I've failed over and over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed.

--Michael Jordan

This article caused me to think with a different perspective. As a teacher, it's a common goal to have students succeed. I realize that I will have students who will not always succeed and that will be hard to deal with as a teacher. I liked this article because it caused me to really think about the idea of failure in a less negative way. This article showed the reality that some of the most successful people have failed.

I think instilling good character in students is important, but is that something that can be taught solely in the classroom? I also think about personality when I think about character. Are they interchangeable or are there big differences between the two? Does a lower character report card reflect a lower or less desirable personality? I liked the seven strengths that were chosen relating to character. They were lesson common but yet essential in the development of good character. When I think back to my schooling, the school used the same words every year that related to character. Responsibility, determination, fairness, loyalty, honesty, etc... Those are all admirable qualities of a person; however they become repetitive. The chosen list for Riverdale and KIPP showed their was thought and consideration of the seven strengths that were chosen. I especially liked curiosity because that is a sign that students are interested and engaged.

I think this article reveals that there is a growing need for teachers especially to aid in developing successful students but also successful citizens. If a person is intelligent but lacks a desirable character that can hinder their success in the future when getting a job for example. This article explains the growing need to realize that character is an integral part of a person.