4:00 am

Its 4:00 am Monday morning and we're piling into the bus heading to the airport.  We've got a short flight to Houston and then we leave Houston about 8:00.  Arrive in San Jose, Costa Rica about noon.

Sunday was a great day, we met the other teachers (they are amazing) and spent time getting to know each other.  It is pretty unbelievable (and energizing!) to hear all the great things these teachers are doing.  It is quite a diverse group, all regions of the country, many different disciplines, some new teachers, some very experienced teachers, some private, mostly public school, many inner-city, many rural, some union, some not.  I think I'm the only Charter School teacher.

We heard from the organizers and some alumni.  All indicators is this will be the trip I have been expecting.

After lunch we toured the Toyota Plant in San Antonio where they make all the Tundras made anywhere in the world (they also make Tacomas).  They had a small Toyota museum in their education center where we saw demonstrations on engineering and robotics.  The highlight of the visit was a hands-on demonstration of the Toyota Total Production System vs old traditional "push" systems of manufacturing products.  It was a great example of how management strategy can improve efficiency, outcomes and working conditions.

After that we had a workshop with the teachers brainstorming lesson plans in small groups.  These people are some of the most creative people I have ever met.  I think just working with them will one of the most important aspects of this experience.

We're on the way to the airport (the bus has wifi!).  Next post will be from Costa Rica!

Missing my students and colleges at TMCS already!

Have a great day!