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# The Alternate Route

Teaching, traveling and learning across the globe

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## Posts

- [Debí Tirar Más Fotos](http://timothy-flanagan.com/debi-tirar-mas-fotos/) - The last time I used a Eurail pass I was twenty-two and still in college. My friends and I hopped on and off trains and ferries from London to Corfu over a couple of months before reporting to Lancashire, England for our student teaching assignments. It was my first backpacking trip, first time on a
- [Iceland's Midnight Sun, Endless Roads, and Beauty Beyond Belief](http://timothy-flanagan.com/icelands-midnight-sun-endless-roads-and-beauty-beyond-belief/) - I took a five-hour flight to another world two months ago. It's hard to come up with ways to describe Iceland that don't sound cliche because it truly is like being on another planet. This trip came about as an extension to a long-planned family trip to Ireland when I discovered Play Airlines allowed for
- [Passing on One Man's Pass](http://timothy-flanagan.com/passing-on-one-mans-pass/) - The couple from Belfast stopped me in the parking lot just as I was about to pull out of the campground. "We were worried about you! How did you make out?" I had been worried about them as well. The last time I saw them, the day before, we had met near the top of
- [Dry Between the Drops](http://timothy-flanagan.com/dry-between-the-drops/) - "Have you written your blog post yet?" I hear that question regularly from my travel companions. I've been traveling for 17 days in two countries and haven't written anything yet. I blame them. Solo travel provides me with lots of opportunities for reflection and writing. Group travel not so much! I'm with two siblings, their
- [Travel Like Tim](http://timothy-flanagan.com/travel-like-tim/) - I'm currently in a five-bedroom light-filled beautiful home on a lake watching the sunset over a hill beyond the green Irish fields, not believing how fortunate I am to travel like this. Home Away from Home The home I'm sharing for eight days with family and travel partner Vicky Ann costs us nothing thanks to
- [Ancient Wisdom](http://timothy-flanagan.com/ancient-wisdom/) - When I moved to Bolivia in 1990, words like scrolling and apps and social media were yet to be conjured up. There were no notifications buzzing in my pocket and if I wanted to know how to get somewhere I had to ask a stranger in my broken Spanish. News traveled slowly. I wrote handwritten
- [Meandering through Mexico](http://timothy-flanagan.com/meandering-through-mexico/) - This is my sixth trip to Mexico since my first time here in 2018. Besides the butterflies and writing conference, I've been meandering through San Miguel de Allende and, more recently, the areas around Coatepec and Xalapa in Veracruz state. I've met plenty of retirees from the US and Canada who are living here, and
- [This is Real](http://timothy-flanagan.com/this-is-real/) - The audience erupted in applause as soon as the translator finished relaying what Pastor Ignacio had said in Spanish. "The US doesn't need a businessman running it. They need a president." He was speaking about the current crisis facing ABBA House, a migrant center that does miraculous work in Celaya, a city a couple of
- [Playing with Writing](http://timothy-flanagan.com/playing-with-writing/) - This is how you attend your first "professional" writing conference. You will browse the conference website for weeks, intrigued by the caliber of authors who will be speaking and persuaded by workshop titles like "Writing for the Change You Want to See in the World" and "Personal Essay as Resistance." You'll have a constant conversation
- [Generations in Flight: What the Monarchs Taught Me](http://timothy-flanagan.com/generations-in-flight-what-the-monarchs-taught-me/) - "What has been your favorite non-monarch highlight so far?" asked one of the two Jeffs on our trip. This was the younger Jeff, the psychiatrist Jeff, the met-in-Vietnam-and-have-been-friends-ever-since Jeff (not to be confused with my older brother-in-law Jeff). It was a fair question, asked while sitting by the warmth of the fire at our outside
- [A Thousand Words?](http://timothy-flanagan.com/a-thousand-words/) - At first I didn't think much of the photo above as I was swiping through my phone. It's just one of hundreds I take every week of the grandkids. The more I thought about it, though, the more I realized how it speaks volumes, maybe even 1000 words. There's a tension in this photo that
- [Copper to Gold: A Transformation](http://timothy-flanagan.com/copper-to-gold-a-transformation/) - There were a lot of reasons not to join Copper to Gold, a sixteen-week online anti-racism class being offered for the first time to a Rhode Island cohort. I had more than my fill of online teaching and learning during the pandemic, so spending two hours a week on Zoom was the first drawback. Another
- [Vermont Times](http://timothy-flanagan.com/vermont-times/) - A few thoughts and lots of photos from my time house sitting in Vermont. 100+ Years Ago I learned something about Pullman Porters years ago when reading The Warmth of Other Sons by Isabel Wilkerson (one of my all-time favorite books - check it out). These were African American men hired to work on the
- [Vermont Scenes](http://timothy-flanagan.com/vermont-scenes/) - On Set "Would you like to see the inside?" the woman asked as she unloaded her Subaru in front of a church in the center of Peru, a tiny, tiny town in Vermont. She pulled up as I was taking pictures of the outside of the church. I had spent the day feeling very much
- [Better than the Amazing Race](http://timothy-flanagan.com/better-than-the-amazing-race/) - "What a ridiculous show," was my first thought when The Amazing Race came out many years ago. Why travel around the world to spend just a day or two in each place, performing silly challenges, all in the quest for a million dollars? How can you even call that travel? And yet, though it took
- [Choque-Carry-On](http://timothy-flanagan.com/choque-carry-on/) - While scrubbing five days of mud, sweat, sunscreen and insect repellant off of my body I felt identical bulges on the back of each leg. It took a moment to realize that it was my calf muscles, not my usual spindly legs. In the light of my hotel room, I also noticed many dozens more
- [7 Surprising Observations about the Galápagos](http://timothy-flanagan.com/7-surprising-observations-about-the-galapagos/) - If you'd asked me a week ago if I was the type of person who would swim with sharks, I'd have answered with an emphatic "No way!" But swimming with sharks became a normal thing to do during my time in the Galápagos, and I'd happily do it again. It's hard to put into words
- [In Between](http://timothy-flanagan.com/in-between/) - Not every moment of travel can be as thrilling as hiking to Choquequirao or visiting friends in Brazil and Chile or hanging out in Rio with my son or spending five weeks with amazing kids in Medellín. There are lots of in-between moments when I'm just hanging out and enjoying whatever comes my way. These
- [Arequipa](http://timothy-flanagan.com/arequipa/) - "Yes, stay," is what "Ari qhipay" means in Quechua. One legend says that the name for the city came from this answer that was given when a visitor asked for permission to stay in the valley. I stayed for six days, longer than I had planned. The climate is perfect, the views of volcanos in
- [Ground Control to Señor Tim](http://timothy-flanagan.com/ground-control-to-senor-tim/) - A train trip I took from Denver to Salt Lake City last year made me feel like I was on another planet. The landscapes in Utah are out of this world. Northern Chile feels like another dimension. After saying goodbye to my friends in Calama, I took an eight-hour bus ride through the Atacama Desert
- [Feels Like Bolivia](http://timothy-flanagan.com/feels-like-bolivia/) - Prepare the Cabin "Flight attendants, prepare the cabin for crossing the Andes." In all my years of flying I have never heard such an announcement. As I looked down at the endless mountains stretching to the horizon, which seemed awfully close, my mind immediately went to story of the Uruguayan rugby team that crashed in
- [Family, Friends, Futebol](http://timothy-flanagan.com/family-friends-futbol/) - "Your Portuguese is 99%. How did you learn to speak it?" I can't get enough of these compliments, even if it came from the husband of my AirBnB host who was finishing several glasses of wine at the time. His question led to me telling the story of meeting Pércio and Alex soon after I
- [Maravilhosa](http://timothy-flanagan.com/maravilhosa/) - Rio is known as the "Cidade Maravilhosa" and it really is marvelous. I've been here many times and it never gets old. The rain forest-covered mountains meet the stunning beaches in Rio. And in between there is the vibrant culture of millions of "cariocas" as people from Rio are called. It's been fun exploring the
- [It's All about the Jeeps](http://timothy-flanagan.com/its-all-about-the-jeeps/) - The two Dutch women across from me were telling stories about their year camping in New Zealand. The couple from Melbourne related their own Kiwi adventures and coffee culture in their city. Squeezed in the corner, a young Venezuelan guy chimed in when the conversation turned to our experiences hiking the Cocora Valley that day.
- [Precious Moments](http://timothy-flanagan.com/precious-moments/) - "Profe, sit next to me," Nicole said in Spanish as she presented me with a small plastic chair. She wanted to practice English while eating her lunch. We got through, "What is your name?" and "How old are you?" before the conversation turned back to Spanish. "And what about your mother?" was one of her
- [Goals, Bachata, and a Rock](http://timothy-flanagan.com/goals-bachata-and-a-rock/) - I planned on writing about other Medellín topics but my mind keeps coming back to these kids at Fundación Poder Joven, so here we go again. I spent some time monitoring the "cancha" or soccer field this week. The field is actually the small rooftop of the three-story building, recently upgraded with artificial "turf" which
- [La Finca](http://timothy-flanagan.com/la-finca/) - "Profe, there's three tunnels we're going to pass through!" my seat mate excitedly told me as we headed out of Medellín with thirty kids from Fundación Poder Joven to the finca, or farm, about ninety minutes away. My friend never stopped talking because she was so excited at everything she saw out the window and
- [La Voz](http://timothy-flanagan.com/la-voz/) - It took me awhile, but I slowly began to realize how important the talent show was to the staff and kids at Casa Maren, where I'm volunteering with Fundación Poder Joven. It seemed that every day there was some task related to the preparation for the show: cutting out musical notes for decorations, painting signs,
- [Another Lost Gringo?](http://timothy-flanagan.com/another-lost-gringo/) - Note: There's still time to donate to Fundación Poder Joven where I'm volunteering. See my previous two posts for more details. Thank you to those who have already sent donations! I was determined to go on the "Seven Waterfalls Hike," but my tuktuk driver said it was the "Four Waterfalls Hike." In the end, I
- [Fellow Activists](http://timothy-flanagan.com/fellow-activists/) - Last Sunday morning, when I normally am participating in the Westerly Anti-Racism Coalition weekly gathering, I noticed fellow activists gathering outside of the church on the plaza in Jardín. What really caught my attention was the sign that said "Festival of the Wax Palms" in Spanish. I stopped by to talk to them. I learned
- [Ecstatic](http://timothy-flanagan.com/ecstatic/) - "There's an ecstatic dance just across the way," my new friend Lily told me as we were strolling through the small market at Zafra, a beautiful ecological reserve not far from San Rafael. I'm still not entirely sure what an ecstatic dance is, but it turns out we never made it - which is fine
- [Goodbye for Now, Casa Maren](http://timothy-flanagan.com/goodbye-for-now-casa-maren/) - “Tim, thank you for everything. With you, I was happy. You were my favorite teacher.” Wow, how could I not be overwhelmed with joy after reading this note in Spanish from Gerónimo, age 8. I had very stiff competition in the favorite teacher department at Fundación Poder Joven, but at least I was Gerónimo’s favorite!
- [Don't Read This](http://timothy-flanagan.com/dont-read-this/) - Just look at the pictures Sorry about the clickbait. I was stressing about what to write for my first blog post of this three-month journey. A cup of coca leaf tea and a beautiful view has made me realize that I don't have to say anything. I'll let the pictures do the talking. Of course,
- [Good Problems to Have](http://timothy-flanagan.com/good-problems-to-have/) - "Are you going to another country tomorrow?" That's what my grandson asked me, on the verge of tears, when I came back from Mexico last September. I assured him I wasn't leaving the next day, but also made sure he knew that my travel days were not over. In about a week I'll be landing
- [A Powerful Lesson: Teaching with African American Art](http://timothy-flanagan.com/a-powerful-lesson-teaching-with-african-american-art/) - "Across Hope is living rent free in my head right now. I think that is quite possibly one of the most profound works of art that I have seen in a very long time." I couldn't agree more with Shannon, a high school social studies teacher and one of the participants in the workshop I
- [The Real Reason Why Cheap Travel is So Rewarding](http://timothy-flanagan.com/the-real-reason-why-cheap-travel-is-so-rewarding/) - I do love a good bargain and I can't get enough of traveling, so finding cheap ways to travel is a bit of an addiction. There are obvious benefits to saving a few bucks on your next travel experience. Here are just a few: Have more money to spend on future travel. Be able to
- [A Nepali Family](http://timothy-flanagan.com/a-nepali-family/) - “Have good dreams, brother.” This is what I hear over and over every evening as I leave the Social Development Center, a home for 15 children in Kathmandu. In the morning, I am greeted with “Namaste” (palms together, fingers pointing upwards in front of chest) and “Did you sleep well, brother?” The children at SDC
- [At Home While On the Road](http://timothy-flanagan.com/at-home-while-on-the-road/) - My granddaughter cringes every time I tell her about hosting Couchsurfers. "Why would you let strangers in your home?" She was even more concerned when I told her about HomeExchange. "What if they steal all of your stuff?" I discovered HomeExchange while preparing for this trip. I think of it like a combination of Couchsurfing
- [I'll Come With You](http://timothy-flanagan.com/ill-come-with-you/) - Our favorite waiter, Agusto, at our favorite rooftop restaurant in Pátzcuaro was the latest person to say, "I'll come with you," when we let him know we would soon be heading back to the US. So did the nice man outside of church who makes the tacos, and twelve-year-old Tadeo who we had a long
- [A Million Miles Away](http://timothy-flanagan.com/a-million-miles-away/) - It's easy to feel a million miles away in the mountains of Michoacan. The stunning scenery from the terrace of our beautiful Home Exchange house - whether it's the morning clouds slowly dissipating to reveal the mountains or the evening sunset with glowing streaks of orange outlining the same mountains - is other-worldly. Walking the
- [¡Viva México!](http://timothy-flanagan.com/viva-mexico/) - Anyone who reads this blog knows I've become a bit obsessed with Mexico. So, when the opportunity arose to have a beautiful two-bedroom home overlooking Pátzcuaro, I jumped at the chance.
- [Into the Jungle](http://timothy-flanagan.com/into-the-jungle/) - It took four countries to determine Dean's lunch choice. I did my best translating the basic menu for him as our server rattled off the choices in her rapid-fire Spanish (chicken, beef, vegetarian), and I even got some of the options (fried, grilled, with mole [moh-leh] sauce). The problem came when she described the four
- [Highs and Lows](http://timothy-flanagan.com/highs-and-lows/) - I stood frozen at the ticket machine, commuters rushing past me, staring at the two tickets that came out of the machine. I had just arrived by ferry from Korea and was trying to get to Hiroshima, a little over an hour away on the bullet train. The characters on the tickets made no sense
- [Finding Utopia, Twice](http://timothy-flanagan.com/finding-utopia-twice/) - Temple Stay The pouring rain only added to the serenity as I sat cross-legged in the temple waiting for the 4:30 am service to begin. We had gathered outside our sleeping quarters a few minutes earlier, umbrellas in hand, wearing our temple clothing. The night before, we had practiced the proper way to bow and
- [About The Alternate Route](http://timothy-flanagan.com/the-alternate-route/) - “I think you travel to search and you come back home to find yourself there.” ― Chimamanda Ngozi Adichi Thank you for visiting The Alternate Route. Here you will find reflections on teaching, traveling, and learning from my home in Rhode Island, USA, to my school in Connecticut, and from across the globe during my travels.
- [Alfombras](http://timothy-flanagan.com/alfombras/) - I'm impressed with how my traveling companion has picked up some Spanish and is not afraid to use it. One of the harder words to remember is "alfrombra" which means carpet. Still, she persisted, writing the word on scraps of paper and practicing until she had committed it to memory. No, Vicky Ann is not
- [New Heights](http://timothy-flanagan.com/new-heights/) - Where else could I meet so many people from around the world? The two women from Malaysia gave me friendly smiles from across the aisle on our bus as we left Tokyo. At one point during the first day of my climb I looked to my left and saw one of them next to me.
- [Never Again](http://timothy-flanagan.com/never-again/) - The typical routine for tourists in Hiroshima is to spend a couple of hours exploring the peace park and museum, and then head to the island of Miyajima to see what is probably the most Instagrammed torii gate in the waters off the coast and to feed the "tame" deer around the island. I couldn't
- [Better than K-Pop](http://timothy-flanagan.com/better-than-k-pop/) - Korea is so much more than K-Pop or K-Dramas! During the Discover Korea Research Trip, we had opportunities to see Korea up close. I've shared a bit about my experience learning about Korea's history, education, economy, and sacred places in previous posts. But that's just a fraction of what I have experienced here. The Discover
- [The Korean Phenomenon](http://timothy-flanagan.com/the-korean-phenomenon/) - The Republic of Samsung "It's like that airport luggage scene in Toy Story" When I heard this from a fellow teacher, I knew exactly what they meant. We had just watched the solid white wall in front of us seemingly disappear before our eyes revealing a massive semiconductor assembly line. It was so large that
- [Under Pressure](http://timothy-flanagan.com/under-pressure/) - One of the biggest questions we were exploring on the Discover Korea Research Trip was, "How did Korea change so rapidly from the time of the war until now?" It is staggering the amount of rapid development that occurred here in such a short span of time. The answer is complex, but one piece of
- [A Time for Healing](http://timothy-flanagan.com/a-time-for-healing/) - "Tibia, femur, humerus, skull, teeth." These were the only words the soldier spoke in English. The rest of his explanation was given in Korean while another soldier translated for us. As I stood on the steep muddy hillside just inches from the remains, I was moved by the sacredness of this place. Our group of
- [Kindness, Connections, Korea](http://timothy-flanagan.com/kindness-connections-korea/) - I was having a moment walking through the bustling downtown Mérida streets after the bus ride from Izamal (aka the Yellow Town). The temperature had reached 109 degrees on my last day before leaving Mexico and I was grateful to be off the bus and out of the sun, welcoming the relatively cooler evening air
- [Gracias, Bolivia](http://timothy-flanagan.com/gracias-bolivia/) - "Your Spanish is very clear. I can understand you better than most foreigners." Wow! I was blown away by this compliment I received while chatting with a man from Tijuana. I really think Mexicans are just nice, but I must admit I hear "Where did you learn to speak Spanish so well?" almost daily. "Bolivia"
- [What happens in Chamula . . .](http://timothy-flanagan.com/what-happens-in-chamula/) - I was able to see some of the cultural and natural sites outside of San Cristóbal during my six days here. A few highlights. Chamula An indigenous town not far from San Cristóbal, Chamula is known for the San Juan de Chamula church. This was yet another "experience unlike anything else" that I've had during
- [Two Sides of San Cristóbal](http://timothy-flanagan.com/two-sides-of-san-cristobal/) - "I came here for three days and have been here for six years." I heard some version of this statement from many travelers, both international and Mexican, who got sucked into the vortex of San Cristóbal de las Casas in Chiapas, the southernmost state of Mexico. I haven't been sucked in to that degree, but
- [A Perfect Day](http://timothy-flanagan.com/a-perfect-day/) - and a not so perfect one Traveling isn't one endless stream of joy, but sometimes it can feel like it is. One of my days in Pátzcuaro turned out to be pretty close to perfect. Pátzcuaro First of all, the city of Pátzcuaro feels like a village, though there are about 100,000 people living there.
- [Look the Other Way](http://timothy-flanagan.com/look-the-other-way/) - San Miguel de Allende, aka "gringolandia" or "Mexican Disney World" did not sound very appealing to me based on these nicknames. Yes, it's a stunningly beautiful colonial city and one of the more popular places for Americans retiring in Mexico. I decided I had to see it, if only to cross it off my list
- [Mummies, Music, and Meandering](http://timothy-flanagan.com/mummies-music-and-meandering/) - I spent a week in Guanajuato, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which once led the world in silver mining. The blocks around the center of the city are filled with tourists every day, especially at night when street performers and vendors take over the streets. Outside of the center, however, the steep alleys in this
- [Solo Travel](http://timothy-flanagan.com/solo-travel/) - "Are you going alone?" is probably the second most frequently asked question I get about my trips (The first is some version of, "Is it safe?") Although I do miss having adventures with my travel wife, solo travel is anything but lonely. After staying with a Couchsurfer in Guadalajara and meeting lots of local people,
- [Waterfalls and Tequila](http://timothy-flanagan.com/waterfalls-and-tequila/) - When Ernesto and I left his house at 7 am, I had no idea we wouldn't be back until almost midnight. What an amazing day it turned out to be. I found Ernesto on Couchsurfing and he hosted me for my first three nights of this six-week trip, at his beautiful home on the edge
- [Still Learning](http://timothy-flanagan.com/still-learning/) - I was honored to author the piece below for the Westerly Anti-Racism Coalition's monthly column that appears in The Westerly Sun. It was originally published in the paper on April 27. "Mary is brave taking that route through the city. We're going the safe way." My parish priest made this observation as we followed my
- [Every Day is a Snow Day](http://timothy-flanagan.com/every-day-is-a-snow-day/) - Hardly a day goes by when I'm not asked how retirement is going. It's great, for sure, and I'm extremely grateful for being able to enjoy the benefits of retirement. Over the past seven months, I've become adjusted to a new kind of rhythm and have enjoyed many advantages of being retired. Here are some
- [The Rhythm of Grandparenting](http://timothy-flanagan.com/the-rhythm-of-grandparenting/) - In 2016, I spent four months as a teaching fellow in Vietnam. On the walk to school in my Hanoi neighborhood I would pass by Vietnamese grandparents holding the hands of their toddler grandchildren on their way to preschool. Many were hunched over and gray from years of hard work, but they did not look
- [Why I Protest](http://timothy-flanagan.com/why-i-protest/) - What do you protest? Why do you protest?
- [Day One: Getting Acclimated](http://timothy-flanagan.com/day-one-getting-acclimated/) - I arrived at 6:30 am on my flight from New York and passed through immigration and customs in five minutes. Although I hadn’t slept on the flight, I was ready for a cup of Mexican coffee and to start exploring Mexico City. Elderly women behind bakery counters or walking through parks greet me with a
- [Excess Baggage](http://timothy-flanagan.com/excess-baggage/) - “I am not getting off this plane,” I said in broken Spanish to the stewardess. Despite my insistence, she maintained a smile on her face and tried to explain why I needed to leave. The only problem was I did not understand her Spanish and was sure I had a right to stay put. I
- [The Culture of Craigslist](http://timothy-flanagan.com/the-culture-of-craigslist/) - Since I am selling my home (see the listing here if you're interested) and have been trying to save as much as possible in preparation for this trip, I've discovered Craigslist. I didn't think I had much to sell, but $1500 later I'm glad I took the time to do it. It took six months
- [The "Me" Generation?](http://timothy-flanagan.com/the-me-generation/) - I’ve been working for several weeks now alongside 15 volunteers from at least 10 different countries, most of them in their late teens and early twenties. I’m amazed by their dedication to the project. I missed classes yesterday due to a stomach bug and felt guilty about it, but grateful for the chance to recover.
- [Class Routines](http://timothy-flanagan.com/class-routines/) - “Manos arriba!” (“Hands up!”) This is the command given in every class for the beginning of the immersion (English only) part of class at the Honduras Child Alliance. The students and volunteers stand in a circle and then go through a series of motions in Spanish before we “change the language” to English while rubbing the
- [Soles4Souls](http://timothy-flanagan.com/soles4souls/) - Last Friday, we canceled all of our regular classes and worked with a visiting organization to hand out shoes to the children of El Porvenir. Soles4Souls is a nonprofit enterprise “committed to fighting poverty through the collection and distribution of shoes and clothing.” According to their website, they have distributed 26 million pairs of shoes
- [It's Not All Work:  Utila](http://timothy-flanagan.com/its-not-all-work-utila/) - I’ve already said goodbye to El Porvenir and am in Guatemala for a few days before heading home. Still, there is so much to write about my time in Honduras. In the next three posts, I’ll give a brief description of some of the places I’ve visited as a tourist over the past few weekends
- [It's Not All Work:  Pico Bonito](http://timothy-flanagan.com/its-not-all-work-pico-bonito/) - Pico Bonito This is the mountain that I wake up to every morning and see all day long as I walk through the village to and from classes. It is the tallest coastal peak in Central America and is surrounded by rain forest. Four of us went to the famed Pico Bonito Lodge one Sunday
- [Why Do They Do It?](http://timothy-flanagan.com/why-do-they-do-it/) - As I said in a previous post, working with so many young and talented volunteers has been inspiring. I decided to conduct a survey for some more insight into why they chose to volunteer in Honduras. I received 11 responses from current and past volunteers. Their answers were honest and heartfelt, and I’ve had a
- [Luc Bat](http://timothy-flanagan.com/luc-bat/) - Learning Luc Bat “Luc bat” is a traditional form of Vietnamese poetry that I have been researching. I chose to study this as one of the things I could bring back to my students in the US when I teach them about Vietnam. Luc bat has alternating lines of six and eight syllables and
- [A Tale of Two Cities](http://timothy-flanagan.com/a-tale-of-two-cities/) - It’s hard to believe it’s been three weeks since Vicky Ann and I visited Angkor Wat, considered by many to be the number one tourist destination in Southeast Asia. Angkor Wat is just one of hundreds of temples near the city of Siem Reap in northern Cambodia, and is the largest religious complex in the
- [Guatemalan Wonders, Part II](http://timothy-flanagan.com/guatemalan-wonders-part-ii/) - While the tours I took in Guatemala were a great way to see landscapes I would not otherwise have seen, they’re not always the best way to get a sense of the culture of a place. I met fellow travelers from many other countries on these tours but the guide was always the only person
- [Guatemalan Wonders, Part I](http://timothy-flanagan.com/guatemalan-wonders-part-i/) - I ended my time in Central America with a five-day trip to Guatemala. I wanted to see a different culture and landscape after spending a month on the steamy north coast of Honduras. Although they border each other, Guatemala and Honduras are very different, including the people, customs, food, land, history and many other aspects
- [The Rest of the Story](http://timothy-flanagan.com/the-rest-of-the-story/) - There was so much more to our TOP Tour than the few posts I’ve written. Here are a few highlights from some of the other events of the two-week program. Würzburg and Geisa Würzburg was a favorite for many of us. We spent three days in this university town along the River Main. The town
- [Why Vietnam?](http://timothy-flanagan.com/why-vietnam/) - When I applied for the Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching, I was asked to choose a first and second choice from a list of thirteen countries. There were a few countries on the list I had been to before (Morocco, England, Chile, Netherlands). Other countries on the list included Mexico, Taiwan, Palestinian Territories, Singapore, Israel,
- [I thought you were going to Vietnam](http://timothy-flanagan.com/i-thought-you-were-going-to-vietnam/) - I promised myself I wouldn’t talk about my application to the Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching program until I found out if I had been accepted. After all, there are many programs I’ve applied to and have not been accepted into, and I didn’t want to have to deal with the disappointment of another rejection.
- [What's this all about?](http://timothy-flanagan.com/whats-this-all-about/) - "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness." - Mark Twain June, 2016 I see that look in people’s eyes when I tell them what I’m doing. Sometimes it’s a look that says, “You’re nuts” while others give a look resembling fear and concern for my safety, and there are many (like the UPS guy
- [The Hard Part](http://timothy-flanagan.com/the-hard-part/) - As much as I’ve traveled over the years, I’ve had doubts about this trip. Will I have enough money? Can I make it a whole year? (It seems like not enough time one moment and too long the next.) What if I really hate volunteering? How sick will I get? (not “Will I get sick?”
- [The Little Things I’ll Forget About Later](http://timothy-flanagan.com/the-little-things-ill-forget-about-later/) - Every time I travel to a new place, there are little differences that quickly become normal, a part of everyday life. I’ve been here less than 24 hours, and here are a few things that stood out. Nepal isn’t the only place with rolling blackouts. I’ve had no power (no wi-fi, phone either) for my
- [Hola](http://timothy-flanagan.com/hola/) - One reason I chose to come to Honduras was to practice my Spanish. Sounds like there would be plenty of opportunities to do that here, but it’s still a challenge. As in many other places I’ve traveled, I am surrounded by English speakers. The couple who live upstairs from my room and own the property
- [PEP2](http://timothy-flanagan.com/pep2/) - The Honduras Child Alliance runs several programs to support the people of El Porvenir. The main program is the Porvenir English Program (PEP). Classes are offered free of charge to children and adults at three main locations in the village. Each location draws students from the neighborhood. As any teacher knows, each class has its
- [A Trip to Trujillo](http://timothy-flanagan.com/a-trip-to-trujillo/) - Our weeks of volunteering are long and hot. As much as we all love working with the kids, we spend a fair amount of time discussing weekend plans. After a much-needed rest, we are all ready to start teaching and sweating again on Monday morning. Last weekend, my housemate and fellow volunteer, Chris, and I
- [It's Not All Work:  Cayos Cuchinos](http://timothy-flanagan.com/its-not-all-work-cayos-cuchinos/) - Cayos Cuchinos Cayos Cuchinos is a small group of islands and keys just off the coast of Atlántida, the state where I have been staying. It is also a national park, and many have described it as the most beautiful place they have ever seen. I spent a day there snorkeling, hiking in search of
- [Fulbright Facts](http://timothy-flanagan.com/fulbright-facts/) - Two weeks ago, I attended a four-day orientation for the Fulbright program in Washington, D.C. The orientation really helped me to shift my mind from Honduras to the work I will do in Vietnam. It seems like most people have heard about Fulbrights, but no one really knows what it is. Here’s some information about
- [Things I Wake Up Thinking about at 3AM](http://timothy-flanagan.com/things-i-wake-up-thinking-about-at-3am/) - Since returning from the orientation in Washington, DC, I’ve been busy taking care of the thousands of details involved in moving overseas. I’m also working on selling my house and car, moving things to storage, buying items I may need in Vietnam, and so much more. It has been great to see family and friends
- [Hands-on Learning](http://timothy-flanagan.com/hands-on-learning/) - It’s amazing how much I’ve learned in just one day in Vietnam. I did not carry my camera around today, knowing I have four months to capture some great shots. Today I listened and observed, and filled my brain with all the new experiences. Here are some of the things I still remember: People smile
- [Street Photography](http://timothy-flanagan.com/street-photography/) - I’ve finally picked up my camera and ventured into the city. There are amazing scenes around every corner here in Hanoi. Last weekend I met some other traveler photographers on a predawn tour with Vietnam in Focus, a photo tour organization based in Hanoi. As one of the professional photographers on the tour said,
- [Becoming Oriented](http://timothy-flanagan.com/becoming-oriented/) - This past week, I spent four days with a group of eight Fulbright scholars and students who are conducting research at various locations in Vietnam. The US Embassy in Hanoi organized an orientation for us which began at the luxurious JW Marriott in Hanoi and culminated in an excursion to the mountains several hours from
- [Fresh Air](http://timothy-flanagan.com/fresh-air/) - I’m sitting outside my room at an eco-lodge in Mai Chau, a mountain town about four bumpy hours from Hanoi. The sun has set but I can see the outlines of the mountains from my porch. It’s still warm and humid here, but the air is clean and fresh. I feel like breathing in as
- [I Could Get Used to This](http://timothy-flanagan.com/i-could-get-used-to-this/) - I’ve been in Vietnam for almost a month and there are some things that I already know I’ll miss when I leave. Feeling like a rock star. In every class, the students stand and greet me as I enter the room, often with screams and applause. They occasionally applaud at the end of the lesson.
- [I Think This is Illegal Where I Come From](http://timothy-flanagan.com/i-think-this-is-illegal-where-i-come-from/) - Into the Mountains Sitting at a classroom desk, I heard a tap on the window and could just make out the laughing faces of the Hmong children standing outside in the dark. The principal was grabbing my arm to make another toast, this time because we are both left-handed, as I had a moment of
- [The Love Boat](http://timothy-flanagan.com/the-love-boat/) - I’m not ashamed to say that on Friday nights when I was in middle school in the late ‘70s, I rarely missed an episode of The Love Boat. I joined the cruise from the moment Julie and the crew greeted the clearly dysfunctional passengers as they boarded the ship, to the final scene as they
- [Student Life (Middle and High School)](http://timothy-flanagan.com/student-life-middle-and-high-school/) - I have been working with students in middle school, high school and college for about a month now. I’m still amazed by the amount of work they are required to do, as well as their diligence and persistence. Almost every day, I have an informal interview with students who are eager to tell me about
- [Where I'm From . . . Teaching Poetry in Vietnam](http://timothy-flanagan.com/where-im-from-teaching-poetry-in-vietnam/) - My Fulbright project has several components to it, and one of them involves teaching autobiographical poetry writing to students here. The plan is for students in Vietnam and my school (and any other interested schools) to learn about each other through poetry. So far, I have focused on teaching a series of eight lessons
- [Student Life (University Edition)](http://timothy-flanagan.com/student-life-university-edition/) - The campus of Trường Đại học Sư phạm (Hanoi National University of Education or HNUE) is adjacent to several other universities, about 30-45 minutes from the center of Hanoi. Universities in Vietnam are divided into “faculties,” what we would call colleges, schools, or departments. I am working with the Vietnamese Faculty and have also presented
- [Oh, the Horror!](http://timothy-flanagan.com/oh-the-horror/) - I tried to explain to my fellow Fulbrighters (none of whom are teachers) the other night why Halloween is a teacher’s least favorite holiday. Until you’ve tried to keep the attention of 25 students during an entire month devoted to the consumption of candy, you just can’t understand. So, I was less than enthusiastic when
- [Tam Đảo:  Bedford Falls or Pottersville?](http://timothy-flanagan.com/tam-dao-bedford-falls-or-pottersville/) - After several excursions with native English speakers or translators by my side, I decided it was time to step outside my comfort zone and go on a solo trip. (Also, my English speaking friends were busy for the weekend, so what could I do?) I read several accounts about Tam Đảo, a “hill station” not
- [Learning (about) Vietnamese](http://timothy-flanagan.com/learning-about-vietnamese/) - “Today ten hour I go.” This sentence, uttered in Vietnamese, has been my proudest accomplishment so far in learning the language. I may sound like a caveman, but it was the first time my maid asked me a question that I actually understood ("Hôm nay bạn có đi học không?" / “Are you going to
- [Donald Trump Interrupted My Class Today](http://timothy-flanagan.com/donald-trump-interrupted-my-class-today/) - The tenth graders were working even better than expected while revising their poems this afternoon. The classroom had that magical hum of focused students working intently on the task at hand. I had expected this to be a challenging lesson - getting kids to use their notes to “make their poems better.” It seems that
- [You haven't lived until . . .](http://timothy-flanagan.com/you-havent-lived-until/) - Recently, I wandered into a barbershop hoping to get a better cut than the first one I had here. Even though no words were exchanged between us, the kid cutting my hair seemed to know just what to do, and I was pleased with the outcome. As I went to pay, I was asked if
- [Innovation in Action](http://timothy-flanagan.com/innovation-in-action/) - The Fulbright program encourages its distinguished teachers to attend professional development during their time overseas, so I was grateful to receive a grant to participate in a workshop in Malaysia. I arrived on Thursday and on Friday I enjoyed a great tour of Nexus International School in Putrajaya, about 30 minutes from Kuala Lumpur. This
- [Teachers' Day, A National Holiday](http://timothy-flanagan.com/teachers-day-a-national-holiday/) - I’ve been hearing about Vietnam Teachers’ Day ever since I arrived here, so I knew it was a big deal. In fact, it was the only national holiday between Independence Day (Sept. 2) and Tet, the lunar new year celebration in January. As my colleagues at home enjoyed three-day weekends for Columbus Day, Veteran’s Day,
- [A Pre-Jungle-Trek Trek](http://timothy-flanagan.com/a-pre-jungle-trek-trek/) - I knew it would be an interesting day when the bus driver showed me the picture of the mudslide that had closed the road to the village I was trying to reach. I was on the island of Penang, off the west coast of Malaysia and hoping to leave the downtown area for a hike
- [Speaking Portuguese in Malaysia](http://timothy-flanagan.com/speaking-portuguese-in-malaysia/) - On my last day in Malaysia, I decided to catch a bus from Melaka to a nearby village, simply known as the Portuguese Village. After seeing the Dutch, British, Chinese and Indian influences on Malaysia, I thought it would be interesting to see this small seaside town. It was clear on my walk into the
- [A Perfect Blend?](http://timothy-flanagan.com/a-perfect-blend/) - Coming from Vietnam to Malaysia it was easy to notice the contrast between these two southeast Asian countries. The first thing I noticed is how widely English is used in Malaysia. English is one of the official languages here, so I can read and understand signs, menus, Uber drivers, hotel clerks, etc. I can actually
- [Another Kind of Class](http://timothy-flanagan.com/another-kind-of-class/) - I didn’t hesitate when my Fulbright friend, Jeff, texted me about taking a cooking class in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. After all these Vietnamese classes, I was ready for another kind of class. Navigating through the narrow streets of the Old Quarter on Jeff’s motorbike, we found the alley with the sign for the Ga Hostel,
- [Where I'm From](http://timothy-flanagan.com/where-im-from/) - The time has come to share the poems my students have been working so hard to write. I have taught a series of eight lessons to classes in middle school, high school and at the university. Since finishing the classes several weeks ago, I have been working on designing the website where the poems will
- [Detour](http://timothy-flanagan.com/detour/) - I had twenty-four hours notice to leave the country. For reasons I’ll never understand, my visa extension was denied by the authorities and leaving and reentering Vietnam was the only way to avoid hefty fines (or worse) for overstaying my visa. So last Friday I flew to Bangkok for a visa run. I stayed for
- [Reaction](http://timothy-flanagan.com/reaction/) - If you don’t read any further, just watch this 13-second video of 10th graders reacting to your comments on the Where I’m From poetry sharing site. Thank you to everyone who has read and commented on student poems, and to those of you who are still planning to do so! We’ve had comments from professors,
- [Coffee and Comaraderie](http://timothy-flanagan.com/coffee-and-comaraderie/) - I finally had the experience of seeing my name on a sign as I passed through the wide doors of the airport luggage area to the crowd that was waiting for arriving passengers. Actually, there was only one man with a sign and a few people waiting, but it still felt great. I had returned
- [And Now A Word from Mr. Rogers](http://timothy-flanagan.com/and-now-a-word-from-mr-rogers/) - “Often when you think you're at the end of something, you're at the beginning of something else.” - Fred Rogers I turned on my computer the other day to find these words on the screen. How did Mr. Rogers know I was at an ending and a beginning in this journey? I'm preparing to leave
- [I Want a Motorbike (Don't Tell My Sons)](http://timothy-flanagan.com/i-want-a-motorbike-dont-tell-my-sons/) - “I could do this for the next six months.” That’s what I said at one of the coffee stops on the third morning of the three-day photography tour I took through the mountains of Ha Giang, a remote province in Northwest Vietnam. The scenery was simply stunning at every turn, and there were lots of
- ["This is not my beautiful wife"](http://timothy-flanagan.com/this-is-not-my-beautiful-wife/) - My friend, Vicky Ann, arrived with the rain and cooler temperatures. It would be a week before she saw the sun in Vietnam, something I’d spent months avoiding. For someone who has never left North America, I am so impressed with how well she has managed here. Then again, anyone who knows Vicky Ann would
- [A  Word from Vicky Ann](http://timothy-flanagan.com/a-word-from-vicky-ann/) - Here's a note from Vicky Ann, written in her little black book on Saturday. Dear Me, Nothing electronic can replace an adventure like this, and thanks to my friend, Tim, it is all possible. I’ve climbed more steps on my way to temples and pagodas, crouched through two adjoining Vinh Moc war tunnels, paddled in
- [Tim's Travel Secrets](http://timothy-flanagan.com/tims-travel-secrets/) - “You should start a travel agency,” said my travel companion as I navigated two apps and three websites to book our next hotel. It’s been fun planning each leg of the trip, but it’s not something I want to do full-time. Maybe I’ll dabble in it someday, but I think I’d have to find the
- [Chúc mừng năm mới](http://timothy-flanagan.com/chuc-mung-nam-moi/) - Tết in Vietnam Tết, or the Lunar New Year, began on January 28 in Vietnam, but I have been hearing about it since I arrived five months ago. This is the most important and anticipated holiday in Vietnam. Here are a few facts I’ve learned that help me understand the importance of this holiday.
- [Tim's Travel Tips, Part Two](http://timothy-flanagan.com/tims-travel-tips-part-two/) - Here are the rest of my current travel tips. This is what works for me, but clearly not for everyone. Still, if you’re used to traveling “on the beaten path,” try one of the tips from this post or the first one in this series and you might be surprised how it changes your view
- [A Cambodian Story](http://timothy-flanagan.com/a-cambodian-story/) - One night at our beach bungalow, Chan, the friendly owner, sat down and began telling us his life story. I am a little fuzzy on some of the details, but his sincerity, humor and compassion came through very clearly as he spoke. Here is Chan’s story, as I remember it. When he was in third
- [The Killing Fields](http://timothy-flanagan.com/the-killing-fields/) - The blood stains on the tile floor had been there for more than 40 years, but standing in the room of the former high school classroom-turned-prison, I could almost hear the screams of the prisoners who were tortured there. We were at S-21, the place where more than 14,000 prisoners were processed and tortured before
- [Tạm Biệt Việt Nam](http://timothy-flanagan.com/tam-biet-viet-nam/) - I returned to Hanoi for an amazing workshop with Eric Kim, an internationally recognized street photographer. Eric and his wife, Cindy, are from California and currently live in Hanoi. I met both of them in September since Cindy is also here on a Fulbright grant. We were lucky to have two of Eric’s friends, Neil
- [Spelunking in Sagada](http://timothy-flanagan.com/spelunking-in-sagada/) - He was holding a machete in one hand and a cigarette in the other. In between puffs, he hacked away at the ferns and vines crossing the muddy trail as we made our way toward the cave. This was Chris, a young, stocky guy wearing a tank top and flip flops, the man who would
- [Panagbenga Festival](http://timothy-flanagan.com/panagbenga-festival/) - After six hours on a bus from Sagada to Baguio, up and down mountains and valleys and through beautiful scenery, I was happy to see a parking lot literally full of waiting taxis with more lined up on the street. I just needed to get to my AirBnB and rest for the night. Strangely, all
- [Manila Meet-Up](http://timothy-flanagan.com/manila-meet-up/) - When I first arrived in the Philippines over two weeks ago, I was looking for things to do in Manila. Having just completed the incredible photography workshop in Hanoi, I searched for photography groups online. I came across another site that is new to me (though I think it’s been around for awhile), Meetup.com.
- [Eat, Stay, Weed](http://timothy-flanagan.com/eat-stay-weed/) - There’s a giant toad, bigger than any I’ve ever seen, living outside my front door. An even bigger gecko serenades me every evening from a nearby tree. Dragon fruit plants, papaya and mango trees, and all the fresh vegetables you’ll ever need cover the hilly landscape. And it’s hot, so, so hot. I am
- [Eat, Pray, Eat](http://timothy-flanagan.com/eat-pray-eat/) - As I touched my forehead to the carpet, I could see McTery watching me from the side, his forehead to the ground, to make sure I was doing it right. I had received a complete tutorial from McTery about what to expect when we went to the Sikh Temple in San Fernando. He taught me
- [Back to School](http://timothy-flanagan.com/back-to-school/) - A Warm Welcome The school year ends in a few weeks in the Philippines, but I was able to visit a small school near San Fernando, where I have been living for the past two and a half weeks. Bangbangolan Elementary School has about 150 students in grades 1-6. On the same grounds is Bangbangolan
- [Dancing in the Street, Again](http://timothy-flanagan.com/dancing-in-the-street-again/) - It’s 7:45 in the morning, Eminem is blaring on the speakers throughout the plaza and nearby streets, there are hundreds of school children and parents walking around while other people pass through on their way to work. It turns out Baguio isn’t the only place that loves street dancing. It seems to be popular among
- [Volunteerism, Not Voluntourism](http://timothy-flanagan.com/volunteerism-not-voluntourism/) - The Dangers of Volunteering Volunteering is a popular way to travel. In Europe, taking a gap year after finishing college to travel is very common. Many students choose to spend all or part of their year volunteering overseas. But it’s not just young people who travel and volunteer, I’ve met people of all ages during
- [Cool, Cool River](http://timothy-flanagan.com/cool-cool-river/) - “Do you want to jump, sir?” Edsil, our guide on the hike to Tangadan Falls, asked me this several times. I kept reminding him that jumping from heights is not for me. A refreshing swim in the cold water at the falls was all I needed. My students, and now fellow adventure-seekers, McTery and Alzera, were
- [Weekend Update](http://timothy-flanagan.com/weekend-update/) - I do not expect any sympathy from my readers, but traveling is hard work. My new friends and fellow year-abroad travelers, Maya and Tony, understood me completely when we discussed the stress of making so many decisions while traveling. Which room to book. What country to see next. How to get there. Which app to
- [Coincidence?](http://timothy-flanagan.com/coincidence/) - One of the things I am learning is that travel is just as much about the people you meet as the places you visit. Sometimes those people are locals, or sometimes they are travelers. Either way, I usually have more vivid memories of the people than I do of the places. And this is coming
- [Work It!](http://timothy-flanagan.com/work-it/) - My brief career as a model began with a meeting at a Starbucks in the old walled neighborhood known as Intramuros in Manila. I was a little nervous, wondering if I’d be able to pull this off, but I knew I was in good hands. I got to know BJ (Bien Joshua) on a photo
- [Jeepney Riding 101](http://timothy-flanagan.com/jeepney-riding-101/) - I’ve ridden in dozens of different types of vehicles over the past year. Each country has its own system of transportation, but they all have a cheap method of getting from one place to the next. In the Philippines, it’s the jeepney, but remember, you get what you pay for. Here’s how I get back
- [The Graduate](http://timothy-flanagan.com/the-graduate/) - After guiding him through his first ironing experience, McTery was ready for his graduation ceremony. High school begins in seventh grade in the Philippines, so sixth graders graduate from elementary school. We had spent the morning planting, cleaning, and giving one of the dogs a much-needed bath before getting ourselves ready. After lunch, we drove
- [Facing Fear](http://timothy-flanagan.com/facing-fear/) - I returned from my journey to the village and am at a Starbucks in Manila, the only place open on a Good Friday in this mostly Christian country. I fly to Cambodia tomorrow. I have a whole series of posts coming up about the village, but in the meantime, here are some thoughts about overcoming
- [The Village, Part I](http://timothy-flanagan.com/the-village-part-i/) - My trip to McTery’s village was a highlight of this year of travel. Here is the first of four posts about it. I'll send one out every two days, so keep up with your reading (or save them for later)! It’s Not About Time "What time are we leaving for the village?" "Early," was the
- [The Village, Part II](http://timothy-flanagan.com/the-village-part-ii/) - A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood "Tim, do you hear that rooster? That's my timer." It was almost 6:00 and McTery had just woken up from a sound sleep. He didn't realize I'd been hearing his "timer" for several hours by that point. Still, I was ready to get up and see the village. My
- [The Village, Part III](http://timothy-flanagan.com/the-village-part-iii/) - Hot, Hot Springs McTery's aunt Theresa had arranged for a vehicle and driver to bring us to the Kili hot springs about two hours away. We picked up several aunts and cousins and soon there were about ten of us packed into the truck that was set up like a mini-jeepney. McTery and I squeezed
- [The Village, Part IV](http://timothy-flanagan.com/the-village-part-iv/) - I have been thinking about the village of Supo ever since I left there over a week ago. I cannot possibly put everything I experienced into words. Village life is hard. The people are very poor, work all day in the fields, do not enjoy any luxuries and endure a lot of hardships. Why,
- [Privileges of a White Traveler with a Blue Passport](http://timothy-flanagan.com/privileges-of-a-white-traveler-with-a-blue-passport/) - I’ve been in Cambodia for over a week now and have started volunteering at an English program in Kratie, a bumpy five-hour ride from Phnom Penh. More about that later, but in the meantime, here’s a post about a topic that’s been on my mind for awhile. It happened again while we were shopping
- [Should I Stay or Should I Go?](http://timothy-flanagan.com/should-i-stay-or-should-i-go/) - These could not possibly be the same kids I was playing Uno and Legos with all afternoon. Not the ones who jumped all over me for hours at the swimming pool on Sunday, or who won’t let me walk through the neighborhood without carrying my backpack for me and holding my hands. Those kids are
- [Opportunity Knocks](http://timothy-flanagan.com/opportunity-knocks/) - There are just two months left in this year abroad, and the end seems to be coming at a fast pace. Sorry to my friends and family, but I’m not at all desperate to get home. I feel like I need more time - to discover new places and people and to revisit old ones.
- [Dolphins, Diving and Drugs](http://timothy-flanagan.com/dolphins-diving-and-drugs/) - Kratie, the sleepy provincial capital where I have been staying for the past three weeks, has a surprising number of backpackers wandering around the town. My volunteer friend, Carole, and I always wonder what they are doing here, then we realize they probably are probably thinking the same of us. Dolphins Any tourist who comes
- ["When you're this tall"](http://timothy-flanagan.com/when-youre-this-tall/) - The sun had just set and the sky had that kind of glow that made everything seem cinematic. It was Saturday evening and families were sitting outside. One group at the corner salon asked me to join them for a “Cambodia,” but I declined. The dogs, which turn vicious at night and force us to
- [I can see clearly now . . .](http://timothy-flanagan.com/i-can-see-clearly-now/) - Relieved Fourteen days. Every blink was a reminder that I felt like I had sand in my eyes. Every sign and every face was a blur. My vision came and went, but the bright airport signs were always difficult to read, so hard that I even checked in with the wrong airline (China Eastern instead
- [Reentry](http://timothy-flanagan.com/reentry/) - I don’t know what I’m going to write about in this post. I have no ideas, just a few random, disconnected thoughts. But I feel the need to write nonetheless. I want those of you who worry if I miss a post to know that I’m fine, and that I have no idea when/if I’ll
- [Mae Ra Moe:  Camp Life](http://timothy-flanagan.com/mae-ra-moe-camp-life/) - I’ve written dozens of pages about my three weeks at the Mae Ra Moe refugee camp, thinking I would use it for a series of blog posts when I returned. My notes are more like a diary and focused on me. In the end, I’ve decided to write what I’ve learned about the Karen people.
- [Mae Ra Moe:  The Karen People](http://timothy-flanagan.com/mae-ra-moe-the-karen-people/) - The Karen people are an ethnic group from eastern Myanmar (Burma) and Thailand. Many live in Karen State in Myanmar. They have their own language, customs and traditions. Like other ethnic groups in Myanmar, they have long struggled for basic rights from the Burmese (Myanmar) government. The government has a history of persecuting ethnic groups
- [Mae Ra Moe:  School Life](http://timothy-flanagan.com/mae-ra-moe-school-life/) - My main focus during my three weeks at the Mae Ra Moe refugee camp was to teach English at two different schools. Education There are three high schools in the camp and several middle and elementary schools. There is a junior college and a Bible college. There are also nursery schools in each section of
- [Mae Ra Moe:  Where I'm From](http://timothy-flanagan.com/mae-ra-moe-where-im-from/) - This is the final post in my series about the Mae Ra Moe refugee camp where I taught for three weeks. I taught autobiographical poetry to the students at Mae Ra Moe Junior College during my last week at the camp. Although writing poetry was a new experience for them, many of the students approached
- [Nine Days in Laos:  Big Brother Mouse](http://timothy-flanagan.com/nine-days-laos-big-brother-mouse/) - I chose Laos over Myanmar for my last country on this year-long trip, mostly because of what I learned while at the Karen refugee camp about the persecution of ethnic groups in Myanmar that continues to this day. I went to Laos thinking of relaxing and catching up on things. I also knew there
- [UXO](http://timothy-flanagan.com/uxo/) - I parked my bicycle next to a row of bombs pointing toward the sky. It didn’t seem strange at first, but after a year of travel, I still get those moments when I am suddenly reminded I am very far from home. This was one of those moments. I stood there remembering I was in
- [Nine Days in Laos:  Students and Novices](http://timothy-flanagan.com/nine-days-laos-students-novices/) - During my time volunteering at Big Brother Mouse, I learned so much about the lives of the students who went there to practice their English. Here is a sampling of what I discovered. The Life of a Student Dao’s story is typical of many of the students I met at Big Brother Mouse. He is
- [93](http://timothy-flanagan.com/93-2/) - 93 blog posts, 184 student poems published, many thousands of miles traveled, 8 countries visited, nearly 20,000 photos taken, hundreds of students taught, and many new friends made. I traveled by plane, train, taxi, tuk-tuks of all kinds, jeepney, tricycle, truck, van, Uber, subway, skytrain, bicycle, boat, motorbike and foot. I slept (or tried
- [Miss You](http://timothy-flanagan.com/miss-you/) - The texts usually come during the night. I wake to see “Miss you, teacher” on my screen from students at Mae Ra Moe refugee camp in Thailand and from Big Brother Mouse in Laos, the last two places I volunteered. Their messages bring me back to a different world than the one I am living
- [How to Take a Year Off and Live Your Dreams](http://timothy-flanagan.com/take-year-off-live-dreams/) - "He must be rich." One of my students said this to his parent about my ability to travel the world, but I suspect this student isn't the only one who thinks this. I do think I'm rich, but that's only because my perspective has changed after so many opportunities of living, traveling and working with
- [Where I’m From and Where I’m Going:  Highlights from NCSS](http://timothy-flanagan.com/im-im-going-highlights-ncss/) - I spent three full days at the National Council for the Social Studies annual conference in San Francisco. It was my first NCSS conference and well worth the effort. There were over 900 sessions to choose from! Some of the most valuable resources I found came not just from the sessions I attended but from
- [Budgeting for A Year Abroad](http://timothy-flanagan.com/budgeting-year-abroad/) - So how much does it cost to travel abroad for a year? I’ve had that question from just a few people but I think many more do wonder about the costs. I’ve decided to detail my expenses here because I was helped by bloggers who did so before my trip, so I hope this can
- [Amazon Fast](http://timothy-flanagan.com/amazon-fast/) - Thirty-seven orders in six months. Thirty-seven things I could not live without. $1851.16 spent with a swipe of my thumb. That’s what I discovered while scrolling through my Amazon.com account the other day. Returning to the US after a year abroad, this time with a real smartphone, meant I could now download the Amazon app
- [Again?](http://timothy-flanagan.com/again/) - “Would you do it again?” That question comes up now and then, and my answer is always, “Yes, I will do it again.” There is no doubt that more long-term travel is in my future. I do not know when, where, or how, but I do plan on doing it again. Looking Back Eighteen months
- [Spring Break Blues Part I](http://timothy-flanagan.com/spring-break-blues-part/) - Too Good to Be True? My first trip to South America began with these instructions: You will meet a six-foot-tall Black man named Rufus at JFK. I was traveling as a courier, a cheap way to fly before 9/11 changed everything. It was my first courier flight and I had my doubts that it would
- [Lessons Learned from A Year Abroad](http://timothy-flanagan.com/lessons-learned-from-a-year-abroad/) - It doesn’t seem right to condense a year-long experience into an hour-long presentation, but that’s what I did. I spoke in a beautiful upstairs room at the Westerly Public Library on a warm May evening. The audience asked great questions and inspired me to tell more stories than I expected to from my travels. My
- [Day 2: Amor](http://timothy-flanagan.com/day-2-amor/) - It's finally happened. I'm in love. Some of you have been waiting a long time for this announcement, so I'm happy to share. The love of my life embraces people from all over the world, speaks many languages, always has something interesting to share and loves back unconditionally. Yes, it's la Ciudad de México, or
- [Day Four: Working](http://timothy-flanagan.com/day-four-working/) - I moved from one hip neighborhood to an even hipper one today. This was part of my plan so that I could experience life in two different areas of the city. My AirBnB hosts, Edoardo and Maria, have welcomed me into their spacious home in Coyoacan. Just four metro stops to the south, Coyoacan is
- [Hasta Luego Mexico City](http://timothy-flanagan.com/hasta-luego-mexico-city/) - My trip to CDMX began with a search on Google Flights one weekend when I was avoiding other tasks. I was wondering if there was anywhere cheap to fly to during spring break. It was really just a dream since flights are always more expensive then. The neat thing about Google Flights is that you
- [Spring Break Blues Part II](http://timothy-flanagan.com/spring-break-blues-part-ii/) - See the previous post for Part I of this story. Where’s the Beach? I left the airport after my first flight as a courier feeling relieved and ready for an adventure. My first impressions of Caracas were not positive. It was hectic, crowded, confusing and completely foreign to me. My prior international travel experience included
- [Day Three: Climbing High](http://timothy-flanagan.com/day-three-climbing-high/) - Last night, another couchsurfer showed up, Yves from France. He had stayed here before and needed a last-minute place to sleep. He is literally couchsurfing while I have a bed. Yves works for an NGO in Peru teaching English and running programs for the community. He is working on future travel plans and positions in
- [Day Five: Frida, Diego, Jeff](http://timothy-flanagan.com/day-five-frida-diego-jeff/) - Frida The Frida Kahlo Museum is the place to visit in this section of the city. The museum is located in the house where she lived with her husband and fellow artist, Diego Rivera. I was aware of Frida Kahlo and had seen some of her paintings, but really knew very little about her. Here’s
- [Day Seven: Getting Closer](http://timothy-flanagan.com/day-seven-getting-closer/) - If I had to pick one lesson I’ve learned about taking better pictures, it’s to get closer to your subject. My workshop and conversations with Eric Kim, and the advice of Neil Ta, another professional photographer, have taught me to keep getting closer. It’s easier said than done. I gave myself an assignment to take
- [Day Six: Sound and Color](http://timothy-flanagan.com/day-six-sound-and-color/) - Color You may have noticed that I’m really into black and white photography lately. Well, today I’m throwing in a splash of color. Mexico City is a city of bright colors, from houses to foods, flowers and trees. It’s incredibly colorful. Here is a sampling. Sound I’ve decided to include some sound samples here as
- [One Year Later: What I Miss Most about Vietnam](http://timothy-flanagan.com/one-year-later-what-i-miss-most-about-vietnam/) - I was recently asked to write a reflection on my time in Vietnam for Chào Fulbright, the newsletter of the Fulbright Program in Vietnam. Here is the article, which was published in the Spring, 2018 newsletter. “Is it safe?” This is one of the most common questions I receive regarding my Fulbright experience in Vietnam.
- [Finding Community](http://timothy-flanagan.com/finding-community/) - Last summer, after returning from my year abroad, I joined a memoir writing class taught by author Ethan Gilsdorf. I wrote two pieces during the six-week course and received excellent feedback from Ethan and my classmates. Below is a story about my experience volunteering in the Mae Ra Moe refugee camp in Thailand last May
- [Summer School](http://timothy-flanagan.com/summer-school/) - So I guess it’s too soon to take another year off (or is it?). In the meantime, I’ve been researching and applying to a few travel opportunities for teachers. This summer, I am lucky to participate in two programs, one to Germany and one to Cuba. Return to Germany The last time I was in
- [Seeing in the Dark](http://timothy-flanagan.com/seeing-in-the-dark/) - I felt the cane pushing between my feet and the wall in front of me. I heard cars honking and wondered if I could survive in this situation. “Has everyone found the car?” our guide asked. Judging by the responses I heard, it seemed everyone had found it except me. I turned around and shouted,
- [A Powerful Lesson from Students](http://timothy-flanagan.com/a-powerful-lesson-from-students/) - One of the privileges of participating in this TOP Tour in Germany is having access to people, places, and stories we would not ordinarily encounter on our own. Twice this week we have heard stories from immigrants and refugees who are now living in Germany. I cannot adequately convey the power of their stories here,
- [Going to Schule](http://timothy-flanagan.com/going-to-schule/) - I’ve had the chance to meet with students and teachers at three German schools during this TOP Tour. I’ve learned a lot, so this is a lengthy post. The descriptions below vary from state to state in Germany since each state runs its own schools and designs its own exams. Apprenticeships Germany is known for
- [Before the Deluge](http://timothy-flanagan.com/before-the-deluge/) - The torrent began the moment the ref blew the final whistle. Buckets upon buckets of water fell from the sky. There was no hope of staying dry, but we didn’t care. We were at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin watching England vs. Croatia in the semifinals of the World Cup. Although Germany had long been
- [The Living Room](http://timothy-flanagan.com/the-living-room/) - Wohnzimmer It simply means living room. This is the name of a project in Fulda, a city in central Germany. We visited Wohmzimmer during our TOP Tour last week to learn about their work. During the recent refugee crisis, Fulda alone took in over 1100 refugees in the first ten months of 2015. More than
- [Berlin](http://timothy-flanagan.com/berlin/) - Berlin is amazing. After spending a week traveling between villages and small cities, our TOP Tour allowed us to experience Berlin for an entire week. Our days were filled with visits to NGOs, government offices, historical sites, museums, and many amazing restaurants (Indian, Greek, Vietnamese, German). I will write (or have written) about a few
- [Sachsenhausen Memorial and Museum](http://timothy-flanagan.com/sachsenhausen-memorial-and-museum/) - It was the only cool and rainy day of our two-week TOP Tour when we rode the train to Oranienburg, about 35 kilometers from Berlin. This is the former home to one of the Nazi’s many concentration camps and the headquarters for all concentration camps. More than 200,000 people were imprisoned at Sachsenhausen from 1936-45. Heinrich
- [Flying over Murals](http://timothy-flanagan.com/flying-over-murals/) - With a wave of his hand, it was clear the man who had just paid for my bus fare would not accept any money from me. I had been trying to reach Mexicable, an air tram that carries commuters over hillside neighborhoods north of Mexico City. After doing a bit of research, I knew it
- [Simply the Best](http://timothy-flanagan.com/simply-the-best/) - Even though our group had an early flight (except for the three of us who would be staying in Europe), we gathered in the hotel lounge after an evening of reflection and a great meal at one of the oldest Bierhauses in Berlin. We didn’t want our trip to end. Two weeks earlier, we had
- [A Mystery](http://timothy-flanagan.com/a-mystery/) - Cuba is a mystery. I was there for just two weeks and have left with many more questions than answers. I have also left with a desire to return. Not because I think I have any chance of understanding Cuba better, but because it is truly a magical place. Sorry Brazil, I used to say
- [Don't Ask Why](http://timothy-flanagan.com/dont-ask-why/) - One of the first things I learned from our guide, photographer Luis Alarcon, was “Don’t ask why.” Why is the salary of a doctor just $35 a month? Why does a 70-year-old car cost $35,000? Why does fish have to be sold on the black market? Why can’t cows be killed? Why will Cubans wait
- [Viñales](http://timothy-flanagan.com/vinales/) - Farming is a hard life no matter where you are. Imagine having to sell 90% of your crops to the government at a price the government sets. That is the reality of farming in Cuba.We visited a tobacco farm near Viñales, a few hours from Havana. This is a beautiful valley surrounded by limestone mountains
- [Wi-fi and Ballet](http://timothy-flanagan.com/wi-fi-and-ballet/) - Here is a post about two unrelated Cuban experiences. Wi-fi “Do you need a wifi card?” a young man on a bench asked as I approached the plaza. Looking up, it was clear that this was a wifi park. In every shaded part of the square, people sat on benches, roots of trees, or stood
- [Fish and Revolution](http://timothy-flanagan.com/fish-and-revolution/) - A Chicken for Fish “The man with the fish is here,” whispered the owner of the house after she quietly called our guide away from the breakfast table. It was time to buy the fish for our evening meal. I don’t really understand how the black market works in Cuba, but I know it’s the
- [Two Stories](http://timothy-flanagan.com/two-stories/) - I had conversations with two Cubans in twenty-four hours, representing very different points of view. A Dream Denied I strolled down a side street in Cienfuegos and heard the usual, “Hello, my friend. Where are you from?” Javier was just one of the many men who call out to tourists offering one service or another.
- [This is Cuba!](http://timothy-flanagan.com/this-is-cuba/) - As I sat in the cockpit of the Airbus A320, I thought, “What a fitting end to my first trip to Cuba.” Our three-hour flight from Havana to New York got diverted to Florida. In 45 minutes, we were on the ground in Fort Lauderdale waiting for a gate to open up. The pilot offered
- [After the 1:1 Honeymoon Period](http://timothy-flanagan.com/after-the-11-honeymoon-period/) - My Love/Hate Relationship With Student Chromebooks This article originally appeared in Literacy Daily, the International Literacy Association’s blog. I looked at the pile of Chromebooks on my desk and wondered how I had gotten to this place. I had spent the period remotely closing tabs students had opened, mostly related to Fortnite or some other addicting game, and
- [Refugee Stories](http://timothy-flanagan.com/refugee-stories/) - Thanks to the Transatlantic Outreach Program and the Fulbright fellowship I participated in, I’ve been able to bring many lessons back to my students in Connecticut. This past month, we have been privileged to hear from two people who were willing to share their stories with my class as we were studying the topic of
- [Best Travel Tip Ever](http://timothy-flanagan.com/best-travel-tip-ever/) - Walking through the narrow tunnels inside the world’s largest pyramid, I encountered a group of American tourists. As I meandered my way through the tunnels, listening to their bantering and joking about being lost underground, I was so happy that my host was waiting for me at the exit. I knew I was seeing so
- [The View from Taxco](http://timothy-flanagan.com/the-view-from-taxco/) - Taxco is another “magic town” in the mountains three hours south of Mexico City. It is known for its silver mining and artisans, but during Holy Week, the week leading up to Easter, silver is not the main attraction.
- [Semana Santa, Parte I](http://timothy-flanagan.com/semana-santa-parte-i/) - It’s hard to describe in words the processions that happen every night during Semana Santa (Holy Week) in Taxco. Groups of Catholics walk solemnly through the streets honoring saints, reenacting Christ’s last days on earth, and doing penance. Each night there is a different theme with names such as Procession of the Virgens, Procession of
- [Semana Santa, Parte II](http://timothy-flanagan.com/semana-santa-parte-ii/) - Statues and angels are not the only things to see during Holy Week processions. Within each of the dozens of groups parading through the streets, there are a number of people doing penance to atone for their sins or to fulfill a promise made to God. With their heads and faces covered in black hoods,
- [Tim's Top Ten Travel Research Sites](http://timothy-flanagan.com/tims-top-ten-travel-research-sites/) - As I said in a previous post, research is a big part of my travel experience. There are dozens of websites I use for planning and purchasing while on the road. This list contains the current ones that I use most frequently for a variety of purposes. Here they are, in no particular order. Traveloka Amazing
- [Teaching the "Middle East"](http://timothy-flanagan.com/teaching-the-middle-east/) - I just returned from a week at Duke University where I attended an incredible institute focused on teaching the Middle East. The QFI/Duke University Dimensions of the Middle East Institute was attended by 40 teachers from across the country. Thanks to Qatar Foundation International (QFI), this learning experience is provided at no cost to educators.
- [Teach Like an Artist](http://timothy-flanagan.com/teach-like-an-artist/) - I told everyone I was doing this for my five-year-old granddaughter, but I must admit I felt giddy standing next to Miss America, Nia Franklin, to have my picture taken. I was at Lincoln Center in New York during a week-long institute called the “Aesthetic Education Immersion Lab.” I didn’t know what to expect from
- [¡Oh, Oaxaca!](http://timothy-flanagan.com/oh-oaxaca/) - My love affair with Mexico continues, this time in Oaxaca (WA-há-CA), the capital of Oaxaca state in the southern part of the country. I’m here for two weeks, thanks to credit card points, and in less than 48 hours I’ve decided I’ll have to return. Here are a few things I’ve learned since arriving. Finally,
- [A Tour Like No Other](http://timothy-flanagan.com/a-tour-like-no-other/) - There are so many tour agencies in Oaxaca because there is so much to see. You cannot walk anywhere in the center of the city without being offered a tour of the surrounding towns. There are tours of ruins, indigenous villages where local products are made, and many mezcal tours, which Oaxaca is famous for.
- [Quesillo and Photos](http://timothy-flanagan.com/quesillo-and-photos/) - Couchsurfing does not only connect people who offer free places to stay, but also provides a way for travelers to meet just about anywhere in the world. In checking out Couchsurfing events in Oaxaca, I came across a post about photography. Before I knew it, I signed up to join a group of photographers who
- [Monte Albán](http://timothy-flanagan.com/monte-alban/) - Monte Albán is a short ride from the center of Oaxaca, but it is a world away. It contains the ruins of the old capital of the Zapotec people. Monte Albán dates back to 500 A.D. and at one time 35,000 people lived there. As I walked around, I was reminded of my visit to
- [Sierra Life](http://timothy-flanagan.com/sierra-life/) - “Five days is four too many,” I was told after I had booked my trip to the mountain town of Benito Juárez, about two hours from Oaxaca. A new friend from Oaxaca informed me that the Sierra region is beautiful and is known for its ecotourism, but that I wouldn’t need more than a day
- [Casa de Piedra](http://timothy-flanagan.com/casa-de-piedra/) - “Why is it called the house of stone if it is made with mud bricks?” “Follow me. I’ll tell you the story.” I was talking with “abuelo” Cutberto on my fifth and final day at the Casa de Piedra, which his son built on his own, including making the mud bricks. Cutberto, 79, moved quickly
- [Go for Broke](http://timothy-flanagan.com/go-for-broke/) - What I learned about Japanese American Incarceration and today's struggles for justice I had the privilege of attending the National Endowment for the Humanities seminar "Little Tokyo: How History Shapes a Community Across Generations" at the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles this summer. This week-long institute delved deeply into the Japanese American experience
- [5 Not-so-typical Reasons to Visit Oaxaca](http://timothy-flanagan.com/5-not-so-typical-reasons-to-visit-oaxaca-2/) - Oaxaca is fast becoming the place to visit in Mexico. It has everything, including the best food in the country, incredible ruins, a diverse indigenous population, amazing chocolate and coffee, a perfect climate, and stunning landscapes. Google “Oaxaca” and you will come up with dozens of “top ten reasons to visit Oaxaca” blog posts. They
- [The Speech I Never Gave at My Retirement Party](http://timothy-flanagan.com/the-speech-i-never-gave-at-my-retirement-party/) - I am so grateful for having been able to celebrate my retirement from middle school teaching with more than eighty friends, family, and colleagues recently. I did not plan on giving a speech. The party was a short two hours and I wanted everyone to have fun, eat delicious food, drink, and enjoy each other's
- [Where to now, Tim?](http://timothy-flanagan.com/where-to-now-tim/) - A guest post from Vicky Ann Okay, Tim, where are you taking me? Waiting for our shuttle driver who never came, a driver approached us and said, "I'll take you to Flores." We weren't quite sure we should go, but then he said "Tim, only a 10-minute ride" after he jokingly said it would take
- [Tia Pepper](http://timothy-flanagan.com/tia-pepper/) - I think it was my son Ricardo who came up with the nickname "Pepper" for my friend Pat. He didn't have to explain. I knew he was referring to her fiery side, her outspokenness, her quick, sharp reprimands that, to him, burned like a hot pepper. When Tia Pepper came for a visit, my boys
- [The Best Parts of Traveling](http://timothy-flanagan.com/the-best-parts-of-traveling/) - It felt so good to be traveling again, but what made this trip so great? What do I like most about traveling? I've been thinking about these questions since returning home and trying, failing, to adequately convey how amazing it was to travel through Guatemala. Here are a few final thoughts, in no particular order.
- [Tikal](http://timothy-flanagan.com/tikal/) - “Use your flashlights and watch out for the dangerous snakes.” That was the advice we received when going for an evening stroll down a dark path in search of a nearby restaurant for some dessert. That afternoon, we had traveled about an hour into the forest from Flores to stay at the Jungle Lodge Hotel.
- [Beautiful Antigua](http://timothy-flanagan.com/beautiful-antigua/) - We were fortunate to have a smooth trip from San Juan La Laguna to Antigua, first by catching a boat back to Panajachel where our pre-arranged taxi met us. Rony, our driver, gave us a very different experience than the one we had in getting to the lake. He promised a ride that was “tranquilo”
- [A Very Good Friday](http://timothy-flanagan.com/a-very-good-friday/) - "Something big is about to happen." Vicky Ann enjoys reminding me, through uncontrollable laughter, that I said this in church on Good Friday. Yes, she tells me, the crucifixion of Christ was definitely something big. After an incredible sleep in our lovely AirBnB with a truly amazing family (more on our hosts in a future
- [Finding Paradise](http://timothy-flanagan.com/finding-paradise/) - There have been moments in the past twenty-four hours where I thought, "Is this too much?" It has been a long and arduous trip to get to San Juan La Laguna, a village on Lake Atitlán in Guatemala. I had moments of worry that the intensity of this journey might be too much for Vicky
- [What have you learned?](http://timothy-flanagan.com/what-have-you-learned/) - Thirty-four years ago Every now and then, I am reminded of of Malik, a seventh-grade student I taught as a first-year teacher in New Haven. When I think of him, I think of his mischievous smile and the twinkle in his eye. He really had a face you would never forget. I also think of
- [Grappling with new learning on the  Civil Rights Trail](http://timothy-flanagan.com/grappling-with-new-learning-on-the-civil-rights-trail/) - My trip to Alabama included visits to several more sites that taught me about this period in history and left me inspired by the thousands of everyday people who stood for justice at a time when injustice was so widespread and blatant in their communities. Although the story of Civil Rights Movement is not new
- [Selma](http://timothy-flanagan.com/selma/) - History sometimes gets jumbled up in my mind. I don't always remember dates and details. That was the case with Selma. I knew there was a civil rights march across the now famous Edmund Pettis bridge, but what exactly were the activists marching for, how did this fit into the larger civil rights movement? On
- ["Your names were never lost"](http://timothy-flanagan.com/your-names-were-never-lost/) - I had one more stop on my first day in Birmingham. After visiting the Legacy Museum I hopped on the free shuttle and took the five-minute air-conditioned ride to the National Memorial for Peace and Justice. This is another place that I find difficult to describe in words. This centerpiece of this sacred place memorializes the victims of
- [From Enslavement to Mass Incarceration](http://timothy-flanagan.com/from-enslavement-to-mass-incarceration/) - a visit to the Legacy Museum in Montgomery My visit to the Legacy Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice left me speechless. I can only say that this is a must-visit museum for all Americans. History comes alive and confronts you. The progression from slavery to mass incarceration for Black Americans becomes
- [First Day of School](http://timothy-flanagan.com/first-day-of-school/) - I remember my first day of teaching in New Haven 33 years ago, when my classroom wasn’t ready and I was left to teach in an auditorium alongside three other classes of students and their teachers. My seventh graders sat in the long rows of theater seating while I stood a couple of rows in
- [Teaching for Equity and Justice](http://timothy-flanagan.com/teaching-for-equity-and-justice/) - Here is an article I wrote that was published on the blog of Fund for Teachers. Why are US schools, including my middle school in Connecticut, still largely segregated more than sixty years after Brown v. Board of Education? What are the real causes of the “achievement gap” between BIPOC students and white students? How
- [Life After Travel](http://timothy-flanagan.com/life-after-travel/) - My last trip overseas was in August, 2019. When I stepped off the plane from Mexico City, I had every intention of returning within the year. It had been my third trip to Mexico in two years, and each time I came home with a longer list of places to explore on my next visit.
- [O que vale uma imagem?](http://timothy-flanagan.com/o-que-vale-uma-imagem/) - O QUE EU GANHEI COM VINTE E OITO ANOS DE FOTOS Aqui está uma versão do meu post no Google Translate. Peço desculpas por quaisquer erros, pois tenho certeza de que não é uma tradução totalmente precisa. Um encontro casual Eu estava confuso enquanto estava no caixa com um carrinho cheio de mantimentos e suprimentos
- [What's A Picture Worth?](http://timothy-flanagan.com/whats-a-picture-worth/) - What I gained from twenty-eight years of photos Versão em português A Chance Encounter I was confused as I stood at the checkout counter with a cart full of groceries and supplies for my new apartment. Why was the cashier just putting all of the items back into the cart? What was the word for
- [Couchsurfing 102](http://timothy-flanagan.com/couchsurfing-102/) - cc image: Dave Austria - Flicker This is the second part of my post about Couchsurfing. You can read the first part here. Layce (Brazil), Rose (South Korea) and Jeje (also from South Korea) arrived on Saturday evening, along with three of their colleagues from Columbia and the U.S., who would be staying at
- [Couchsurfing 101](http://timothy-flanagan.com/couchsurfing-101/) - Although this is a teaching/education blog, traveling is always a learning experience, so I will included this post about my experience with Couchsurfing. Think of Couchsurfing like Airbnb, but no money changes hands. You can find a couch, or in many cases a private room or home, for free, just about anywhere in the world.
- [Teachers College Saturday Reunion](http://timothy-flanagan.com/teachers-college-saturday-reunion/) - cc image: Heather Paul I attended my first Saturday Reunion at the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project (TCRWP) in Harlem last weekend. Twice a year the TCRWP opens its doors for a free day of workshops with the leaders in the field. It is an amazing event attended by thousands of teachers. This made
- [Digital Storytelling Reflection](http://timothy-flanagan.com/digital-storytelling-reflection/) - I had the opportunity to publish this post for the International Reading Association (now the International Literacy Association) about my experience using GoAnimate for a digital storytelling project with my seventh graders. Two months and many snow days later, I have just published samples of completed student work for this year's project. Two examples are
- [High Achievement in the Midst of High Needs](http://timothy-flanagan.com/high-achievement-in-the-midst-of-high-needs/) - After attending last year's first annual Argument Writing Institute at Teachers College in New York, I knew I would return for another institute. This year, the topic was High Achievement in the Midst of High Needs, and the presenters did not disappoint. This was the second time I attended an institute with my colleague, Marika
- [GoAnimate, Part Two](http://timothy-flanagan.com/goanimate-part-two/) - Last year I had my students create digital stories using GoAnimate, a site for making animated movies. I have recently been reflecting on whether or not to do the project with this year's students. Here are some of my thoughts: What I liked about using GoAnimate: Students worked collaboratively. They became much more adept at
- [Middle East Outreach Council Workshop](http://timothy-flanagan.com/middle-east-outreach-council-workshop/) - Last weekend, thanks to a travel award from the Middle East Outreach Council, I was fortunate to attend their annual educator workshop at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. The topic was ”New Literature Projects and Techniques for Elementary and Secondary Classrooms.” The day was filled with a diverse group of presenters sharing the latest and
- [Searching for the "Just Right" Benchmark Assessment](http://timothy-flanagan.com/searching-for-the-just-right-benchmark-assessment/) - I have spent the last few weeks discussing IAGDs, writing SLOs and communicating with administrators through Bloomboard, the professional growth platform my district is currently using. The acronyms can by dizzying and learning a new platform can be frustrating, but this is a reality for teachers today. In this post, I would like to share
- [LRA Panel Discussion](http://timothy-flanagan.com/lra-panel-discussion/) - On Wednesday of this past week I was fortunate to be able to participate in a panel discussion on the Literacy Research Association's ongoing series about connecting literacy research to classroom practice. Our discussion was about student agency and voice regarding digital literacies. The panelists included: Donald Leu, Director of the New Literacies Research Lab
- [Day 30:  Fear](http://timothy-flanagan.com/day-30-fear/) - I'm a little late, but today is my last day of the TeachThought 30-Day Blogging Challenge. This has been a great experience. I mentioned in a post before I started the challenge, that I was hoping to get over some of my fear of blogging. Writing every day for thirty days has definitely helped. I
- [Day 29:  Changes](http://timothy-flanagan.com/day-29-changes/) - How have I changed as an educator since I first started? Let me count the ways. Confidence - I used to be so unsure of myself that I wouldn't even speak up at a staff meeting. Now I lead meetings and present workshops. I also became more confident in the classroom. When I think back to
- [Day 28:  Curriculum is the Key](http://timothy-flanagan.com/day-28-curriculum-is-the-key/) - On day 28 of the teachthought 30-day blogging challenge the question is: Should technology drive curriculum, or vice versa? I love using technology in the classroom. It motivates students, makes my job more interesting, helps me to stay organized and so much more. But, just as a text book is not the curriculum, neither is
- [Day 27:  Summers Off?](http://timothy-flanagan.com/day-27-summers-off/) - On Day 27 of the 30-Day Blogging Challenge, I am asked to reflect on the role weekends and holidays play in my teaching. Weekends and holidays bring much-needed rest after the intensity of teaching middle school students. I mostly use this time to rejuvenate, reflect, catch up and plan for the coming weeks. I once
- [Day 26:  Favorite Sites](http://timothy-flanagan.com/day-26-favorite-sites/) - What are my three favorite go-to sites for teaching resources? I could never limit it to three, so let's just say these three are among my favorite sites for resources. Twitter. I have written about this before, but Twitter is now the first place I check for teaching resources. I am still working on figuring out
- [Day 25:  Student Collaboration](http://timothy-flanagan.com/day-25-student-collaboration/) - The ideal collaboration between students? What does it look like? I think the answer to today's prompt could best be presented in a list. Students would be engaged. There would be no students sitting back and letting others do the work. All students would contribute to the project or discussion. The group would be made
- [Day Five:  My Classroom](http://timothy-flanagan.com/day-five-my-classroom/) - I like my classroom, but I am always looking for ways to improve the layout of it. As part of the 30-day Teacher Blogging Challenge, I will share some photos of my classroom and list what I see, and what I don't see that I'd like to. I like having room for groups of 3-4
- [Day Six:  Mentors](http://timothy-flanagan.com/day-six-mentors/) - What does a good mentor do? This is the sixth prompt in the 30-day Blogging Challenge. Over the course of my career, I've had many excellent mentors, and now I hope to be a good mentor to others. Here is a list of what I think are essential qualities of a good mentor, based on
- [Day Seven:  My Most Inspirational Colleague Is . . .](http://timothy-flanagan.com/day-seven-my-most-inspirational-colleague-is/) - This is a tough one. I have thought hard about this latest prompt from the 30-day Blogging Challenge. Who is my most inspirational colleague? I have worked with inspirational colleagues from the day I started teaching 29 years ago. I currently work with many wonderful and inspirational colleagues. I learn from them every day and try
- [Day 8:  What's in a Desk?](http://timothy-flanagan.com/day-8-whats-in-a-desk/) - What's in my desk? What does that reveal about me? Here are a few quick thoughts from Day 8 of the 30-Day Blogging Challenge. Contents What could it possibly mean? Lots of pens, hidden in various places, especially far in the backs of drawers where I forget about them. I have a fear of losing
- [Day 9:  Something I never talk about](http://timothy-flanagan.com/day-9-something-i-never-talk-about/) - #163301560 / gettyimages.com Today I am asked to write about my biggest accomplishment in teaching that no one knows about. This is hard. Every time I think of something, I realize I've already discussed it. I guess I'm not too shy about sharing my accomplishments. It's late, and I just got returned home from Back
- [Day 10:  Random Facts](http://timothy-flanagan.com/day-10-random-facts/) - This is the prompt for Day 10 of the blogging challenge. Here's my attempt at a response. Five random facts While working at The Gap in high school, I once sold a pair of jeans to Jack Nicholson, I think. I worked as an ice cream man in college, delivering hot fudge sundaes to
- [Day 11:  Favorite Part of the Day](http://timothy-flanagan.com/day-11-favorite-part-of-the-day/) - On to Day 11 . . . What is your favorite part of the teaching day and why? This varies from day to day. Sometimes I like the quiet reflection time I have just before the bell rings and 350 students come bounding up the stairs. Other times I like watching students in the hallway
- [Day 12:  The Future](http://timothy-flanagan.com/day-12-the-future/) - Here is the question for Day 12 of the 30-Day Blogging Challenge. How do you envision your teaching changing over the next five years?I have spent the last year in the Instructional Technology and Digital Media Literacies program at the University of New Haven. This program has prepared me for the next five years and
- [Day 14:  Feedback](http://timothy-flanagan.com/day-14-feedback/) - What is feedback and how do I use it for learning? It is already Day 14 of the 30-Day Blogging Challenge, so here I go. I know what feedback should look like. It should be specific, timely and focus on an area of improvement. I also know what feedback should not look like. "Good job"
- [Day 15:  Half Way](http://timothy-flanagan.com/day-15-half-way/) - For Day 15 of the 30-Day Blogging Challenge, I must name three strengths I have as a teacher. Pixabay My relationships with students is one of my strengths. I am a very approachable, mild-mannered teacher. I enjoy learning about my students as readers and writers, as well as getting to know them as individuals with
- [Day 16:  Superpowers](http://timothy-flanagan.com/day-16-superpowers/) - I need to think of one superpower I would want to have in the classroom. The hardest part of this is choosing just one. In just a minute, I thought of so many: The power to instantly read, provide feedback, and enter grades for any assignment I give. The power to make all technology, including
- [Day 17:  A Big Challenge](http://timothy-flanagan.com/day-17-a-big-challenge/) - What is the most challenging issue in education today? I can think of several, but I'm going with what first popped into my mind: providing an equal education for all students, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, religion, etc. Sixty years after Brown v. Board of Education, our country is
- [Day 18:  Driving Miss Daisy](http://timothy-flanagan.com/day-18-driving-miss-daisy/) - image by Sarah Joy Today I must come up with a metaphor for teaching and/or teachers as part of the 30-Day Blogging Challenge. I'm struggling with this one. I've thought of several that seem like good ideas at first, but don't really work after some more consideration. I've resisted reading any other posts by fellow
- [Day 19:  Reflection](http://timothy-flanagan.com/day-19-reflection/) - Day 19 Prompt: Name three powerful ways students can reflect on their learning, then discuss closely the one you use most often. A quick post today . . . Writing is one powerful way to reflect. I know from personal experience (through this blogging challenge) and from having my students write. The act of writing
- [Day 20:  Curating Student Work](http://timothy-flanagan.com/day-20-curating-student-work/) - How do I curate student work, or help students to curate their own work? For years, my district had students collect sample writing pieces in portfolios. These portfolios were heavy; they were divided into several folders and contained years of student work. Year after year, more work would be added. Occasionally they would be cleaned
- [Day 21:  Not Just a Teacher](http://timothy-flanagan.com/day-21-not-just-a-teacher/) - What are the hobbies and interests that I bring into the classroom? This is Day 21 of TeachThought's 30-Day Blogging Challenge. I think it is important for students to know their teachers not just as a teacher, but as a person who has a life outside of school. It helps to build strong relationships if
- [Day 22:  My PLN](http://timothy-flanagan.com/day-22-my-pln/) - Today for the blogging challenge I will be describing my Professional Learning Network. A little over a year ago, before I began my graduate studies in Instructional Technologies and Digital Media Literacy, I could barely tell you what a PLN was. I knew about them, but I was not very involved in them. I used
- [Day 23: Connecting to the Real World](http://timothy-flanagan.com/day-23-connecting-to-the-real-world/) - Today's prompt: How do I involve the community in learning in my classroom? Although I have tried to involve the community in my classroom in the past, my experience is limited. This is a goal for me this year. When I think of the word "community" in this prompt, I think of a global community.
- [Day 24:  Learning Trend](http://timothy-flanagan.com/day-24-learning-trend/) - I will be playing catch-up on the 30-Day Blogging Challenge over the next several days. I had to take some time off for family commitments. Today's prompt asks what my favorite learning trend is. The trend that has captured my attention the most is Genius Hour. I discovered this through Twitter and follow #geniushour there.
- [Day 4:  What I Love Most about Teaching](http://timothy-flanagan.com/day-4-what-i-love-most-about-teaching/) - The topic for today, what I love most about teaching, seems like a no-brainer. I have not yet read any other of today's posts from fellow participants in the 30-Day Blogging Challenge, but I suspect many of us will say the same thing. What I love most about teaching is working with the students. More
- [Day Two:  Technology](http://timothy-flanagan.com/day-two-technology/) - The second prompt of the 30-day Blogging Challenge for Teachers is about technology. I am to identify one piece of technology I hope to integrate into my classroom this year. I have spent much of the past year integrating technology into my classroom while working on my sixth year degree. There are many new tools I have
- [Day Three:  Student Engagement](http://timothy-flanagan.com/day-three-student-engagement/) - Today I will respond to the third post in the 30-day Blogging Challenge for teachers, which asks me to identify an area of improvement that I want to focus on from my teacher evaluation instrument. There are several, but I will reflect on one in this post. I want my classroom to be one where
- [Day One:  Goals](http://timothy-flanagan.com/day-one-goals/) - #143039080 / gettyimages.com The first prompt to the 30-day Blogging Challenge for Teachers asks me to identify my goals for the school year. I always have many goals throughout the school year, but here are the most pressing ones I can think of right now. I plan on applying much of the new knowledge I
- [30-Day Blogging Challenge](http://timothy-flanagan.com/30-day-blogging-challenge/) - It has been two weeks since I successfully completed my sixth year program in Instructional Technologies and Digital Media Literacies at the University of New Haven. It has also been two weeks since I introduced my new name to this blog, partially in an attempt to not just let this blog die out at the
- [Digital Addiction, An Infographic](http://timothy-flanagan.com/digital-addiction-an-infographic/) - The infographic below, created as an assignment for my Teaching, Learning and Assessing in the Digital Age class, displays facts and figures I found related to digital addiction. During my research, I discovered that there is a lot of debate among psychologists as to whether or not digital addiction is real. Many recognize that some
- [Assessing Digital Literacy and Technology Skills](http://timothy-flanagan.com/assessing-digital-literacy-and-technology-skills/) - #465893265 / gettyimages.com This week, my colleagues (Gail Dandelske, Elizabeth Ferry and Amy Paskov) and I worked on a group Prezi which we titled Assessment of Digital Literacy. Our assignment was to create a Prezi that presented current research in digital literacy assessment. Meeting with my group online this week, we realized that this topic
- [Formative Assessment in Higher Ed](http://timothy-flanagan.com/formative-assessment-in-higher-ed/) - This week, I explored technology that can be used for formative assessment, particularly in higher education. My colleague, Gail Dandelske, and I worked together to make a presentation using emaze, a new presentation tool. Gail and I are interested in higher ed since we will both be teaching a digital literacy course this fall at
- [Write: Out Loud, Not Just Another Text-to Speech Program](http://timothy-flanagan.com/write-out-loud-not-just-another-text-to-speech-program/) - In my Adaptivtive Technologies class this week, I was asked to examine an assistive technology tool mentioned in our readings for the week. I have decided to learn about and report on Write: Out Loud, a word processor with a text-to-speech tool that provides many other features to help students with their writing. Write: Out
- [Soapbox Hangout](http://timothy-flanagan.com/soapbox-hangout/) - image by psgreen01 This week my colleagues in the IT&DML program had a "Soapbox Hangout." My professor in Teaching, Learning and Assessing in the Digital Age, Laura Greenstein, assigned us to prepare a short talk about a topic related to our studies. We were to "get on a soapbox" and speak about the topic for eight
- [Putting it all Together](http://timothy-flanagan.com/putting-it-all-together/) - This is the final week of the semester and I have been working on a project for my Teaching, Learning and Assessing in the Digital Age class. One of the options was to use a digital tool to curate content online that demonstrates my next steps in this area. I decided to try out another
- [Using Technology to Teach Global Competencies](http://timothy-flanagan.com/using-technology-to-teach-global-competencies/) - One of the things I have enjoyed most about this IT&DML program is how relevant the assignments are to my work at school. I have been able to create and use many projects, lessons and teaching units over the course of the past year that I have used in my classroom. The feedback I have
- [Digital Portfolios](http://timothy-flanagan.com/digital-portfolios/) - This summer, besides participating in the Fulbright-Hays project to Morocco (see my blog link above or here), I will be finishing my sixth year program in Instructional Technology and Digital Media Literacies. I am starting the final semester with a course that will help me design my digital portfolio. After reading some research on this
- [Digital Portfolios II](http://timothy-flanagan.com/digital-portfolios-ii/) - #183244085 / gettyimages.com I have been asked to write about what I think should be included in my digital portfolio. After reading research about portfolios, viewing examples, and writing this post, I have a few thoughts regarding my own digital portfolio. I started the Instructional Technology and Digital Media Literacies sixth year program last summer.
- [Revised Philosophy](http://timothy-flanagan.com/revised-philosophy/) - cc image by Jens Rötzsch I believe that children are curious and want to learn. Children learn constantly during their first few years of life before entering a classroom and receiving a formal education. They learn because they want to learn. An infant first has a need to learn something new and then, often through trial
- [Mapping my Digital Portfolio](http://timothy-flanagan.com/mapping-my-digital-portfolio/) - This week I have been asked to create a map for my digital portfolio. I have already written about what might be included in the portfolio in a previous post. The challenge has been in deciding where to house my digital portfolio. My professors shared many options and examples of digital spaces designed for this
- [PearDeck Tutorial](http://timothy-flanagan.com/peardeck-tutorial/) - For my communications class this summer, I have been asked to create a tutorial for using an online content tool. I chose to teach about Pear Deck, a new classroom response tool that integrates seamlessly with Google Drive. Although Pear Deck is still in beta form and not yet available to the public, it is
- [Auto-ethnography](http://timothy-flanagan.com/auto-ethnography/) - I ended up creating my auto-ethnography on WeVideo, but that is not where I started. I knew I wanted to create some type of slideshare, have the ability to include videos and music, and be able to add narration. After looking at several sites, I realized I was limited since I am using a Chromebook.
- [What's in a name?](http://timothy-flanagan.com/whats-in-a-name/) - Today I am introducing a new name for my blog. The old name, IT&DML, stands for the name of the sixth year program I am just completing, Instructional Technologies and Digital Media Literacy. I came up with that name last year when I started this blog as one of the first assignments for my classes.
- [My Digital Portfolio](http://timothy-flanagan.com/my-digital-portfolio/) - Tonight I am publishing my digital portfolio. Although it reflects much of the work I have been doing over the past year in my Instructional Technologies and Digital Media Literacy program, it is really a compilation of my entire professional life. The portfolio is meant to show who I am as a teacher, who I
- [Quizzes on Edmodo](http://timothy-flanagan.com/quizzes-on-edmodo/) - This year I have been experimenting with Edmodo, a free online platform to connect students and teachers, post assignments, create quizzes, record grades and more. My experiences have been positive, but I am still learning the best way to make use of this tool. One feature I particularly like is the quiz tool. Teachers can create
- [LMS, Edmodo and Boulders](http://timothy-flanagan.com/lms-edmodo-and-boulders/) - My Storify this week explains what I've learned about Learning Management Systems, Edmodo and screencasting software. However, I learned more about patience and the importance of maintaining a Professional Learning Network. It was a challenge to keep up with all of my assignments, but sometimes challenges bring great rewards. Here are the details. [View the story "LMS, Screencasting and
- [This MOOC is More than A Fluke](http://timothy-flanagan.com/this-mooc-is-more-than-a-fluke/) - A week ago I could not clearly explain the concept of a MOOC, a Massive Open Online Course. Now I am participating in one and writing about them. It has been a week of learning from colleagues near and far. After one week, I am already searching for other MOOCs that I could participate in, once I have more
- [Understanding by Design](http://timothy-flanagan.com/understanding-by-design/) - It has been another week of intensive learning. I started with reading and watching videos about Understanding by Design, a planning model developed by Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe. Last week I wrote about MOOCs. One thing I've learned is that in a MOOC each learner takes a different journey to the learning goal. Students
- [What's so great about internships?](http://timothy-flanagan.com/whats-so-great-about-internships/) - I have to admit that when I saw the topic of this week for the Deeper Learning MOOC was "student internships," I was terribly interested. I did not make the connection between internships and deeper learning. I did not see the topic as relevant to me as a middle school teacher. I quickly realized how
- [Student Voice and Choice](http://timothy-flanagan.com/student-voice-and-choice/) - There were many topics to explore in my classes this week. I learned about "teaching like a pirate" in my Distance Learning class, "student voice and choice" in the Deeper Learning MOOC as well as interdisciplinary methods to teach global competencies in my Global Literacies class. All of these topics have been interesting. None of
- [You can't teach them if you don't know them](http://timothy-flanagan.com/you-cant-teach-them-if-you-dont-know-them/) - I'm not going to explain the picture here, just know that it does somehow relate to the learning I've done this week in the Deeper Learning MOOC. As I was working on the Storify below, I made connections between deeper learning, students who are marginalized, multicultural education and the importance of teachers knowing their students. The
- [Growing My Mindset about Mindsets](http://timothy-flanagan.com/growing-my-mindset-about-mindsets/) - Alberto G. It has taken some convincing to get me to see the importance of teaching growth mindsets to students. I've often felt that fostering certain mindsets and dispositions in students would be great to do if I had time, but that there were more important things to do. I have heard about and tried
- [What is IREX?  Micro-talk Reflection](http://timothy-flanagan.com/what-is-irex-micro-talk-reflection/) - Wikipedia.org Creating my micro-talk about my IREX trip to Kyrgyzstan was like taking a trip down memory lane. As soon as I saw IREX listed on the list of possible micro-talk topics, I knew I wanted to share this amazing organization with my classmates. Before applying to the Teaching Excellence and Achievement (now known as
- ["Where will the work live?"](http://timothy-flanagan.com/where-will-the-work-live/) - Curating and Exhibiting Student Work What is the purpose of having students create museum-quality work and exhibiting it to a wide audience? This week's DLMOOC topic covered curation, audience and exhibition of student work by sharing amazing examples from High Tech High. While I know that there are advantages to such displays of student work, I
- [Assessing Deeper Learning](http://timothy-flanagan.com/assessing-deeper-learning/) - How do we assess deeper learning? That is the question I explored in the DLMOOC this week. I also learned more about one innovative way to assess, digital badges, from sources shared in my distance learning course. I appreciate how these classes have been designed. We are given a topic for the week, suggested and
- [Update:  Using Edmodo](http://timothy-flanagan.com/update-using-edmodo/) - I have been living on Google Sites this week, between my multimodal tutorial on Edmodo and the collaborative learning module about Copyright. The learning module is almost complete, but this post is an update on the Edmodo tutorial. As part of my class assignment, I revised and expanded my tutorial to include screenshots, text, links
- [#WalkMyWorld](http://timothy-flanagan.com/walkmyworld/) - Over the past two months, I have participated in a weekly Twitter project known as #WalkMyWorld. This project encouraged participants to tweet an image, video, poem or anything from a moment in their world. There were weekly suggestions, poetry ideas, and blog posts curating and detailing the progress of the project. More information about the
- [Distance Learning](http://timothy-flanagan.com/distance-learning/) - Posted 2014: The title of the course I took this semester, Distance Learning, does not do it justice. When I first heard the title, I imagined learning about online tools to help teachers and students learn. While I have learned of many new digital tools, the course was so much more than that. This mindmap
- [Reflecting on a Pivotal Semester](http://timothy-flanagan.com/reflecting-on-a-pivotal-semester/) - The title of the course I took this semester, Distance Learning, does not do it justice. When I first heard the title, I imagined learning about online tools to help teachers and students learn. While I have learned of many new digital tools, the course was so much more than that. This mindmap shows how
- [Using Technology to Support High Yield Teaching and Learning](http://timothy-flanagan.com/using-technology-to-support-high-yield-teaching-and-learning/) - cc image by svonog A new trimester has begun and one of my classes is Teaching, Learning and Assessing in the Digital Era. This week we have reviewed teaching strategies that provide “the most bang for the buck.” John Hattie and Robert Marzano each analyzed years of research and came up with their own list
- [The Role of SAMR in Designing Technology-Embedded Lessons](http://timothy-flanagan.com/the-role-of-samr-in-designing-technology-embedded-lessons/) - This week in my Teaching, Learning and Assessing in the Digital Era class, I have played the role of a technology leader in a school. I have chosen a lesson plan on writing haiku that uses some technology and have updated the plan so that the technology used supports instructional standards. I also received feedback
- [Socratic Seminar](http://timothy-flanagan.com/socratic-seminar/) - #AA041132 / gettyimages.com This week, my graduate class held a Socratic seminar. Although I had heard of this teaching and discussion technique, I had never participated in one. We were all asked to submit one question based on our readings for the week, which were about the use of technology in classrooms. We formed two
- [Don't Judge A MOOC by its Name](http://timothy-flanagan.com/dont-judge-a-mooc-by-its-name/) - What is a "MOOC" and how does it intersect with the online, or hybrid learning environments that I've been studying? I remember hearing about criticisms of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) recently in the news and feeling like I wasn’t getting the full story. After all, the concept of a MOOC seems to be a
- [Online Content Construction](http://timothy-flanagan.com/online-content-construction/) - Online Content Construction (OCC) involves students working independently or collaboratively to create something that they add to the digital world. Students use knowledge gained from other online sources and contribute new and creative content to the Internet. The idea behind OCC is that students should move from being consumers of the Internet to eventually being constructors
- [Creating and Curating My Digital Identity](http://timothy-flanagan.com/creating-and-curating-my-digital-identity/) - Below is my mind map, created using Coggle, that shows my plan for creating and curating my digital identity. Over the past five weeks, I have learned a lot about using online tools to not only help my students, but to help myself learn as well. I have blogged about creating a Personal Learning Network,
- [My Online Identity](http://timothy-flanagan.com/my-online-identity/) - Using My Online Identity to Support My Offline Teacher IdentityORMS Module 5 This module of the Online Research and Media Skills course has gotten me to think more deeply about my online identity. The reasons for curating this identity, and the steps and tools to do so (presented in the slide show) were very helpful.
- [Chai Final Exam](http://timothy-flanagan.com/chai-final-exam/) - As I sit here sipping my homemade chai, I can reflect on the progress I have made with my networked learning project. Of course, I have learned how to make chai. I have also learned a lot about the ingredients in chai, the culture surrounding chai, and the benefits of drinking chai. For my final
- [Creating and Curating My Digital Identity, Part II](http://timothy-flanagan.com/creating-and-curating-my-digital-identity-part-ii/) - After reviewing my colleagues' mindmaps about their digital identities, I was not too suprised to see a lot of similarities in our thoughts. Many of my fellow students in the IT&DML program have included sources of information such as Google+ and Twitter in their mindmaps. Several also included colleagues as I did in my mindmap. One difference
- [My Digital Learning Hub](http://timothy-flanagan.com/my-digital-learning-hub/) - There are several objectives I have in mind when thinking about creating my own digital learning hub. I would like to create a space that is accessible to students and their families, as well as to colleagues and others I connect with around the world. This hub must be useful for my students and me
- [Conversation, Discussion, Presentation](http://timothy-flanagan.com/conversation-discussion-presentation/) - This week I am responding to readings from Alone Together by Sherry Turkle. In Chapters 6-8, Turkle gives many examples of how technology can both enhance and impede our relationships. The assigned prompt reads as follows: Conversation, discussion, presentation. What are they and how do they appear in your professional life? If you were to diagram
- [Building the Hub](http://timothy-flanagan.com/building-the-hub/) - A hub is a central point, a center of a network or an activity. That is what I am attempting to build by creating my new website. My hub may be more of a small signpost in a very crowded world of Internet resources, but as I continue to build it I hope to strengthen
- [School Discourse vs. Student Discourse](http://timothy-flanagan.com/school-discourse-vs-student-discourse/) - James Paul Gee (2012) has provided many examples of how important it is to know the Discourse of the dominant group in order to move ahead in society. The interview texts on pages 149-150 illustrate how the wrong dialect or grammar usage for a situation like an interview could close the door to job opportunities.
- [The Edmodo Effect](http://timothy-flanagan.com/the-edmodo-effect/) - Below is a post in response to a prompt for my Research in New Literacies Class. I had to discuss the impact of a technology tool in my classroom from the point of view of a subject in a research study. I focused on one of the eight themes discussed in Rachel Karchmer's study, "The
- [PowToon - What's missing?](http://timothy-flanagan.com/powtoon-whats-missing/) - One of my assignments this week read, in part, as follows: As you have explored and worked with content creation tools (or other technology) what assumptions and biases have you noticed? What is built into the templates? Are the online tutorials beginner user friendly or do they assume that all audience members know what is
- [Reflections as Discussion Director for Week Ten](http://timothy-flanagan.com/reflections-as-discussion-director-for-week-ten/) - I was the discussion director for Week Ten of EDU 720, facilitating a discussion on fanfiction and gaming. As I prepared for this role I tried to think of activities and discussion questions that would connect the readings for the week with practical applications for the classroom. I also wanted to introduce new technology tools
- [“Final” Reflection on my Digital Learning Hub](http://timothy-flanagan.com/final-reflection-on-my-digital-learning-hub/) - My Digital Learning Hub is fully operational, and it continues to grow every day! When I started my unit on teaching narratives with GoAnimate, I posted all of the materials for the unit on my website. There are two videos: one is a GoAnimate movie introducing the assignment to my students and the other is
- [Random Facts about Me](http://timothy-flanagan.com/random-facts-about-me/) - I am starting a new course on Distance Learning as part of my Instructional Technologies program. We have been asked to write random facts as a way of introduction to the professor and our classmates. Although I have been in classes with the same group for six months, I have already learned a lot of
- [Distance Learning](http://timothy-flanagan.com/distance-learning-2/) - I have a new view of distance learning after reading Farhad Saba's article "Distance Education in the United States: Past, Present, Future" (2011). I had never considered Sesame Street to be a form a distance learning, but it definitely is. I also never realized how distance learning has traditionally been used to serve the underprivileged. I think
- [Learning Theory](http://timothy-flanagan.com/learning-theory/) - This week I have been reading about Behaviorism, Cognitivism, Constructivism, and Connectivism. I was initially drawn toward Connectivism since it is a learning theory for the digital age. However, it was good to be reminded of the benefits of the other learning theories and how each one may be useful depending on the learning task, the
- [Educating for Global Competence](http://timothy-flanagan.com/educating-for-global-competence/) - This week I am responding to several prompts after reading the Introduction and first Chapter of “Educating for Global Competence: Preparing Our Youth to Engage the World,” a report by the Asia Society and the Council of Chief State Schools Offices. From your perspective, in what ways are the societal and environmental transformations here
- [Recognizing Perspectives](http://timothy-flanagan.com/recognizing-perspectives/) - Below is a summary of Chapter IV of the report Educating for Global Competence: Preparing Our Youth to Engage the World, by the Asia Society and the Council of Chief State Schools Offices. This chapter is titled “Globally Competent Students Recognize Perspectives.” In the chapter, the authors explain what is meant by recognizing multiple perspectives
- [A little bit about me . . .](http://timothy-flanagan.com/a-little-bit-about-me/) - I am a father, teacher, traveler and student, among many other roles I play. My teaching career started in New Haven in 1987 after graduating from Southern Connecticut State University. I taught for three years in an integrated-day magnet school. During this time I received monthly professional development from Bank Street College, including regular visits
- [ORMS Module One](http://timothy-flanagan.com/orms-module-one/) - Using the Internet as a Text in My Classroom A response to ORMS Module One This past school year I have fully implemented the use of Google Docs in my seventh grade language arts classroom. At first, my students were composing written pieces on Google Docs and I provided comments and for their drafts. They
- [What is TPACK?](http://timothy-flanagan.com/what-is-tpack/) - On the surface, TPACK seems like a simple idea that is easy to explain, but it's one of those ideas that the more you learn about it the more complex it seems. TPACK is a theoretical framework developed by Mishra and Koehler to aid teachers in effectively integrating technology into the classroom. The authors of
- [What do I want to learn?  (Networked Learning Project)](http://timothy-flanagan.com/what-do-i-want-to-learn-networked-learning-project/) - I have been assigned a task to choose something I want to learn . . . anything . . . and document the proecess I take as I learn about the chosen topic. I realize that most of the learning I do online relates to my schoolwork. I am often researching new methods to teach
- [Cooking with TPACK](http://timothy-flanagan.com/cooking-with-tpack/) - For the Cooking with TPACK activity, I had to slice vegetables for a vegetable platter using a plate, plastic bowl and a wooden spoon. This activity is a metaphor for TPACK (Technological, Pedagogical and Content Knowledge). The three tools I used represent the technology, the vegetables represent the content and the method I used to
- [Collaborative Learning and Leaving a Positive Digital Footprint](http://timothy-flanagan.com/collaborative-learning-and-leaving-a-positive-digital-footprint/) - ORMS Module 2 Response: What challenges exist as students work collaboratively as opposed to working individually? After completing the various readings and watching videos for this module, I am more excited than ever to have students work collaboratively in my language arts classes. Clearly, there are several challenges to having students collaborate online. Some of
- [How do I create a PLN?](http://timothy-flanagan.com/how-do-i-create-a-pln/) - After reading about PLNs (Personal Learning Networks) this week, I am feeling a bit overwhelmed. Maybe it's because the end product of a PLN, a community of learners from around the world interacting regularly through various online platforms, seems so far away. It might be because I am just overwhelmed in general with all of
- [New Idea for Networked Learning Project](http://timothy-flanagan.com/new-idea-for-networked-learning-project/) - In my previous post about my networked learning project, I discussed the idea of learning how to take a great picture with my digital camera. Well, I've had a change of heart. I am still interested in photography, but have discovered that my digital camera has very limited manual settings which could make this project
- [Searching for Chai](http://timothy-flanagan.com/searching-for-chai/) - I began my search for chai online not knowing what to expect. I know chai is popular, but sometimes I feel like I'm the only one who drinks it. I wondered if I would find anyone else out there who felt the same way about chai as I did. I wondered if there were many
- [Using Animoto](http://timothy-flanagan.com/using-animoto/) - I used Animoto for the first time to create a video about Personal Learning Networks. Animoto is a great tool for making a quick video using pictures and video. There are many choices of templates for the layout of your video as well as a library of music that can be added to the background.
- [Personal Learning Networks](http://timothy-flanagan.com/personal-learning-networks/) - Here is my Animoto video on Personal Learning Networks (PLNs). Over the past several weeks, I have been reading about PLNs and trying to develop my own PLN. The resources I found particularly helpful include Ian O'Byrne's blog post about PLNs, Mark Wagner's tips for getting started, and Debbie Morrison's post about creating a robust
- [But, I read it on the Internet, it has to be true!](http://timothy-flanagan.com/but-i-read-it-on-the-internet-it-has-to-be-true/) - Have I ever been fooled by information online? I don't have to think too far back to find an example. A couple of weeks ago, as I was conducting research for a paper for one of my classes, I came across an article written by two researchers about new literacies. The article began with a
- [Google Docs Multimodal Tutorial](http://timothy-flanagan.com/google-docs-multimodal-tutorial/) - I have been playing with various tools to create a multimodal tutorial on using Google Docs. I ended up creating a video/slide show using Explain Everything. This is an iPad app that allows you to create and manipulate slides and video in a presentation. It was a challenge to narrate the slides and while moving
- [Making Chai](http://timothy-flanagan.com/making-chai/) - Here's an animoto video showing my first attempt at making chai. I've learned quite a lot about chai lately. Here are a few facts: Chai is considered by many to be healthy. The spices in chai have several healing and calming qualities. (Maybe that's why I feel so good when I drink it!) There are
- [Getting There](http://timothy-flanagan.com/getting-there/) - India is a long way from Rhode Island! Delhi, the capital city where I will fly into, is nine and a half hours ahead of Eastern Daylight Time. I will take a seven-hour flight from Boston to Amsterdam, leaving at about 7:30 p.m. on a Friday night. After a five-hour layover, I will catch an eight-hour flight from
- [An Experiment in Traveling Light](http://timothy-flanagan.com/an-experiment-in-traveling-light/) - Somewhere during the planning of this trip I stumbled across a website that changed everything: Travel Independent Info. One article in particular caught my attention. It was about how to travel lightly, and convinced me that this how I need to travel. The gist of the article is that the smaller and lighter my bag,
- [Incredible India](http://timothy-flanagan.com/incredible-india/) - A salesperson in a mattress store was chatting with me about a variety of topics, and when he discovered I was going to India he asked in an incredulous manner, "Why?" He looked at me like I had three heads and advised me that I was certain to get sick from the food and the heat,
- [Smile](http://timothy-flanagan.com/smile/) - Last winter, I decided to finally get serious about a lifelong interest: photography. I bought Nikon D5300 digitlal SLR camera and have since purchased lenses, memory cards, a camera bag, filters, and many more accessories. None of this equipment would be useful, however, if I did not know how to use it. To that end,
- [I Would Have Lost "The Amazing Race"](http://timothy-flanagan.com/i-would-have-lost-the-amazing-race/) - You know that feeling when you hop on a metro you thought you might miss just before the doors close? I was feeling like I was really getting the hang of things as I meandered through the crowded My confidence was shattered almost instantly when I noticed something different about the car I had
- [Why do they do that?](http://timothy-flanagan.com/why-do-they-do-that/) - Note: I'll have to publish some posts without photos until I can get faster wi-fi. It's been difficult getting anything uploaded. After my experience riding the women’s car on the Metro, I realized it was a perfect example of how every culture has its own way of doing things. Every time I travel, it’s these
- [Getting Around](http://timothy-flanagan.com/getting-around/) - It’s hard to imagine 1.25 billion people. That’s about four times the population of the United States, although India is just over one third the size of the U.S. I have been amazed at all the ways people get around the streets of Delhi. The streets are packed with three-wheeled rickshaws(simple autos), tiny electric cars
- [Meeting the Locals](http://timothy-flanagan.com/meeting-the-locals/) - My Couchsurfing host in Delhi for two nights is Nitin, a lawyer from Punjab. His wife is also a lawyer and is vising family in Estonia wherer she is from. Although I still get strange looks everytime I explain Couchsurfing to someone who has never heard of it, I think it’s a great way to
- [Feeling Like A Star](http://timothy-flanagan.com/feeling-like-a-star/) - Feeling Like a Star Note: Our tour guide, Manu, has solved my problem uploading images! Still have intermittent internet, but at least I can start catching up. Manu is to our group what Hassan was to my Morocco group last year. Indispensable! On the first full day of our tour we were made to feel
- [The Taj Mahal](http://timothy-flanagan.com/the-taj-mahal/) - I’m jumping ahead a few days to share some photos of the Taj Mahal. We visited just two days ago on Saturday, but it seems like a week ago. Our schedule is packed and each day brings new adventures that are unique, unexpected and unlike anything we’ve done previously. After a four-hour train ride (delayed
- [The Business of Shopping](http://timothy-flanagan.com/the-business-of-shopping/) - I’ve experienced shopping on four different continents, but nothing is quite like the experience of shopping in India. Bargaining is much like I’ve found elsewhere, but vendors use many strategies to get you to buy their goods. Most of all, they are persistent. It’s hard to shake them off, as evidenced by the shrinking space
- [The Pink City and The Amber Fort](http://timothy-flanagan.com/the-pink-city-and-the-amber-fort/) - Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan state, was our second city on the tour. Here's a quick introduction to the Pink City. With each stop on our journey, I’m feeling like I’m getting deeper and deeper into India. While the heat, traffic, honking, potholes, requests for photos and friendly service haven’t changed from Delhi to Jaipur,
- [Feeling the Heat](http://timothy-flanagan.com/feeling-the-heat/) - Sauna. That’s the best way I can think of to describe the weather so far on this trip. The temperature may only be in the 90s, but it might as well be 120 degrees. I expected this, I knew it was coming, but it’s another thing to experience it day after day. I have gotten
- [Orchha](http://timothy-flanagan.com/orchha/) - We traveled from Agra (home of the Taj Mahal) to the village of Orchha by train. Indian Railways, I learned, is one of the world’s largest employers, with 1.5 million employees. The trains are reliable, comfortable, and the smooth rails are a welcome relief from the bumpy roads. Manu, our tour guide, mentioned that we
- [By the River Ganges](http://timothy-flanagan.com/by-the-river-ganges/) - Delhi, that big large chaotic and noisy city where we began our tour a week ago, now seems mild compared to Varanasi. Although it is not as large as Delhi, it is certainly louder and feels more crowded. Here, people, bicycles, rickshaws of every type, motorcycles, cars, trucks, school buses, goats, dogs, bulls and many,
- [Group Dynamics](http://timothy-flanagan.com/group-dynamics/) - Today (July 30), we are one week into our two-week tour. We left the hotel in Varanasi this morning at 4:30 and are on a six-hour train ride towards the border with Nepal. We will catch a bus for another six hours or so before reaching our next destination. This is not a luxury trip
- [Crossing the Street](http://timothy-flanagan.com/crossing-the-street/) - Pedestrians have no special rights in India. Crossing the street is both a challenge and an adventure. For the first week of our tour, we needed Manu to help us cross any street. We felt like school children following our teacher as he guided us into the traffic. The only people I have seen slow
- [A Himalayan Trek](http://timothy-flanagan.com/a-himalayan-trek/) - Our journey from Butwal to Chitwan National Park should have lasted five or six hours, but we had an unexpected trek in the middle of it. After a brief tour (during a downpour) of Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddah, we were back on the bus headed deeper into Nepal. Driving in Nepal seemed to
- [Sapana Lodge](http://timothy-flanagan.com/sapana-lodge/) - We were all sad to leave our comfortable hotel in Butwal, the first stop in Nepal after a 13-hour journey. When we boarded our bus early the next morning we thought we were headed for a camping experience in Chitwan National Park, famous for rhinos, tigers, deer, and hundreds of species of birds and reptiles.
- [Safari in Nepal](http://timothy-flanagan.com/safari-in-nepal/) - We were up early for a 6:00 a.m. departure on our Chitwan National Park safari. Chitwan is famous for the one-horned rhinoceros and the royal bengal tiger. It is still the rainy season in Nepal and much of the park is inaccessible. We came close to seeing a rhinoceros, passing by fresh rhino dung and
- [Zipping through Pokhara](http://timothy-flanagan.com/zipping-through-pokhara/) - Pokhara is a small city with gorgeous views of the Annapurna Range of the Himalayas. At 900 meters, it serves as a starting point for many treks into the mountains, so the town is filled with restaurants, bars and shops that cater to the trekking community. Coffee shops and free wi-fi are everywhere, as are
- [The World's Most Dangerous Roads](http://timothy-flanagan.com/the-worlds-most-dangerous-roads/) - “This is nothing. At least there’s space for two vehicles,” I told my fellow passengers as they gasped each time our bus faced an oncoming truck on the winding road from Chitwan to Pokhara. Having traveled on the “Highway of Death” several times when I lived in Bolivia in the 1990s, this road really didn’t
- [Goin' to Kathmandu](http://timothy-flanagan.com/goin-to-kathmandu/) - I will try to sum up my first few days in Kathmandu with three short slide shows. The first one shows the busy tourist section of town, Thamel. We were treated to a demonstration of how to make (and eat) momos, a traditional Nepalese dumpling that can be served with meat and/or vegetables and
- [Temples, Singing Bowls and Maybe a Massage](http://timothy-flanagan.com/temples-singing-bowls-and-maybe-a-massage/) - I booked a nice room through Air BnB in the nearby city of Patan, one of the three royal cities in Nepal. My host is an ambitious, intelligent, young Nepalese man who went to college in New Orleans. He is involved in several projects, including teaching American students who come to Nepal for a gap
- [Saved by the Aftershock](http://timothy-flanagan.com/saved-by-the-aftershock/) - It was Dipesh who insisted I meet his principal when I met them at school Monday afternoon. The principal invited me to teach for the rest of the week. (He said I was more mature than other volunteers he’d met - I think he meant old.) I wasn’t entirely clear what the expectation would be,
- [Guest Post by Dipesh](http://timothy-flanagan.com/guest-post-by-dipesh/) - Here is a slideshow that Dipesh prepared by himself. Another slide show from Dipesh: (Please consider leaving Dipesh a comment. I know he'd love to hear from you.)
- [Guest post by Chek](http://timothy-flanagan.com/guest-post-by-chek/) - I'm Chek and we are a happy family. I study in grade 8 in Little Blossoms School. My family always helps me in need and I also help them. They are all kind to me. They love me. I like to play football (soccer) and my favorite team is Brazil. Here are some pictures of
- [Full Circle](http://timothy-flanagan.com/full-circle/) - I was fortunate to be able to visit another school this week, Ullens School in nearby Patan. This private school has about 750 students in elementary and secondary school. Ullens was started by the current principal, Medin Lamichhane, who graduated from Bank Street College of Education in New York City, where a hands-on, child-centered, integrated
- [Strikes and Scams](http://timothy-flanagan.com/strikes-and-scams/) - “Not possible,” my taxi driver explained. I didn’t need an explanation. The highway was blocked by a mob of protesters as the military police stood by watching. I was heading out of Kathmandu for my final two days of this incredible trip. My goal was to stay at a quiet guest house outside of a
- [Little Blossoms](http://timothy-flanagan.com/little-blossoms/) - In the end, I spent three mornings at Little Blossoms and taught classes in grades 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. Here are some observations: The children, from grades 1-10, are lovely. I was greeted in Nepali and English every morning by all ages and many had extended conversations with me. There were
- [You Don't Know How Easy You Have It](http://timothy-flanagan.com/you-dont-know-how-easy-you-have-it/) - Suttam and Tulsi, grade 9, have to be at school by 6:00 a.m. Other than an hour break to return home for breakfast, they will be in school until 6:00 p.m. After dinner, they will complete two-three hours of homework before going to bed. School runs from Sunday through Friday for all students. While other
- [Namaste](http://timothy-flanagan.com/sdcn/) - I couldn't leave Nepal without writing another post about the amazing time I spent at the Social Development Center. I didn’t know what to expect when I decided to volunteer at the center. I wanted to be useful and hoped that I wouldn’t do more harm than good. This may sound strange to many, but
- [A Real Himalayan Hike](http://timothy-flanagan.com/a-real-himalayan-hike/) - I finally did get out of the city on Monday, my last full day in Nepal. The manager of the Social Development Center, Shankar Neupane, also runs his own tour and trekking business. He took me on a four-five-hour hike up a mountain in a national park in Kathmandu Valley. It was a steep five-kilometer
- [Child Labor](http://timothy-flanagan.com/child-labor/) - In my class, we read the story of Iqbal Masih, a child carpet worker in Pakistan who escaped and became a leader in the fight to free children from bonded labor. He was murdered at the age of twelve, most likely by those who didn’t like the fact that he was gaining international attention and
- [What's Missing?](http://timothy-flanagan.com/whats-missing/) - I’m taking advantage of this 36-hour journey home to do a lot of writing and reflecting. I realized the other day that this blog probably represents about 25 percent of my experience on this trip. The other 75 percent was left out due to a lack of time, or because this would not have been
- [What I Miss](http://timothy-flanagan.com/what-i-miss/) - I've come from the heat of South Asia to a September heat wave in New England. I heard a meteorologist remark on TV tonight that the grass could really use some rain, and it sounded so strange to me. How could I ever explain that to some of the people I met in India and

## Pages

- [Home](http://timothy-flanagan.com/)
- [Where I've Been](http://timothy-flanagan.com/itinerary/) - "Travel is never a matter of money, but of courage." Paulo Coelho 40 Countries visited 5 Continents visited Since returning from my year abroad in 2016-17, I have continued to blog about teaching and traveling on this site. Here is a list of some of my travels and upcoming plans. Prior travels before starting this
- [About Me](http://timothy-flanagan.com/home/) - “A journey is called that because you cannot know what you will discover on the journey, what you will do with what you find, or what you find will do to you." James Baldwin I am a retired middle school social studies and photography teacher. In 2016, I took a year-long leave of absence to
- [Resume](http://timothy-flanagan.com/home/resume/)
- [Traveling](http://timothy-flanagan.com/places/) - "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow mindedness . . ." Mark twain Use the menu above to read posts and view photos from places I have traveled to. Or explore some of the most read posts below. What's a picture worth? Reflecting on 28 years of photographs and the bonds they represent. Saved
- [Teaching](http://timothy-flanagan.com/teaching/) - Use the menu above to find resources related to teaching, grant writing, the Fulbright Distinguished Award in Teaching, and more. See below for some of the most popular posts. Refugee Stories Introducing my students to refugees from Syria and Vietnam Teaching the "Middle East" Reflecting on a week of learning and sharing resources from the
- [Philosophy](http://timothy-flanagan.com/philosophy/) - Philosophy of Teaching and Learning Here is a post written in 2014 while studying for my sixth year degree at the University of New Haven. New ideas will be added as I continue to reflect on teaching and learning. I believe that children are curious and want to learn. Children learn constantly during their first

## Portfolios

- [Fashion Collection](http://timothy-flanagan.com/project/fashion-collection/) - Duis dignissim curae; neque per mi placerat nibh tortor, venenatis diam litora. Eget ridiculus risus vehicula aliquet et ullamcorper porttitor magnis. Magnis, magnis metus vehicula. Tellus aptent elementum aliquet faucibus phasellus nostra sociosqu amet sapien in hendrerit. Massa pellentesque phasellus, ad leo euismod. Rutrum dictumst in facilisi. Pretium auctor dignissim lacus ridiculus lobortis etiam commodo
- [People Series](http://timothy-flanagan.com/project/people-series/) - Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Phasellus hendrerit. Pellentesque aliquet nibh nec urna. In nisi neque, aliquet vel, dapibus id, mattis vel, nisi. Sed pretium, ligula sollicitudin laoreet viverra, tortor libero sodales leo, eget blandit nunc tortor eu nibh. Nullam mollis. Ut justo. Suspendisse potenti. Sed egestas, ante et vulputate volutpat, eros pede
- [Young Models](http://timothy-flanagan.com/project/young-models/) - Donec nec justo eget felis facilisis fermentum. Aliquam porttitor mauris sit amet orci. Aenean dignissim pellentesque felis. Morbi in sem quis dui placerat ornare. Pellentesque odio nisi, euismod in, pharetra a, ultricies in, diam. Sed arcu. Cras consequat. Praesent dapibus, neque id cursus faucibus, tortor neque egestas auguae, eu vulputate magna eros eu erat. Aliquam
- [Summer Time](http://timothy-flanagan.com/project/summer-time/) - In pretium posuere elit sed lobortis. Praesent finibus ultrices augue, eget blandit mauris. Duis pulvinar, quam ut tristique euismod, velit turpis dignissim massa, et venenatis leo justo id urna. Aliquam arcu ante, sagittis eu rutrum a, efficitur eget nibh. In venenatis metus est, a sagittis turpis cursus quis. Fusce odio neque, placerat ut porttitor eget, congue
- [Working Spirit](http://timothy-flanagan.com/project/working-spirit/) - Sed egestas, ante et vulputate volutpat, eros pede semper est, vitae luctus metus libero eu augue. Morbi purus libero, faucibus adipiscing, commodo quis, gravida id, est. Sed lectus. Praesent elementum hendrerit tortor. Sed semper lorem at felis. Vestibulum volutpat, lacus a ultrices sagittis, mi neque euismod dui, eu pulvinar nunc sapien ornare nisl. Phasellus pede
- [Keep it Cool](http://timothy-flanagan.com/project/keep-it-cool/) - Duis dignissim curae; neque per mi placerat nibh tortor, venenatis diam litora. Eget ridiculus risus vehicula aliquet et ullamcorper porttitor magnis. Magnis, magnis metus vehicula. Tellus aptent elementum aliquet faucibus phasellus nostra sociosqu amet sapien in hendrerit. Massa pellentesque phasellus, ad leo euismod. Rutrum dictumst in facilisi. Pretium auctor dignissim lacus ridiculus lobortis etiam commodo
- [Jump High](http://timothy-flanagan.com/project/jump-high/) - Aliquam arcu ante, sagittis eu rutrum a, efficitur eget nibh. In venenatis metus est, a sagittis turpis cursus quis. Fusce odio neque, placerat ut porttitor eget, congue vestibulum purus.
- [I am A Gentleman](http://timothy-flanagan.com/project/i-am-a-gentleman/) - Aliquam arcu ante, sagittis eu rutrum a, efficitur eget nibh. In venenatis metus est, a sagittis turpis cursus quis. Fusce odio neque, placerat ut porttitor eget, congue vestibulum purus. In pretium posuere elit sed lobortis. Praesent finibus ultrices augue, eget blandit mauris. Duis pulvinar, quam ut tristique euismod, velit turpis dignissim massa, et venenatis leo
- [Life Is Free](http://timothy-flanagan.com/project/life-is-free/) - Donec accumsan ipsum nec dolor aliquam pretium. Suspendisse consequat condimentum augue, vel ultricies quam efficitur quis. Aenean sapien turpis, tincidunt congue risus ac, eleifend condimentum nunc. Quisque porta nulla erat, et maximus nisi venenatis at.
- [Skater Girl](http://timothy-flanagan.com/project/skater-girl/) - Donec nec justo eget felis facilisis fermentum. Aliquam porttitor mauris sit amet orci. Aenean dignissim pellentesque felis. Morbi in sem quis dui placerat ornare. Pellentesque odio nisi, euismod in, pharetra a, ultricies in, diam. Sed arcu. Cras consequat. Praesent dapibus, neque id cursus faucibus, tortor neque egestas auguae, eu vulputate magna eros eu erat. Aliquam
- [Choose Your Style](http://timothy-flanagan.com/project/choose-your-style/) - Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Phasellus hendrerit. Pellentesque aliquet nibh nec urna. In nisi neque, aliquet vel, dapibus id, mattis vel, nisi. Sed pretium, ligula sollicitudin laoreet viverra, tortor libero sodales leo, eget blandit nunc tortor eu nibh. Nullam mollis. Ut justo. Suspendisse potenti. Sed egestas, ante et vulputate volutpat, eros pede
- [I Will Be There](http://timothy-flanagan.com/project/i-will-be-there/) - Donec nec justo eget felis facilisis fermentum. Aliquam porttitor mauris sit amet orci. Aenean dignissim pellentesque felis. Morbi in sem quis dui placerat ornare. Pellentesque odio nisi, euismod in, pharetra a, ultricies in, diam. Sed arcu. Cras consequat. Praesent dapibus, neque id cursus faucibus, tortor neque egestas auguae, eu vulputate magna eros eu erat. Aliquam
- [My Life My Rules My Style](http://timothy-flanagan.com/project/my-life-my-rules-my-style/) - Duis dignissim curae; neque per mi placerat nibh tortor, venenatis diam litora. Eget ridiculus risus vehicula aliquet et ullamcorper porttitor magnis. Magnis, magnis metus vehicula. Tellus aptent elementum aliquet faucibus phasellus nostra sociosqu amet sapien in hendrerit. Massa pellentesque phasellus, ad leo euismod. Rutrum dictumst in facilisi. Pretium auctor dignissim lacus ridiculus lobortis etiam commodo
- [Thinking Seriously](http://timothy-flanagan.com/project/thinking-seriously/) - Nulla tortor ex, sodales id mollis ac, feugiat sit amet leo. Suspendisse porttitor laoreet neque, et bibendum lacus euismod id. In tincidunt, tortor vel fringilla elementum, magna purus lacinia ante, id egestas nisi justo vel eros. Pellentesque orci lorem, accumsan sed aliquam sed, pretium sed nunc. Maecenas consequat, justo sed rutrum sollicitudin, velit ante ultricies
- [My New Bag](http://timothy-flanagan.com/project/my-new-bag/) - Donec accumsan ipsum nec dolor aliquam pretium. Suspendisse consequat condimentum augue, vel ultricies quam efficitur quis. Aenean sapien turpis, tincidunt congue risus ac, eleifend condimentum nunc. Quisque porta nulla erat, et maximus nisi venenatis at. Aliquam arcu ante, sagittis eu rutrum a, efficitur eget nibh. In venenatis metus est, a sagittis turpis cursus quis. Fusce
- [Happiness](http://timothy-flanagan.com/project/happiness/) - Nulla tortor ex, sodales id mollis ac, feugiat sit amet leo. Suspendisse porttitor laoreet neque, et bibendum lacus euismod id. In tincidunt, tortor vel fringilla elementum, magna purus lacinia ante, id egestas nisi justo vel eros. Pellentesque orci lorem, accumsan sed aliquam sed, pretium sed nunc. Maecenas consequat, justo sed rutrum sollicitudin, velit ante ultricies
- [Glamours Girl](http://timothy-flanagan.com/project/glamours-girl/) - Aliquam arcu ante, sagittis eu rutrum a, efficitur eget nibh. In venenatis metus est, a sagittis turpis cursus quis. Fusce odio neque, placerat ut porttitor eget, congue vestibulum purus. In pretium posuere elit sed lobortis. Praesent finibus ultrices augue, eget blandit mauris. Duis pulvinar, quam ut tristique euismod, velit turpis dignissim massa, et venenatis leo
- [Working Space](http://timothy-flanagan.com/project/working-space/) - Praesent luctus, neque dictum feugiat maximus, sem enim maximus ipsum, sed ullamcorper est urna suscipit massa. Cras commodo eros nec eleifend vehicula. Praesent auctor augue in massa porta gravida. Nullam et ex eget diam mollis hendrerit id dignissim sem. Suspendisse viverra nibh a fringilla viverra. Nulla facilisi. Praesent luctus, neque dictum feugiat maximus, sem enim
- [The Style of Metro](http://timothy-flanagan.com/project/the-style-of-metro/) - Sedd aliquam sed, pretium sed nunc. Maecenas consequat, justo sed rutrum sollicitudin, velit ante ultricies ante, et euismod arcu purus et leo. Morbi pretium non ex ut volutpat. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. In consequat rutrum nisl quis condimentum. Sed eget tincidunt nulla, posuere elementum ligula.
- [On Blue Dress](http://timothy-flanagan.com/project/on-blue-dress/) - Praesent luctus, neque dictum feugiat maximus, sem enim maximus ipsum, sed ullamcorper est urna suscipit massa. Cras commodo eros nec eleifend vehicula. Praesent auctor augue in massa porta gravida. Nullam et ex eget diam mollis hendrerit id dignissim sem. Suspendisse viverra nibh a fringilla viverra.

## Categories

- [Uncategorized](http://timothy-flanagan.com/category/uncategorized/)
- [Beliefs](http://timothy-flanagan.com/category/beliefs/)
- [Blogging](http://timothy-flanagan.com/category/blogging/)
- [Cambodia](http://timothy-flanagan.com/category/cambodia/)
- [Cuba](http://timothy-flanagan.com/category/cuba/)
- [Fulbright](http://timothy-flanagan.com/category/fulbright/)
- [Fund for Teachers](http://timothy-flanagan.com/category/fund-for-teachers/)
- [Germany](http://timothy-flanagan.com/category/germany/)
- [Goals](http://timothy-flanagan.com/category/goals/)
- [Grants](http://timothy-flanagan.com/category/grants/)
- [Guatemala](http://timothy-flanagan.com/category/guatemala/)
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- [Planning](http://timothy-flanagan.com/category/planning/)
- [Reflections](http://timothy-flanagan.com/category/reflections/)
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- [Equipment](http://timothy-flanagan.com/category/equipment/)
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- [Food](http://timothy-flanagan.com/category/food/)
- [People](http://timothy-flanagan.com/category/people/)
- [Places](http://timothy-flanagan.com/category/places/)
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- [Schools](http://timothy-flanagan.com/category/schools/)
- [Religion](http://timothy-flanagan.com/category/religion/)
- [Nepal](http://timothy-flanagan.com/category/nepal/)
- [Geography](http://timothy-flanagan.com/category/geography/)
- [Networked Learning Project](http://timothy-flanagan.com/category/networked-learning-project/)
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- [Reading Reflections](http://timothy-flanagan.com/category/reading-reflections/)
- [IT&DML Graduate Classes](http://timothy-flanagan.com/category/itdml-graduate-classes/)
- [30-Day Blogging Challenge](http://timothy-flanagan.com/category/30-day-blogging-challenge/)
- [Brazil](http://timothy-flanagan.com/category/brazil/)
- [Antiracism](http://timothy-flanagan.com/category/antiracism/)
- [Civil Rights Trail](http://timothy-flanagan.com/category/civil-rights-trail/)
- [Retirement](http://timothy-flanagan.com/category/retirement/)
- [Westerly](http://timothy-flanagan.com/category/westerly/)
- [Grandparenting](http://timothy-flanagan.com/category/grandparenting/)
- [Couchsurfing](http://timothy-flanagan.com/category/couchsurfing/)
- [HomeExchange](http://timothy-flanagan.com/category/homeexchange/)
- [Korea](http://timothy-flanagan.com/category/korea/)
- [Japan](http://timothy-flanagan.com/category/japan/)
- [Home Exchange](http://timothy-flanagan.com/category/travel-tips/home-exchange/)
- [Travel Thoughts](http://timothy-flanagan.com/category/travel-thoughts/)
- [House Sitting](http://timothy-flanagan.com/category/house-sitting/)
- [Colombia](http://timothy-flanagan.com/category/south-america/colombia/)
- [Hiking](http://timothy-flanagan.com/category/hiking/)
- [Chile](http://timothy-flanagan.com/category/south-america/chile/)
- [Bolivia](http://timothy-flanagan.com/category/south-america/bolivia/)
- [Peru](http://timothy-flanagan.com/category/south-america/peru/)
- [Ecuador](http://timothy-flanagan.com/category/south-america/ecuador/)
- [USA](http://timothy-flanagan.com/category/usa/)
- [Writing](http://timothy-flanagan.com/category/writing/)
- [Ireland](http://timothy-flanagan.com/category/ireland/)
- [Iceland](http://timothy-flanagan.com/category/iceland/)
- [Campervan](http://timothy-flanagan.com/category/campervan/)
- [Train Travel](http://timothy-flanagan.com/category/train-travel/)

## Tags

- [Middle East](http://timothy-flanagan.com/tag/middle-east/)
- [Oaxaca](http://timothy-flanagan.com/tag/oaxaca/)
- [Responsible Tourism](http://timothy-flanagan.com/tag/responsible-tourism/)
- [teaching](http://timothy-flanagan.com/tag/teaching/)
- [Instructional Technology](http://timothy-flanagan.com/tag/instructional-technology/)
- [COVID](http://timothy-flanagan.com/tag/covid/)
- [pandemic](http://timothy-flanagan.com/tag/pandemic/)
- [hope](http://timothy-flanagan.com/tag/hope/)
- [Legacy Museum](http://timothy-flanagan.com/tag/legacy-museum/)
- [antiracism](http://timothy-flanagan.com/tag/antiracism/)
- [civil rights](http://timothy-flanagan.com/tag/civil-rights/)
- [montgomery](http://timothy-flanagan.com/tag/montgomery/)
- [lynching](http://timothy-flanagan.com/tag/lynching/)
- [Alabama](http://timothy-flanagan.com/tag/alabama/)
- [Selma](http://timothy-flanagan.com/tag/selma/)
- [Birmingham](http://timothy-flanagan.com/tag/birmingham/)
- [Rosa Parks](http://timothy-flanagan.com/tag/rosa-parks/)
- [Feedom Riders](http://timothy-flanagan.com/tag/feedom-riders/)
- [Westerly](http://timothy-flanagan.com/tag/westerly/)
- [protest](http://timothy-flanagan.com/tag/protest/)
- [community](http://timothy-flanagan.com/tag/community/)
- [grandparenting](http://timothy-flanagan.com/tag/grandparenting/)
- [Vermont](http://timothy-flanagan.com/tag/vermont/)

## Portfolio Categories

- [Fashion](http://timothy-flanagan.com/portfolio-category/fashion/)
- [Lifestyle](http://timothy-flanagan.com/portfolio-category/lifestyle/)