The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge (MRA Today Editors

SWIFT’S AND WARD’S THE LITTLE RED LIGHTHOUSE AND THE GREAT GRAY BRIDGE

By: MRA Today Editors

Sometimes I feel like the little red lighthouse in the shadow of the powerful large bridge. I picked up this 1942 classic children’s book at a used book shop for inspiration for our next MRA conference theme that includes lighthouses. Pattie Kelly chose this theme as she sees MRA as a beacon of light in the midst of uncertainty. Although Massachusetts is known for its lighthouses, this little red lighthouse is in NY on the Hudson River. The story is written from the voice of the little red lighthouse. It “felt big and useful and important” until the “big and powerful” George Washington bridge was built across the river. This made the light house feel small and no longer needed. As an educator of educators, I often feel small and defeated. Every day I hear more about states banning books, legislation restricting language, and politics policing teachers’ lessons. I teach developing teachers that they can make a difference in reaching all students and creating more equitable learning environments. But society and the news seem so big and powerful and are telling us a different story. Therefore, the focus for the next MRA in person conference brings me hope. MRA really is a beacon of light. I am inspired by the members and their work promoting literacy for all students. The classic story ends with the light house saving boats amid a big storm. This was a critical moment for finding its worth and a call to action. “Now the little red lighthouse knew that it was needed.” The lighthouse is still on the bank of the Hudson River today. Like the lighthouse, I “still have work to do” and this makes me “glad”.