Yet another day to develop professionally

Generally you should read that subject line with extreme sarcasm. Last week though I was fortunate enough to escape to a "Teaching American History" conference. What I like about conferences is the ability to refocus on the intellectual and ideological side of education. In middle school it is easy for the mind to subsist on a caveman-like level. These periodic rendezvous in the philosophical world are refreshing. Why do we teach history? What is our greater purpose? Somewhat watered down existential questions. Two school days away from a fresh start it is important that I try and recall my greater purpose. Critical thinking, comprehension, expanding knowledge and vocabulary, exploration of bias, civic participation - these are the things I can practically work on this year. In my future life as a teacher - historical and political analysis, papers based on primary source material, debate, engagement in the community. Social studies has a lot of potential. It's a shame everyone falls into the "collection of facts" trap. But often times I'm just as bad as most. It's something to work on. I read this great quote that only mildly applies to what I am talking about. I will leave you with it anyway:
"[Life] is like driving a car at night. You can only see as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way."