People say things and do things that offend.  It is human nature.  But for those in public service, and those who work in service of children, teaching and leading, learning how not to say or do things that offend is essential. There are opportunities for learning how to communicate, how to institute new programs or follow new mandates. Professional development about the use of social media, training from developers of newly adopted programs, and information from the sources of the mandates are all common. Lacking from the list are the skills needed to create and maintain an environment in which the foundation is built upon understanding.     Read more...