Posted in Higher Ed on Sep 30th, 2008 No Comments »
“Know history, know self. No history, no self.”
I used to hear that phrase so often that I stopped thinking about what it really means. To be honest, it still sounds cliche and I try to stray from cliches. As much as I try to deconstruct it though, it makes sense. When it comes down to [...]
Posted in Philosophy, The Achievement Gap on Sep 25th, 2008 No Comments »
In my first class, the professor had us finish three sentences. Here were mine:
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I believe teachers…
…should base their teaching methods around their students needs. Students are not there for the teacher, the teacher is there for the students.
I believe students…
…should have the opportunity to succeed regardless of background, class, race, sex, place of upbringing, and [...]
Posted in First-Year, Reflections, Teacher Perks on Sep 25th, 2008 1 Comment »
One of my mentors, another high school chem teacher, emphasized the need to focus on at least one good thing that happened during the school day.
Today, I had no trouble figuring it out
As I sat in the sky lit atrium at 5:45pm a student pulled up a chair next to me. For the [...]
Posted in Lighthearted, Uncategorized on Sep 25th, 2008 2 Comments »
Haha.. I heard it for the first time today..
“She mad beastin’.”
Finally! I was starting to feel left out
Posted in Lighthearted on Sep 24th, 2008 1 Comment »
Student 1: “Miss S., you look pretty today!”
Ms. S: “Why? Do I usually look nerdy?”
Student 2: “No, I dunno where you got that.”
Student 3: “She always looks pretty, dumbass. I like your vest Ms. S.”
Ms. S.: “Ladies and gentlemen, we do not use that compound word in my class. BUT…it’s compound words ROLL OUT TIME!”
Student [...]
Posted in Reflections, Struggles on Sep 23rd, 2008 No Comments »
I had to keep two students after school today so that we could have a discussion on respect and cooperation. Why do the worst moments of my day always happen in the last 10 minutes of class? Is there some scientific formula to this madness?
He called her, “Idiot.” She yelled and screamed at him first.
Or [...]
Posted in First-Year, Growth, Struggles on Sep 21st, 2008 No Comments »
I knew that teaching would be an emotional roller coaster, but I had no idea the twists and turns would be this frequent.
Monday: I had a good start to the week.
Tuesday: I approached break point #1.
I finished my last class of the day with a little bit of time to spare. So, I gave my [...]
Posted in Childhood Education, Goals, Statistics, Struggles, The Achievement Gap on Sep 18th, 2008 No Comments »
I’m not here to save anyone. I’m just here to give the best education I can. It’s up to them to take it.
Two weeks ago, I revealed the bad news to my 6th grade kids that they’re averaging at a 3rd grade reading level. But I also revealed the good news to them: our Big [...]
Posted in Advice, Growth, Methods, Struggles, Teaching is Collaborative on Sep 18th, 2008 No Comments »
It’s undeniable that this profession feels highly unsustainable. This past summer, I asked a veteran teacher if he intended to teach for life. He hesitate for a bit… “I don’t know about forever. Teaching really is a burnout profession.” Sometimes I feel the same way, sometimes I don’t. Like an ex-ex-roommate once said “anything worth [...]
Posted in Other Contributors on Sep 16th, 2008 1 Comment »
Back when I was a second-year college kid, Mr. M motivated me to pursue teaching in an urban classroom right outta college. “If he can take the dive, I can too” is what I thought. The following is a recent fb post he volunteered for the site. Thanks Mr. M!
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Today my fourth graders and I [...]
