes the blogosphere (I try to peruse both its education and parts of its political subspheres with some regularity) seems so nasty, trivial, personal, and reactionary that I wish it would go away. But two recent posts by Joe Williams (at the Chalkboard) and Leo Casey (at EdWize), both men I respect very much and know are deeply committed to the wellbeing and education of children (particularly disadvantaged youngsters), remind me why this is a worthwhile medium. In a post Monday, Joe asked why teachers are still treated with so little respect, what respect in the workplace really means for teachers, and why unions haven't been more successful in raising the status of and respect for teachers. Leo responds by arguing why unions are necessary to protect teachers, students, and public education. Whether or not you agree with them, both posts are thoughtful, humane, and the combination exemplifies the kind of dialogue blogging--at its best--enables.