Just what the world needs, another blog, but you’re here reading so I might as well start writing.
I am Deven Black, a native of New York City This is a blog about my passions: learning, teaching, food & beverages. I hope you share at least one of these; if not, you probably don’t want to keep reading because while this blog will stick a toe — perhaps a large one — into other waters (parenting, politics, media ecology and more), those four passions will be the dominant subject matter.
I became a teacher when I was 50-years-old because I finally connected the dots between everything I’d done earlier and found a new passion. I had always been passionate about learning despite having dropped out of high school (twice!) and dropped out of college, all before turning 17. I was what some call an autodidact, but my learning was far from a solo effort because I was fortunate enough to have well-educated and thoughtful interlocutors and guides along the way.
That is what I hope to be in this blog, an educated and thoughtful questioner, guide and advocate. I count on you to let me know how I’m doing by commenting on anything that pleases, infuriates or otherwise grabs your attention.
One more thing; I’m new at blogging and will try to do it well, but there are bound to be some missteps along the way. Please let me know of errors, typos or bad grammar as I am sure there will be many examples. I am used to having an editor make me look good but will not have that luxury here. Look forward to a different design and other changes in the look and feel of Education On The Plate as this somewhat old dog learns the tricks the younger dogs already know.
Education On The Plate 
I think you are off to a great start 🙂 Congrats on taking the plunge. Once I started blogging, I actually have found it to be therapeutic – almost necessary. I look forward to following your adventures.
– Kelly Hines
Always room for intelligence and creativity… even in the blogosphere. You’re linked at SpeEdChange.
Welcome to the edublog world. I’ve really enjoyed your insightful “tweets” so I am sure that your blog will be just as interesting. We need more special ed teachers talking/writing about what really goes on in our classrooms. Parents think they know, but (speaking as a SPED teacher & SPED parent) they don’t. If we can enlighten parents, maybe they will be allies and not adversaries.
FYI – even English teachers make typos, spelling, and grammar errors. I find I do this more when ranting. Enjoy this endeavor. The reflection that blogging brings me adds so much to my professional world.
I wish you well in this new adventure! I will be adding your blog to my reader and look forward to the conversation in the future. Best of luck!
Well done – looking forward to reading your blog and keeping up to date with your news!
Welcome to the blog world! I’m looking forward to reading more of your valuable perspective.
When I first began my career as a SPED teacher, some 32 years ago, there was no internet to email or blog on . Communication with like-minded, fellow teachers took place on the run. As a new teacher ,I was lucky enough to have the support of one crackerjack, veteran SPED teacher next door who took me under her wing , showed me the ropes, gave career-saving tips and , in general, kept me out of trouble in a school system that was very much sink -or -swim. Today’s new teachers still must hone their skills through trial and error but now the internet and blogs such as your’s provide that vital, out of the workplace link to fellow teachers. All the best to you in this endeavor.
And when I began my career as a SPED teacher, five years ago, I was lucky enough to have the support of you and the other crackerjack teachers then at PS198 in the Bronx. Now we’ve scattered all over and we’re passing along all we’ve learned to other new teachers. We’re like little bits of pollen drifting in the wind.
It sounds like you’ve had quite the journey to get to where you are. Your students are fortunate to have you as a teacher and a role model. I look forward to reading more.
Woo-hoo, Deven! Way to jump in! Love the title, and look forward to reading more.
Thank you all for being so supportive. Its good to have friends, and I’ve made so many new ones lately. I’m glad to know you all.
Dear Deven,
Congratulations – I’ve bookmarked this site and look forward to visiting it regularly. I know from TheApple that you have a lot to say and that your ideas and comments are always thought-provoking, well-reasoned, and very interesting.
And maybe this will inspire me to start my own blog. Just what you need, huh – more competition.
Competition? Its not about competition. Its about collaboration, consideration, commiseration, and spreading more light on the world. Join in.
Hi Deven!
I’ve just realized how we’ve come full circle! Thirty some-odd years ago I used to phone in my comments to a certain radio talk show. Here it is 2009 and I’m posting my comments on your blog! I’ll bookmark your site and check back regularly.
And I’m still the opinionated blowhard I was thirty-odd years ago.
Hey Deven,
Thanks for all the emails. Always useful in some way. Nice blog!! (In case you don’t remember – Gilder Lehrman/Harvard)
Of course I remember you, Jacqueline. After all, you, me and our friend from Minneapolis stayed up to all hours of the night assembling our project with the help of your sister and other family members. I hope your year is going well and hope to see you again somewhere.
Great start, thanks for keeping me up to date in all of your endeavors. You have always been a role model to me as you keep pushing yourself on with life. But of course I am a little bit biased. Keep pushing.
YOU should write a book about your experiences. This is WONDERFUL!
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