Why Don't You Practice What You Preach?
I’ve had a lot of time to do a lot of thinkin’,
Stayin’ home alone ev’ry night;
And now I’m takin’ time to do a little talkin’,
Separatin’ wrong from right:

You’re always tellin’ me just what I oughta do,
You’re telling’ me it’s wrong to look at somebody new.
You’re tellin’ me well,
I’m telling you-
WHY DON’T YOU PRACTICE WHAT YOU PREACH?

You’re always telling me to wait until you call;
I wait ‘n wait ‘n wait, and then you don’t call at all;
You’re callin’ me well,
I’m callin’ you.
WHY DON’T YOU PRACTICE WHAT YOU PREACH?

You tell me I’m your sugar pie, Yeah,
You swear you never tell a lie, Yeah,
You even say you hope to die, Yeah,
Well, how come you say it with your fingers crossed?

You’re always askin’ me to name that certain day,
And then you change the subject and you think it’s O.K.
You’re askin’ me well,
I’m askin’ you,
WHY DON’T YOU PRACTICE WHAT YOU PREACH?

I’ve been a teacher for 47 years,
Written special education books up to my ears,
Taught about IDEA right and wrong,
And was even known to put it to song.

Now it’s time to bring them out
And tell you what it’s all about.
It’s different from lawyer and teacher stuff,
Acknowledging things are pretty tough.

Some are free and some for pay,
Some are funny and will make your day.
Others are serious and some are hard,
Written for you by the nonlawyer bard.

Some are old and some brand new.
You pick what’s right and works for you.
They’ll keep coming from this old gal.
You pay the bill through your Pay Pal.

Training

Special ed training is more than a night
Of famous speakers to explain how to fight.
It’s about being there and showing up
When there’s no money, just an old tin cup.
Let’s use this space to begin again
To reclaim the system with women and men
Who cannot be bought and don’t have a price,
Who won’t be naughty and value nice,
Who tell the truth in spite of risk,
And try to move mountains at a pace so brisk.
Remake and revive special education anew,
Each child and parent injustice undo.
Training and skills, both hold the key,
In this new world for you and me.