Sunday, June 9, 2013

Graduation Wit Da Mayr

Da Mayr 2

There are still pix from the Renaissance Faire I want to post but we're in Chicago for the weekend. So, an interlude.

Son Andy got a masters degree in teaching through the AUSL program. This is a private, not-for-profit organization whose business is turning around under-performing urban schools. It is hard to be accepted in the program and many of their new teachers come as part of a career change. Andy was a software engineer with a bachelor's and master's in computer science from the University of Chicago. He reached the point where the business problems of his boss' customers were of no interest. Now he's teaching high school math in the city.

And who unexpectedly showed up to speak? Rahm Emanuel, Mayor of the City of Chicago, former congressman, former Chief of Staff to President Obama. He's known as tough, pragmatic and sometimes abrasive. AUSL is important to him. Its director said that the mayor came to him and asked if he could double the size of the program. He said yes. The mayor told him "I've got your back. We'll get the money. Just don't screw up." But, um, he used another word than "screw."

Much later that night, our super teacher transformed himself into a DJ. Everyone needs a hobby.         

Andy's Graduation 1

DJ Andy 1



6 comments:

brattcat said...

hope your son loves his new line of work as much as your mayor loves his.

William Kendall said...

Congratulations to your son!

Jack said...

Urban schools can sure use some help. I hope this career change is what your son dreams it will be.

Oakland Daily Photo said...

Your photo and a recent Time profile makes me think I'd never want to mess with Rahm. Congrats to Andy and DJ-A.

TheChieftess said...

Congratulations and Kudos!!! Having worked in both education and with "at risk" kids...encourage him to keep his DJ work and whatever else gives him balance!!!

TheChieftess said...

Congratulations and Kudos!!! Having worked in both education and with "at risk" kids...encourage him to keep his DJ work and whatever else gives him balance!!!