Today was a slightly rough day at work. I had a min-meltdown because of other people coming to me to complain about how "rough" my homeroom is.
a) Not just my homeroom
b) Don't complain. Give them demerits. You're a teacher too.
c) Don't tell me what to do. They don't act like that around me.
So after my meltdown and my subsequent crazy end of the day, I had to run by the Apple Store to get a new pair of headphones, and found a new case for my phone.
And on the inside of the case, there is a really telling inscription. I'm going to use it to give myself another daily reminder of what I need to do in my life.
It says, "Be courageous."
How true.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Sunday, September 25, 2011
A police state
One of the many reasons that I left Arizona was that I constantly felt like I was living in a police state. Laws were being made that I felt were blatantly racist. Students are sequestered into places based on whether or not they can "speak" English. The politicians, judges, and policymakers in Arizona are out of touch with the population of America today.
I had to get out of that place. It wasn't me. I couldn't be in a place that had so much racism and defacto segregation.
And then I read this in the NY Times. If the Times is covering it....something MUST be changed. It has to get better.
I had to get out of that place. It wasn't me. I couldn't be in a place that had so much racism and defacto segregation.
And then I read this in the NY Times. If the Times is covering it....something MUST be changed. It has to get better.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Brilliant.
So brilliant.
I completely agree with this.
What makes me happy is that we do this. Not the exact same indicators, but words that mean the same thing.
I completely agree with this.
What makes me happy is that we do this. Not the exact same indicators, but words that mean the same thing.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Update?
I haven't written about my new job in its entirety.
There are a few reasons for that.
1) We're in the public eye. I don't want to put undue publicity on our organization. We have enough.
2) I work too much.
3) I seem to write a lot when I have things to complain about. I got nothing. So, less angst = less things to write about
But here I sit. And I think about the three people who actually read this blog, and how they probably think I fell off the face of the planet, so I guess I can update.
Thing that has been constantly on my mind is the feedback that I get on a constant basis. My manager is in my class every other day, on her computer, making observations. She emails them to me and they are in my inbox by the time I am done teaching. We have a bi-weekly meeting to discuss the observations, my teaching, goal setting, and checking in.
I fucking love it. Do you know why? Because she had the balls to tell me that I was teaching with bitterness. She told me to fix it, and after working on the 3 action steps she gave me, she has seen marked improvement in my teaching. I took her advice, ran with it, and now all of my students are focused, invested, and we have a 70% average in our class.
And let's be honest. I was bitter. I was teaching like I was still at my old school. BUT I'm not there anymore. People all work for the kids. They have rewards and consequences. My kids get demerits, then if they don't fix it, they have to leave. So I can teach everyone else.
My teaching is better than it has ever been. We all work too much and are giddy and slap-happy, and there is so much shit to do, but I have been told by many people that it is like I am on the positivity patrol. People come to me for advice on things. I'm "the voice of reason." And my observations have few things I need to change anymore.
So life is grand. But I do work a lot.
The only wrench in the whole situation is that, I, obviously, get myself into things that I shouldn't. I have a daily mental discussion with myself to not shit where I eat.
But when I get constant texts and daily visits, I reevaluate. And then I have the same conversation with myself. You don't shit where you eat.
There are a few reasons for that.
1) We're in the public eye. I don't want to put undue publicity on our organization. We have enough.
2) I work too much.
3) I seem to write a lot when I have things to complain about. I got nothing. So, less angst = less things to write about
But here I sit. And I think about the three people who actually read this blog, and how they probably think I fell off the face of the planet, so I guess I can update.
Thing that has been constantly on my mind is the feedback that I get on a constant basis. My manager is in my class every other day, on her computer, making observations. She emails them to me and they are in my inbox by the time I am done teaching. We have a bi-weekly meeting to discuss the observations, my teaching, goal setting, and checking in.
I fucking love it. Do you know why? Because she had the balls to tell me that I was teaching with bitterness. She told me to fix it, and after working on the 3 action steps she gave me, she has seen marked improvement in my teaching. I took her advice, ran with it, and now all of my students are focused, invested, and we have a 70% average in our class.
And let's be honest. I was bitter. I was teaching like I was still at my old school. BUT I'm not there anymore. People all work for the kids. They have rewards and consequences. My kids get demerits, then if they don't fix it, they have to leave. So I can teach everyone else.
My teaching is better than it has ever been. We all work too much and are giddy and slap-happy, and there is so much shit to do, but I have been told by many people that it is like I am on the positivity patrol. People come to me for advice on things. I'm "the voice of reason." And my observations have few things I need to change anymore.
So life is grand. But I do work a lot.
The only wrench in the whole situation is that, I, obviously, get myself into things that I shouldn't. I have a daily mental discussion with myself to not shit where I eat.
But when I get constant texts and daily visits, I reevaluate. And then I have the same conversation with myself. You don't shit where you eat.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Think about this one...
I'm working to transform a school. Our kids don't have OR NEED laptops.
Each teacher has a laptop. We have a projector that works exactly like a smartboard, except it projects onto our whiteboards.
We spent our money on SWEET ASS COPY MACHINES and paper. (And considering how much I struggled at my old school with making copies....it is like Christmas every morning. Oh wait, each group of 10 teachers gets a copy machine? And there is ALSO a teacher workroom? WHAT? My copy machine is 2 steps away from my desk? Yes. Yes please.)
Do you know why? Because studies show that above anything else, good teaching and transformational teachers close the achievement gap. Not laptops.
Oh, and let me point out one thing. My salary, comparative to the district mentioned in the article (one very close to where I used to work) is 10% more than THE HIGHEST PAID TEACHER.
So maybe ya'll should spend less money on classroom response systems and more money keeping great teachers in the classroom? Perhaps.
Each teacher has a laptop. We have a projector that works exactly like a smartboard, except it projects onto our whiteboards.
We spent our money on SWEET ASS COPY MACHINES and paper. (And considering how much I struggled at my old school with making copies....it is like Christmas every morning. Oh wait, each group of 10 teachers gets a copy machine? And there is ALSO a teacher workroom? WHAT? My copy machine is 2 steps away from my desk? Yes. Yes please.)
Do you know why? Because studies show that above anything else, good teaching and transformational teachers close the achievement gap. Not laptops.
Oh, and let me point out one thing. My salary, comparative to the district mentioned in the article (one very close to where I used to work) is 10% more than THE HIGHEST PAID TEACHER.
So maybe ya'll should spend less money on classroom response systems and more money keeping great teachers in the classroom? Perhaps.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
My redirection
My redirection brought me from a miserable first job, me contemplating why I ever chose the profession I was in, to this new, amazing, happy place.
A redirection, in case you were wondering, in our terms, is when someone has some "expectation slippage" and needs to be reminded of what they SHOULD be doing and why their actions are not leading to their best self and work.
Oh yes, thank the lord that I got a redirection.
Now, I'm on track. I think I've realized that teaching is something I want to be doing and education is a place that I want to be. I'm surrounded by the most supportive colleagues I have ever met. Moreover, everyone WANTS to get better. Everyone that I have spent time with is working hard on becoming better.
We will be spending a month together learning HOW we are going to turnaround this school to lead these students to success. A whole month. Today, we actually practiced giving demerits. We broke into pairs (after watching some models) and actually did role plays and gave constructive feedback to each other, and then RE PRACTICED the role plays. Are you kidding me? It was so difficult to do but I learned SO MUCH about monitoring MYSELF and my ACTIONS and my BEHAVIORS.
And it is only day three.
We are living our vision of rigor and joy in our orientation and will continue to operate with those ideals during our teaching. And you know why I can do this? Because the leadership team, the founding organization, and the founding teachers believe that people are our greatest asset. I teach significantly less time during the day this year, and have SIGNIFICANT planning time. They close the school at 5 pm every day and we must leave. We get time to do our work during the school day. We are given a complete curriculum, including an objective map. We work in teams, and the team sits down and works out an assessment/quiz calendar to give to the parents and students.
I. AM. IN. LOVE.
And I thank the lord for my redirection. My behavior has changed.
A redirection, in case you were wondering, in our terms, is when someone has some "expectation slippage" and needs to be reminded of what they SHOULD be doing and why their actions are not leading to their best self and work.
Oh yes, thank the lord that I got a redirection.
Now, I'm on track. I think I've realized that teaching is something I want to be doing and education is a place that I want to be. I'm surrounded by the most supportive colleagues I have ever met. Moreover, everyone WANTS to get better. Everyone that I have spent time with is working hard on becoming better.
We will be spending a month together learning HOW we are going to turnaround this school to lead these students to success. A whole month. Today, we actually practiced giving demerits. We broke into pairs (after watching some models) and actually did role plays and gave constructive feedback to each other, and then RE PRACTICED the role plays. Are you kidding me? It was so difficult to do but I learned SO MUCH about monitoring MYSELF and my ACTIONS and my BEHAVIORS.
And it is only day three.
We are living our vision of rigor and joy in our orientation and will continue to operate with those ideals during our teaching. And you know why I can do this? Because the leadership team, the founding organization, and the founding teachers believe that people are our greatest asset. I teach significantly less time during the day this year, and have SIGNIFICANT planning time. They close the school at 5 pm every day and we must leave. We get time to do our work during the school day. We are given a complete curriculum, including an objective map. We work in teams, and the team sits down and works out an assessment/quiz calendar to give to the parents and students.
I. AM. IN. LOVE.
And I thank the lord for my redirection. My behavior has changed.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Moving Day...
Tomorrow is moving day, part one.
My parents and I will be driving up to Boston and getting the keys to my new apartment. We'll be setting it up (sans roommate for a while) and I start work on Monday.
I'm super excited. Can you believe that I'll be living with my partner in crime in an amazing city doing a job I love love love?
My parents and I will be driving up to Boston and getting the keys to my new apartment. We'll be setting it up (sans roommate for a while) and I start work on Monday.
I'm super excited. Can you believe that I'll be living with my partner in crime in an amazing city doing a job I love love love?
Monday, July 25, 2011
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
It has happened to me...
So, it has finally happened to me.
I was ordering a bed for my new apartment in Boston and had to pay over the phone. Now, let's just set some things up:
a) I have money to pay for this
b) I have a big credit limit to pay for this
c) I paid my bill yesterday. So I literally have a huge limit on my card
So I put it in, and the guy said, "Oh, your credit card got rejected."
WHAT?
I made him do it again. Maybe I said the numbers wrong? Because I'm sitting here LOOKING at my bank account and there is no way this did not go through.
Nope, rejected again. "Maybe you spend more than you think," says the guy.
So I gave him another card. And it happily wasn't rejected. But I wanted to use my credit card so I could wait to pay until I got paid.
So I get off the phone and call my bank.
The reason for the rejection? "Well, we have been tracking some suspicious purchases, because you were in Vegas for so long and then decide to make a purchase in Boston. So we rejected the card to make sure that you were the one using it."
HAHAHAHAHA. Of course. Obviously, I'm a suspicious spender. Good thing everything is back to normal.
I was ordering a bed for my new apartment in Boston and had to pay over the phone. Now, let's just set some things up:
a) I have money to pay for this
b) I have a big credit limit to pay for this
c) I paid my bill yesterday. So I literally have a huge limit on my card
So I put it in, and the guy said, "Oh, your credit card got rejected."
WHAT?
I made him do it again. Maybe I said the numbers wrong? Because I'm sitting here LOOKING at my bank account and there is no way this did not go through.
Nope, rejected again. "Maybe you spend more than you think," says the guy.
So I gave him another card. And it happily wasn't rejected. But I wanted to use my credit card so I could wait to pay until I got paid.
So I get off the phone and call my bank.
The reason for the rejection? "Well, we have been tracking some suspicious purchases, because you were in Vegas for so long and then decide to make a purchase in Boston. So we rejected the card to make sure that you were the one using it."
HAHAHAHAHA. Of course. Obviously, I'm a suspicious spender. Good thing everything is back to normal.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Best letter ever
And this is what made my heart smile in our orientation letter:
"Teachers will be given laptops to use while employed here at the start of orientation. Personal laptops do not need to be brought to school during orientation."
YES YES YES! Thank you for realizing that a) we need laptops and b) You need to tell overachievers to not bring their own to school.
"Teachers will be given laptops to use while employed here at the start of orientation. Personal laptops do not need to be brought to school during orientation."
YES YES YES! Thank you for realizing that a) we need laptops and b) You need to tell overachievers to not bring their own to school.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Monday, July 11, 2011
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
An impasse?
This article describes a major impasse in public school funding.
Basically, research says kids need more time in school. More hours in a day, more days in a year. This is why charter schools go for more hours in a day and more days in a year. In the article, a school district in Phoenix was even referenced about expanding its school year and how it positively impacted children. Obviously, the more time the kids are in school, the less time they have to forget things they have learned. And the more learning time they have.
Well then, why do we make it SO HARD for schools to do this? Why do we allow them to cut school days when they have budgetary restrictions? Why is the disconnect so large?
I fully understand that we, as a nation, are in debt. I fully understand that we shouldn't be spending money we don't have. What I don't understand is the irresponsibility in allocating funds by the federal government.
I will use one example. I have a family friend who joined the military out of college. He was in ROTC (to pay for school) and then after his commitment to the armed forces, he stayed on. He made a choice. He wasn't drafted. He was not forced to be there. He made a choice.
Did you know that he gets a salary and a living and housing stipend for himself, his wife, and his child? Did you know that when he is away on duty, SHE still gets that housing and living stipend? Did you know that the whole family pays no money for medical benefits? Did you know that HIS son will get his ENTIRE COLLEGE EDUCATION paid for by the military and he doesn't even need to join the ROTC?
That angers me. I am paid by the government. My salary comes from taxpayers money (just like the military.) Do I get a living stipend? NO. Do I have to pay for benefits for me and my ficticious family? YES. (Now I have to pay for them in my new job for me...before, it was only beneficiaries). Is my child going to get to go to college for free? HELL NO.
I understand that people in the military work to protect this country. A good deal of what they do overseas is considered humanitarian. They keep the peace and try to teach other countries how to form a government that functions.
Isn't that what I DO EVERY DAY OF MY CAREER? Teach our country's future leaders how to form a government that functions?
Oh yes, I forgot, it is. But I'm paid in sunshine and rainbows. And the federal government is telling my students, OUR CITIZENS, that schooling is not so important. We can cut your hours and your days. We can let you graduate being unprepared to be productive citizens. BUT THOSE military families, they can have the money we should give to you.
So, if you're wondering where all that money went, I'm pretty sure that we can cut something from the military budget. Because it is our tax money. Buying them a house.
Basically, research says kids need more time in school. More hours in a day, more days in a year. This is why charter schools go for more hours in a day and more days in a year. In the article, a school district in Phoenix was even referenced about expanding its school year and how it positively impacted children. Obviously, the more time the kids are in school, the less time they have to forget things they have learned. And the more learning time they have.
Well then, why do we make it SO HARD for schools to do this? Why do we allow them to cut school days when they have budgetary restrictions? Why is the disconnect so large?
I fully understand that we, as a nation, are in debt. I fully understand that we shouldn't be spending money we don't have. What I don't understand is the irresponsibility in allocating funds by the federal government.
I will use one example. I have a family friend who joined the military out of college. He was in ROTC (to pay for school) and then after his commitment to the armed forces, he stayed on. He made a choice. He wasn't drafted. He was not forced to be there. He made a choice.
Did you know that he gets a salary and a living and housing stipend for himself, his wife, and his child? Did you know that when he is away on duty, SHE still gets that housing and living stipend? Did you know that the whole family pays no money for medical benefits? Did you know that HIS son will get his ENTIRE COLLEGE EDUCATION paid for by the military and he doesn't even need to join the ROTC?
That angers me. I am paid by the government. My salary comes from taxpayers money (just like the military.) Do I get a living stipend? NO. Do I have to pay for benefits for me and my ficticious family? YES. (Now I have to pay for them in my new job for me...before, it was only beneficiaries). Is my child going to get to go to college for free? HELL NO.
I understand that people in the military work to protect this country. A good deal of what they do overseas is considered humanitarian. They keep the peace and try to teach other countries how to form a government that functions.
Isn't that what I DO EVERY DAY OF MY CAREER? Teach our country's future leaders how to form a government that functions?
Oh yes, I forgot, it is. But I'm paid in sunshine and rainbows. And the federal government is telling my students, OUR CITIZENS, that schooling is not so important. We can cut your hours and your days. We can let you graduate being unprepared to be productive citizens. BUT THOSE military families, they can have the money we should give to you.
So, if you're wondering where all that money went, I'm pretty sure that we can cut something from the military budget. Because it is our tax money. Buying them a house.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Opportunities
I'm really, really lucky to be given so many opportunities after I quit my job in AZ.
Not only was I basically handed my new teaching job, but I was also given the opportunity to work over the summer to align digital curriculum for a school in New York.
Wait, what? I get to spend my summer in my pajamas, working with digital content, aligning it to a new state's standards, and GET PAID?
I'm a happy girl. Anything to pay down my monstrous school debt. And pay for my new I-Phone that I finally conned my father into buying for me.
Not only was I basically handed my new teaching job, but I was also given the opportunity to work over the summer to align digital curriculum for a school in New York.
Wait, what? I get to spend my summer in my pajamas, working with digital content, aligning it to a new state's standards, and GET PAID?
I'm a happy girl. Anything to pay down my monstrous school debt. And pay for my new I-Phone that I finally conned my father into buying for me.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Friday, June 17, 2011
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Homework?
As a teacher, I find it disturbing and maddening that dictives are coming down from the top and telling teachers how to run their own classroom.
Do we tell professionals like doctors and lawyers (lawyers having only 1 more year of schooling then myself) how THEY should be doing their jobs? Do we tell them what work THEY should be assigning to their paralegals? OH WAIT, we don't? So why are you telling teachers how to do their jobs?
I don't like giving a lot of homework because, honestly, my students wouldn't do it and their parents couldn't do it with them and it wasn't in Spanish and so I always have a whole slew of children at recess detention for not doing their homework.
But I still assigned it. And if it took 10 minutes, fine. And if it took an hour, maybe you should have been paying attention in class, child. MAYBE you should have done your work during the SCHOOL DAY when I asked you to. That's most of the "large chunks" of homework that I give.
And in EVERY GRADE, it is important to read for 20 minutes a night. If you cannot read, get read to. If you struggle, pick a book that you enjoy. But you better be reading. It is the ONLY way to improve literacy outside of the classroom.
Or what about the fact that I did TONS of homework in middle and high school. If I hadn't, I would have NEVER been PREPARED FOR COLLEGE. Did we forget about this one? How do we teach good homework habits for college (where ALL of the work is done outside of school) if we do not model good homework habits starting in elementary school?
So, sorry, man at the top. You should ask why we give homework. Yes, we. As in, the teachers. As in, the professionals (with licensure) who assign it in their OWN CLASSROOM.
Do we tell professionals like doctors and lawyers (lawyers having only 1 more year of schooling then myself) how THEY should be doing their jobs? Do we tell them what work THEY should be assigning to their paralegals? OH WAIT, we don't? So why are you telling teachers how to do their jobs?
I don't like giving a lot of homework because, honestly, my students wouldn't do it and their parents couldn't do it with them and it wasn't in Spanish and so I always have a whole slew of children at recess detention for not doing their homework.
But I still assigned it. And if it took 10 minutes, fine. And if it took an hour, maybe you should have been paying attention in class, child. MAYBE you should have done your work during the SCHOOL DAY when I asked you to. That's most of the "large chunks" of homework that I give.
And in EVERY GRADE, it is important to read for 20 minutes a night. If you cannot read, get read to. If you struggle, pick a book that you enjoy. But you better be reading. It is the ONLY way to improve literacy outside of the classroom.
Or what about the fact that I did TONS of homework in middle and high school. If I hadn't, I would have NEVER been PREPARED FOR COLLEGE. Did we forget about this one? How do we teach good homework habits for college (where ALL of the work is done outside of school) if we do not model good homework habits starting in elementary school?
So, sorry, man at the top. You should ask why we give homework. Yes, we. As in, the teachers. As in, the professionals (with licensure) who assign it in their OWN CLASSROOM.
Transition....
I'm so excited to transition from funemployment to actual vacation!
Why? Because I got a job, that's why!
I'm moving to Boston and working at a charter school there. I'll be teaching math which I am super excited about. I'll be working with a great team. Thank the lord I found a job.
So now, funemployment is over and vacation truly begins.
Good think I'm spending an extended vacation in Vegas with one of the best partiers of all time. I cannot even describe to you what has been happening. Let's just say that we've been winning hardcore since we got here. Here's our themesong:
Why? Because I got a job, that's why!
I'm moving to Boston and working at a charter school there. I'll be teaching math which I am super excited about. I'll be working with a great team. Thank the lord I found a job.
So now, funemployment is over and vacation truly begins.
Good think I'm spending an extended vacation in Vegas with one of the best partiers of all time. I cannot even describe to you what has been happening. Let's just say that we've been winning hardcore since we got here. Here's our themesong:
I think it is because we are smarter...
This article is very intriguing...
I agree with what they say, but maybe it all boils down to one thing: women are smart enough not to get caught.
I agree with what they say, but maybe it all boils down to one thing: women are smart enough not to get caught.
Friday, June 3, 2011
The Chaos Continues
I find funemployment to be chaotic.
Not the sitting on the couch wasting house away watching Return to Fat Camp or John Tucker Must Die (which I freely admit that I did) or the lazy phone calls you take from this girl about her owl business.
But the actual packing/moving/stressing about shit/having job interviews/flying across the country (5 times since April 7th. 5 cross country flights) is chaotic.
I think that amidst the chaos, I don't want to pack. I want to magically start my life somewhere else without dealing with the crap here. It's like closing a chapter of your life and you have to go through everything that you've acquired in the last 4 years and sort it. And trash it. And be done with it.
But inevitably, packing must occur. I think I'll start with my monster bag collection.
Not the sitting on the couch wasting house away watching Return to Fat Camp or John Tucker Must Die (which I freely admit that I did) or the lazy phone calls you take from this girl about her owl business.
But the actual packing/moving/stressing about shit/having job interviews/flying across the country (5 times since April 7th. 5 cross country flights) is chaotic.
I think that amidst the chaos, I don't want to pack. I want to magically start my life somewhere else without dealing with the crap here. It's like closing a chapter of your life and you have to go through everything that you've acquired in the last 4 years and sort it. And trash it. And be done with it.
But inevitably, packing must occur. I think I'll start with my monster bag collection.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Becoming legendary
A good friend sent me this because he's pumping me up for my upcoming job interview circuit. I think it is definitely appropriate.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Memories...
As I was cleaning out my closet (6 bags of clothes to be sold/donated because I may or may not be a packrat) I came across something beautiful.
When I left Chicago four years ago, I left a beautiful job with a wonderful staff. I got into Teach For America and had to leave my cute Montessori school and the best job ever. I had to leave before the school year ended, and everyone was really sad (myself included).
On my last day of work, the school held a special secret community meeting. It was in celebration of me. Every kid made me a card, the parents made me a "road trip survival kit" and the teachers sent me off with a teacher's bag signed by each of them.
I found the bag today. The words these teachers wrote to me still bring me to tears. I was appreciated and loved. I was told, "We know you will change the world of education." I was told that "my new students were lucky to have me."
I cried a lot when I left that city and that job.
I'm sad now because I was at my last job for 4 years and I don't feel nearly as loved, appreciated, or missed as I was at the Montessori school.
It just goes to show you that I need to find a new job where I am appreciated and valued by the entire constituency.
When I left Chicago four years ago, I left a beautiful job with a wonderful staff. I got into Teach For America and had to leave my cute Montessori school and the best job ever. I had to leave before the school year ended, and everyone was really sad (myself included).
On my last day of work, the school held a special secret community meeting. It was in celebration of me. Every kid made me a card, the parents made me a "road trip survival kit" and the teachers sent me off with a teacher's bag signed by each of them.
I found the bag today. The words these teachers wrote to me still bring me to tears. I was appreciated and loved. I was told, "We know you will change the world of education." I was told that "my new students were lucky to have me."
I cried a lot when I left that city and that job.
I'm sad now because I was at my last job for 4 years and I don't feel nearly as loved, appreciated, or missed as I was at the Montessori school.
It just goes to show you that I need to find a new job where I am appreciated and valued by the entire constituency.
Media Mail
aka the best thing the government has ever done for me.
To start my move off right, I decided that my first step would be to get all the books out of my house here and back to where they are going to spend a good summer (ie. my parents' house.) Considering I'm selling everything and shipping stuff back, I needed to start packing.
So I boxed all my books and shipped them with the elusive "media mail" option at the post office.
Friends, best idea ever.
If you didn't know this about me, one might say I collect books. So, after packing and taping 7 (yes, 7) boxes of books and then hauling them in my car, to the post office, one by one into the post office door, and into Bonnie's station, I sent back 182 pounds of books.
Yes. 182 pounds.
If I didn't insure them (my pride and joy people), it would have cost less than 100 dollars. I think the total was $108.
So, thank you, US Government, for making this thing called "media mail" so bibliophiles like myself can ship 182 pounds of books across the country without breaking the bank.
To start my move off right, I decided that my first step would be to get all the books out of my house here and back to where they are going to spend a good summer (ie. my parents' house.) Considering I'm selling everything and shipping stuff back, I needed to start packing.
So I boxed all my books and shipped them with the elusive "media mail" option at the post office.
Friends, best idea ever.
If you didn't know this about me, one might say I collect books. So, after packing and taping 7 (yes, 7) boxes of books and then hauling them in my car, to the post office, one by one into the post office door, and into Bonnie's station, I sent back 182 pounds of books.
Yes. 182 pounds.
If I didn't insure them (my pride and joy people), it would have cost less than 100 dollars. I think the total was $108.
So, thank you, US Government, for making this thing called "media mail" so bibliophiles like myself can ship 182 pounds of books across the country without breaking the bank.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Funemployment
I'm officially unemployed today.
What did I do? I flew to NY (after ridiculous reroutes) via an 8 hour layover in Las Vegas, and landed at a different NYC airport at 5 am. I then proceeded to get to my hotel (that my mother had called the night before saying that I was going to check in, just not until 6 am) and sleep for 3 hours. I woke up, had a phone interview, took the train to another job interview, loved them both, and then frolicked back from the interview through a farmer's market in the middle of the city.
Now I'm waiting for a follow up phone interview in 15 minutes from the interview this morning.
Apparently, my definition of funemployment is different than the normal definition of "eat and wear sweatpants."
I'll wear sweatpants when I have a job.
What did I do? I flew to NY (after ridiculous reroutes) via an 8 hour layover in Las Vegas, and landed at a different NYC airport at 5 am. I then proceeded to get to my hotel (that my mother had called the night before saying that I was going to check in, just not until 6 am) and sleep for 3 hours. I woke up, had a phone interview, took the train to another job interview, loved them both, and then frolicked back from the interview through a farmer's market in the middle of the city.
Now I'm waiting for a follow up phone interview in 15 minutes from the interview this morning.
Apparently, my definition of funemployment is different than the normal definition of "eat and wear sweatpants."
I'll wear sweatpants when I have a job.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
In a nutshell
In discussing why I am leaving my job, here is the gchat that I had with one of my good friends:
H: how did you decide for certain that it was time to leave?
H: how did you decide for certain that it was time to leave?
me: i no longer have a soul. and hate my boss more than i love my job
i think that was it
Hotty mess
After shadily making my way into the 8th grade promotion ceremony (don't ask how it happened. It wasn't pretty or professional. I may have thrown someone under the bus), I thought to myself, I'm going to be stoic. STOIC. You know, smile, be proud, watch my loves promote onto high school.
Yeah, that lasted for like, 5 minutes. Then, I started bawling like a baby. Well, not really bawling. More like a stream of tears coming down my face as I tried to look appropriate.
It didn't help that, during bell work today, I told my fifth graders that I wasn't coming back to school next year. In their journals, I had them write about where they wanted to move if they could move to a new state. Then we chatted about that for a while. Then, I asked them why they think I put that journal topic up. A few guesses in, and one kid goes, "Because you're moving next week." Mind you, this was said sarcastically.
You know how hard it is to say, "Well actually, I am?" Do you know?
My babies got all sad and shocked. My namesake and project for the year (OFFICIALLY NO DAYS OF ISS, friends, after spending half of last year in it) came up to me and said, "I need to take a break." He wrote himself a pass and walked out. On me.
So I mosey to promotion, where I am in tears during the whole thing, but complete break down when JP, (remember, the girl I snuck in during her suspension last year to go to math class) thanks me in her speech for being there for her.
TEARS. Thanks, JP, for opening the floodgates.
After some more tears and hugs, I left my loves to go back to my class. I guess there was a constant pit feeling in my stomach because it is SO hard to leave these babes. I feel like I'm walking out on them. It hurts. A lot.
Yeah, that lasted for like, 5 minutes. Then, I started bawling like a baby. Well, not really bawling. More like a stream of tears coming down my face as I tried to look appropriate.
It didn't help that, during bell work today, I told my fifth graders that I wasn't coming back to school next year. In their journals, I had them write about where they wanted to move if they could move to a new state. Then we chatted about that for a while. Then, I asked them why they think I put that journal topic up. A few guesses in, and one kid goes, "Because you're moving next week." Mind you, this was said sarcastically.
You know how hard it is to say, "Well actually, I am?" Do you know?
My babies got all sad and shocked. My namesake and project for the year (OFFICIALLY NO DAYS OF ISS, friends, after spending half of last year in it) came up to me and said, "I need to take a break." He wrote himself a pass and walked out. On me.
So I mosey to promotion, where I am in tears during the whole thing, but complete break down when JP, (remember, the girl I snuck in during her suspension last year to go to math class) thanks me in her speech for being there for her.
TEARS. Thanks, JP, for opening the floodgates.
After some more tears and hugs, I left my loves to go back to my class. I guess there was a constant pit feeling in my stomach because it is SO hard to leave these babes. I feel like I'm walking out on them. It hurts. A lot.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Sunday, May 22, 2011
I'm re-living my college days.
I may or may not be on a bender.
Now, I'm a little too old to be acting like this, but when a bender was mentioned, it sounded like a competition or something so I was like, "YES, I can go on a BENDER."
Here are this week's highlights:
Now, I'm a little too old to be acting like this, but when a bender was mentioned, it sounded like a competition or something so I was like, "YES, I can go on a BENDER."
Here are this week's highlights:
- Our favorite bar being CLOSED on Wednesday so experiencing other ones instead
- Meeting boyfriend in another bar while discussing the rapture
- Boyfriend and his friend following us around
- Boyfriend's stock falling when we realized he didn't go to college and didn't understand our bender
- Sneaking booze into Bridesmaids and laughing harder than we would if we were sober
- A perfectly designed flask pocket in my purse
- Baseball
- Russell and his fake british accent
- All boys in Scottsdale reading "The Game" and then trying it out on us
- Starting the party at our favorite bar on Saturday
- Shots.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Monday, May 16, 2011
Holy shit.
I guess it just hit me that I'm moving across the country in a month.
And I have no job. (It's not like I haven't been looking. I've been looking. And applying. And interviewing. A lot.)
Holy shit.
I don't even want to think about it. I've started a new protocol - I have to apply for 2 jobs a day until I secure a job.
Today I began my protocol, and I have a phone interview tomorrow.
Yes, I heard from a job in 3 minutes. Literally. 3 minutes after I sent my cover letter and resume. (and I know they read it because they asked me to send more information...) So we'll see.
It just sucks because I hate telling people that I have no idea what I will be doing in a month.
And I have no job. (It's not like I haven't been looking. I've been looking. And applying. And interviewing. A lot.)
Holy shit.
I don't even want to think about it. I've started a new protocol - I have to apply for 2 jobs a day until I secure a job.
Today I began my protocol, and I have a phone interview tomorrow.
Yes, I heard from a job in 3 minutes. Literally. 3 minutes after I sent my cover letter and resume. (and I know they read it because they asked me to send more information...) So we'll see.
It just sucks because I hate telling people that I have no idea what I will be doing in a month.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Out of your mind.
We had the best weekend ever this weekend.
It's sad that it had to be my going away party, but going here was amazing.
We checked so many things off of our list:
Although we came back with a fantastic catch phrase: "Imma punch you in THE FACE."
It's sad that it had to be my going away party, but going here was amazing.
- Meet foreign men and making them play beer pong with us
- Beer pong at O'Shea's
- Crash a bachelor party (I would like to edit and say we didn't crash...we were invited on to the party bus...)
- Ride a party bus
- Witness someone getting kicked out of the club
- Eat at a buffet
- Sing at a piano bar
Although we came back with a fantastic catch phrase: "Imma punch you in THE FACE."
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Favs
Okay, so teachers' are not supposed to admit this, but, well...we have a secret.
Sometimes, we have favorites.
Like Sal, this little naughty who introduced himself to me before his first day of sixth grade. He is way too adorable and made me laugh for two years in a row. He did some stupid shit (biting a student, for one) but I could never get mad at him for more than 30 seconds. On Kanye Fridays, he would sing like no one was watching. So I videotaped him one day, and it has been entertaining me on days when I needed it.
Or JP, a diva like no one would believe. She should be in trouble daily, but I saw through her crazy exterior and attitude. Her mother and I even clicked. So much so that when she was out of school suspended for 2 weeks before her high school math competency exam in 7th grade, I snuck her into class for those 2 weeks so she didn't get behind. (I had support from our math coach. He unlocked the gate for her every day. So there.)
This year, I have an obvious frontrunner for favorites. Some of my kids can even tell, because even though he does things that are outrageous, I cannot get him in trouble. He's Ninja. He's adorable. Today, he told me that he didn't want just anyone to help him, he wanted ME to help him. "No, Ms. L, I want YOU to do it."
He makes my heart melt. I will miss him...
Sometimes, we have favorites.
Like Sal, this little naughty who introduced himself to me before his first day of sixth grade. He is way too adorable and made me laugh for two years in a row. He did some stupid shit (biting a student, for one) but I could never get mad at him for more than 30 seconds. On Kanye Fridays, he would sing like no one was watching. So I videotaped him one day, and it has been entertaining me on days when I needed it.
Or JP, a diva like no one would believe. She should be in trouble daily, but I saw through her crazy exterior and attitude. Her mother and I even clicked. So much so that when she was out of school suspended for 2 weeks before her high school math competency exam in 7th grade, I snuck her into class for those 2 weeks so she didn't get behind. (I had support from our math coach. He unlocked the gate for her every day. So there.)
This year, I have an obvious frontrunner for favorites. Some of my kids can even tell, because even though he does things that are outrageous, I cannot get him in trouble. He's Ninja. He's adorable. Today, he told me that he didn't want just anyone to help him, he wanted ME to help him. "No, Ms. L, I want YOU to do it."
He makes my heart melt. I will miss him...
Monday, May 9, 2011
Sunday, May 8, 2011
I saw the sign...
Dear Ace of Base,
I wonder if your song has more meaning now that I'm in my 20s. Now that I have been seeing the signs to leave my job behind.
It's become quite clear now that it is time to begin a new chapter in my life. So, come tomorrow, I'm resigning at my current school district and going to find a new job across the country.
This both excites me and scares me. It excites me more: I get to go back to the side of the country I really love. I get to work in a place that really cares about student achievement. I get to work with people who are on the same page as me. I get to leave manipulative, favorite-playing people behind. I get to show people that I actually know how to do my job.
But I'm scared because I don't actually have any job offers. I know they will come, but right now, I'm relegated to my parents' house when I move away from here.
Thanks, Ace of Base, for showing me the sign that it was time to leave.
Sincerely,
Me
I wonder if your song has more meaning now that I'm in my 20s. Now that I have been seeing the signs to leave my job behind.
It's become quite clear now that it is time to begin a new chapter in my life. So, come tomorrow, I'm resigning at my current school district and going to find a new job across the country.
This both excites me and scares me. It excites me more: I get to go back to the side of the country I really love. I get to work in a place that really cares about student achievement. I get to work with people who are on the same page as me. I get to leave manipulative, favorite-playing people behind. I get to show people that I actually know how to do my job.
But I'm scared because I don't actually have any job offers. I know they will come, but right now, I'm relegated to my parents' house when I move away from here.
Thanks, Ace of Base, for showing me the sign that it was time to leave.
Sincerely,
Me
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Promises, Promises
Today, one of the funniest kiddos alive, Ninja, was behaving in his normal ninja-like ways.
But, at least he had a new retort for me when I asked him to stop.
"Ninja, please stop running around."
"But I'm APPRECIATING YOU, Ms. L."
"Ninja, please sit down."
"I APPRECIATE you, Ms. L."
I had almost forgot that it was Teacher Appreciation Week. But Ninja didn't. He appreciates me.
But, at least he had a new retort for me when I asked him to stop.
"Ninja, please stop running around."
"But I'm APPRECIATING YOU, Ms. L."
"Ninja, please sit down."
"I APPRECIATE you, Ms. L."
I had almost forgot that it was Teacher Appreciation Week. But Ninja didn't. He appreciates me.
Brilliant
Brilliant.
My favorite: "WHEN we don’t get the results we want in our military endeavors, we don’t blame the soldiers. We don’t say, “It’s these lazy soldiers and their bloated benefits plans! That’s why we haven’t done better in Afghanistan!” No, if the results aren’t there, we blame the planners. We blame the generals, the secretary of defense, the Joint Chiefs of Staff. No one contemplates blaming the men and women fighting every day in the trenches for little pay and scant recognition. And yet in education we do just that. When we don’t like the way our students score on international standardized tests, we blame the teachers. When we don’t like the way particular schools perform, we blame the teachers and restrict their resources."
My favorite: "WHEN we don’t get the results we want in our military endeavors, we don’t blame the soldiers. We don’t say, “It’s these lazy soldiers and their bloated benefits plans! That’s why we haven’t done better in Afghanistan!” No, if the results aren’t there, we blame the planners. We blame the generals, the secretary of defense, the Joint Chiefs of Staff. No one contemplates blaming the men and women fighting every day in the trenches for little pay and scant recognition. And yet in education we do just that. When we don’t like the way our students score on international standardized tests, we blame the teachers. When we don’t like the way particular schools perform, we blame the teachers and restrict their resources."
Monday, May 2, 2011
I teared up...
Just so we're clear, I'm quite tired. I guess that's my excuse for tearing up while watching this. But I still believe that it is beautiful.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Something to consider...
Found here. The gem from this list:
"If a doctor, lawyer, or dentist had 40 people in his office at one time, all of whom had different needs, and some of whom didn't want to be there and were causing trouble, and the doctor, lawyer, or dentist, without assistance, had to treat them all with professional excellence for nine months, then he might have some conception of the classroom teacher's job."
"If a doctor, lawyer, or dentist had 40 people in his office at one time, all of whom had different needs, and some of whom didn't want to be there and were causing trouble, and the doctor, lawyer, or dentist, without assistance, had to treat them all with professional excellence for nine months, then he might have some conception of the classroom teacher's job."
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Wahoo!
This kid is going to New York City next week.
I swoon.
It's really time for me to get out of my current situation. I literally could not dislike the people who are trying to lead me any more than I do now.
My biggest problem is that if they have a problem with my teaching, why do they never tell me what I can fix? Why do I just get dirty looks and no attention?
I cannot handle it anymore. I've lost confidence in myself and have to get out of the miserable, miserable place with horrible leaders.
I swoon.
It's really time for me to get out of my current situation. I literally could not dislike the people who are trying to lead me any more than I do now.
My biggest problem is that if they have a problem with my teaching, why do they never tell me what I can fix? Why do I just get dirty looks and no attention?
I cannot handle it anymore. I've lost confidence in myself and have to get out of the miserable, miserable place with horrible leaders.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Senior year of college
This Venn aptly describes how I feel most of the time. (Especially during senior year of college with the most amazing rooms ever)
Holes in my face
Today, a wonderful visitor spent a day in my classroom.
I selfishly asked if she wanted to spend the day with me so someone else could witness the absurd behavior of my class.
After she became friends with C, she started asking him about ninjas. Everything was "would a ninja refuse to do work?" to "I love ninjas!" She doesn't know it, but I could tell he loved her. It's strange that he shows love by saying NO and scrunching up his face.
But my favorite, at the end of the day, while we were laughing, was when J said, "Ms. L, when you laugh too much, you get holes in your face!"
"Uhh, do you mean dimples?"
"Well, if that's what those holes in your face are..."
I selfishly asked if she wanted to spend the day with me so someone else could witness the absurd behavior of my class.
After she became friends with C, she started asking him about ninjas. Everything was "would a ninja refuse to do work?" to "I love ninjas!" She doesn't know it, but I could tell he loved her. It's strange that he shows love by saying NO and scrunching up his face.
But my favorite, at the end of the day, while we were laughing, was when J said, "Ms. L, when you laugh too much, you get holes in your face!"
"Uhh, do you mean dimples?"
"Well, if that's what those holes in your face are..."
Monday, April 18, 2011
Ce Lo Green had something right.
You know, today should have been a good day.
C, who is always a bastion of hilarity, asked me, "Can I bring my ninja sword to school tomorrow?"
I tilted my head to the side and said, "Uhh...no?"
He replies, "But it says 'Bring me to Ms. L' every day when I see it."
You can't make this stuff up, friends.
But today's afterschool meeting made me want to get up and quit. And sing Ce Lo's lyrics.
Without going into much detail because it a) would be unprofessional and more importantly b) pisses me off to no end and I might scream...
Here's the Reader's Digest -
I spent half an hour getting berated by a superior and a colleague in front of a student and a parent when they basically said that the reason this kid wasn't learning was me.
Oh really?
Then they told me that my instruction wasn't rigorous enough and he was switching classes so he would be more challenged.
OH. GO. FUCK. YOURSELF. BOTH. OF. YOU.
I almost quit. YOU do NOT say those things in front of a student and parent when you have NEVER said those things to me in private.
DO NOT FUCKING THROW ME UNDER THE BUS.
And please, please, explain to me how these new teachers will be more fucking rigorous. They draw fucking pictures for half of the day. They're still learning how to divide in math class.
Ce Lo is singing to both of you right now.
C, who is always a bastion of hilarity, asked me, "Can I bring my ninja sword to school tomorrow?"
I tilted my head to the side and said, "Uhh...no?"
He replies, "But it says 'Bring me to Ms. L' every day when I see it."
You can't make this stuff up, friends.
But today's afterschool meeting made me want to get up and quit. And sing Ce Lo's lyrics.
Without going into much detail because it a) would be unprofessional and more importantly b) pisses me off to no end and I might scream...
Here's the Reader's Digest -
I spent half an hour getting berated by a superior and a colleague in front of a student and a parent when they basically said that the reason this kid wasn't learning was me.
Oh really?
Then they told me that my instruction wasn't rigorous enough and he was switching classes so he would be more challenged.
OH. GO. FUCK. YOURSELF. BOTH. OF. YOU.
I almost quit. YOU do NOT say those things in front of a student and parent when you have NEVER said those things to me in private.
DO NOT FUCKING THROW ME UNDER THE BUS.
And please, please, explain to me how these new teachers will be more fucking rigorous. They draw fucking pictures for half of the day. They're still learning how to divide in math class.
Ce Lo is singing to both of you right now.
Well, let's get on this.
Okay, so this says that students who cannot read on grade level by 3rd grade are 4 times less likely to graduate high school by age 19.
Well, this would make it much more important to put great reading teachers in younger grades. Then, after third grade, kids are reading to learn, not learning to read.
DUH.
Let's teach communities about early literacy. Then we can get the whole village to help a child, not just the school.
Well, this would make it much more important to put great reading teachers in younger grades. Then, after third grade, kids are reading to learn, not learning to read.
DUH.
Let's teach communities about early literacy. Then we can get the whole village to help a child, not just the school.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
So funny
There are so many that are funny, but let's be honest, equating a patronus with cake may be the best!
Why hello, amazing.
I got to download the program requirements for the degree I may be getting next year.
I swoon.
Doctor of Education
Measurement and Evaluation Core:
HUDM 5059 Psychological measurement
HUDM 5250 Research practicum in measurement and evaluation
HUDM 6030 Multilevel and longitudinal data analysis
HUDM 6051-6052 Psychometric Theory I and II
HUDM 6055 Latent structure analysis
HUDM 5058 Choice and decision making
HUDM 6552 Seminar: Selected topics in measurement theory
ORL 5522-5523 Evaluation methods I and II
Quantitative Methods and Research Design:
HUD 4120 Methods of empirical research
HUDM 4122 Probability and statistical inference
HUDM 5122 Applied regression analysis
HUDM 5123 Linear models and experimental design
HUDM 5124 Multidimensional scaling and clustering
HUDM 6026 Statistical treatment of mass data
HUDM 6122-6123 Multivariate statistics I and II
HUDM 7500 Dissertation seminar
HUDM 8900 Dissertation advisement
Psychology (minimum of 18 points):
In consultation with an advisor, a group of courses aimed at substantive preparation in the field of psychology.
Related Courses (minimum of 6 points):
Selected from the areas of curriculum development, guidance, applied human development, supervision, and administration, and in consultation with an advisor.
I may sound like an nerd, but I'm literally dying of joy right now. I hope they fund my education.
I swoon.
Doctor of Education
Measurement and Evaluation Core:
HUDM 5059 Psychological measurement
HUDM 5250 Research practicum in measurement and evaluation
HUDM 6030 Multilevel and longitudinal data analysis
HUDM 6051-6052 Psychometric Theory I and II
HUDM 6055 Latent structure analysis
HUDM 5058 Choice and decision making
HUDM 6552 Seminar: Selected topics in measurement theory
ORL 5522-5523 Evaluation methods I and II
Quantitative Methods and Research Design:
HUD 4120 Methods of empirical research
HUDM 4122 Probability and statistical inference
HUDM 5122 Applied regression analysis
HUDM 5123 Linear models and experimental design
HUDM 5124 Multidimensional scaling and clustering
HUDM 6026 Statistical treatment of mass data
HUDM 6122-6123 Multivariate statistics I and II
HUDM 7500 Dissertation seminar
HUDM 8900 Dissertation advisement
Psychology (minimum of 18 points):
In consultation with an advisor, a group of courses aimed at substantive preparation in the field of psychology.
Related Courses (minimum of 6 points):
Selected from the areas of curriculum development, guidance, applied human development, supervision, and administration, and in consultation with an advisor.
I may sound like an nerd, but I'm literally dying of joy right now. I hope they fund my education.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Best
"Best PSA video ever made starring an aggressive guy in a yellow dinosaur costume hunting pedophiles"
Watch this. It is hilarious.
YELLOW DINO: PEDO HUNTER from Everything Is Terrible! on Vimeo.
Found it here
Watch this. It is hilarious.
YELLOW DINO: PEDO HUNTER from Everything Is Terrible! on Vimeo.
Found it here
Completely inappropriate
B and I had a completely inappropriate email exchange today. On our work emails. Because of the state test.
I'm reliving it here because it was absurd.
It all started when he sent 2 of my favorites from his class to visit me. With a pass. With a heart on it next to my name.
Me:
Putting a heart next to my name on that pass has just further fueled the "Ms. L loves Mr. B but he doesn't love her back debate."
And its reached down to my 5th graders.
Thanks B.
Him:
Haha! See, I thought putting the heart would let everyone know the feeling's mutual!;) Backfire!
Me:
I swoon.
I attached the note to my desk. :)
Him:
Dammit. As pervy as I am, I can think of nothing pervy and clever to say back to that...which was my plan! No points for me!! I might even be scoreless for the year. Weird!
Me:
The correct response would have been:
"That's not the only thing of mine that I want on your desk."
Zing.
Him:
See, I thought about going that direction, but didn't know if it was dirty enough to earn me a point! Haha. You need to set one up for me toget me back in the swing of things. Say something like, "Man, these testing days are so long and hard."
Me:
Okay.
"Man, these testing days really take it out of you. I'm so tired when I'm done."
Him:
Wow, so many ways to take this one (that's what she said). Hahaha
1. I'll put it in you if you like.
2. Testies can actually be quite enjoyable.
3. If you're not tired when you're done, someone hasn't done their job.
:O I'm back!
Me:
Those were amazing. (That's what she said)
Actual quote after I had read them: "Ms. L, why are you smiling? Are you texting Mr. B?"
Him:
If you think that makes you smile...
Couldn't even finish it:) It feels good to be scoring again. Hahaha
Me:
Are you telling me it's been a while since you've scored?
I could fix that.
Him:
Well played! Though you left me stumped again! I don't know where to take that one (You're welcome).
I'm reliving it here because it was absurd.
It all started when he sent 2 of my favorites from his class to visit me. With a pass. With a heart on it next to my name.
Me:
Putting a heart next to my name on that pass has just further fueled the "Ms. L loves Mr. B but he doesn't love her back debate."
And its reached down to my 5th graders.
Thanks B.
Him:
Haha! See, I thought putting the heart would let everyone know the feeling's mutual!;) Backfire!
Me:
I swoon.
I attached the note to my desk. :)
Him:
Dammit. As pervy as I am, I can think of nothing pervy and clever to say back to that...which was my plan! No points for me!! I might even be scoreless for the year. Weird!
Me:
The correct response would have been:
"That's not the only thing of mine that I want on your desk."
Zing.
Him:
See, I thought about going that direction, but didn't know if it was dirty enough to earn me a point! Haha. You need to set one up for me toget me back in the swing of things. Say something like, "Man, these testing days are so long and hard."
Me:
Okay.
"Man, these testing days really take it out of you. I'm so tired when I'm done."
Him:
Wow, so many ways to take this one (that's what she said). Hahaha
1. I'll put it in you if you like.
2. Testies can actually be quite enjoyable.
3. If you're not tired when you're done, someone hasn't done their job.
:O I'm back!
Me:
Those were amazing. (That's what she said)
Actual quote after I had read them: "Ms. L, why are you smiling? Are you texting Mr. B?"
Him:
If you think that makes you smile...
Couldn't even finish it:) It feels good to be scoring again. Hahaha
Me:
Are you telling me it's been a while since you've scored?
I could fix that.
Him:
Well played! Though you left me stumped again! I don't know where to take that one (You're welcome).
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Huge Joys
Huge joys in my life.
1) My big sister got married this weekend! I gained a brother (and a whole slew of his ridiculous friends)
2) I did not relive the wedding I went to a few years ago which, when current me thinks about past me, I want to slap myself in the face and say "Nothing good can come of that stupidity. Nothing." I was a classy (albeit tipsy) MOH all weekend.
3) Job. Interview. In. New. York. City. is happening! Just got the invitation TODAY!
1) My big sister got married this weekend! I gained a brother (and a whole slew of his ridiculous friends)
2) I did not relive the wedding I went to a few years ago which, when current me thinks about past me, I want to slap myself in the face and say "Nothing good can come of that stupidity. Nothing." I was a classy (albeit tipsy) MOH all weekend.
3) Job. Interview. In. New. York. City. is happening! Just got the invitation TODAY!
Monday, April 4, 2011
Difference Maker
I am so amused right now by this video.
Maybe I should just go back to the kitchen?
Maybe I should just go back to the kitchen?
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Sunday, April 3, 2011
Thoughts?
Thoughts on Algebra II gaining momentum?
I think the research is weak - does Algebra II really make you more successful, or is there something inherent that makes you successful so then you take Algebra II?
We're forgetting the secondary variable, people.
Like psych 101 - Crimes go up in the summer, so does ice cream consumption. So ice cream consumption causes crimes? Any intro to psych student can tell you that correlation does not equal causation.
I think the research is weak - does Algebra II really make you more successful, or is there something inherent that makes you successful so then you take Algebra II?
We're forgetting the secondary variable, people.
Like psych 101 - Crimes go up in the summer, so does ice cream consumption. So ice cream consumption causes crimes? Any intro to psych student can tell you that correlation does not equal causation.
Love it. love it.
I was inspired by this, most likely because my friends are artistic. But I think that it has MAJOR good points.
That I hope everyone will learn.
Life lessons, I think.
That I hope everyone will learn.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
An important decision
One of the most important decisions of the weekend:
Should I watch Billy Madison or Shawshank Redemption on tv?
And although I got really excited to sing such favorites as "back to school" and "lunchlady land", I had to go with Shawshank.
Does that make me a more mature adult?
Should I watch Billy Madison or Shawshank Redemption on tv?
And although I got really excited to sing such favorites as "back to school" and "lunchlady land", I had to go with Shawshank.
Does that make me a more mature adult?
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
My Head
Conversation actually had with one of my loves:
"Ms. L, does my head look any bigger?"
"Uhhh....no?"
"It feels so full!"
"Do you have a headache? Do you need to go to the nurse?"
"NO! It's so full of KNOWLEDGE, Ms. L. It cannot hold any more."
"Ms. L, does my head look any bigger?"
"Uhhh....no?"
"It feels so full!"
"Do you have a headache? Do you need to go to the nurse?"
"NO! It's so full of KNOWLEDGE, Ms. L. It cannot hold any more."
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Twitch.
I am so stressed out my left eye has begun to twitch.
Yes, I said that right. Twitching eye. One of my besties (who has known me for years) asked me if I wasn't sleeping....circa that crazy bout of insomnia a few years ago.
The problem is, I actually am sleeping. I just have one student in particular that is causing my eye to twitch. Uncontrollably. Here is a recap of what he did today from 8:15 until 10 am.
Yes, I said that right. Twitching eye. One of my besties (who has known me for years) asked me if I wasn't sleeping....circa that crazy bout of insomnia a few years ago.
The problem is, I actually am sleeping. I just have one student in particular that is causing my eye to twitch. Uncontrollably. Here is a recap of what he did today from 8:15 until 10 am.
~Refusal to come to class on time (he was sitting by the portable with other students when our line went in this morning and then wandered campus until 8:20. I called the attendance secretary and she made a note)
~Brought a hair claw to the library and attached it to a student's face and another's ear.
~Refusal to give hair claw to librarian
~Refusal to give hair claw to me
~Refusal to do work after coming back from the library
~Refusal to leave classroom for cooldown in "in school suspension"
~After many attempts to leave classroom, had to be walked to the in school suspension room by me and the 6th grade science teacher
~After getting to "in school suspension", refused to go inside the room
~Sat in front of the principal's office and refused to go into the "in school suspension" room after multiple attempts by myself and other staff including the school psychologist
Monday, March 28, 2011
If my kids...
if my kids wrote a manifesto, it might look like this. It wouldn't be as funny though. And there would be spelling errors.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Refreshing
Does anyone know one of the most refreshing feelings in the world?
Backing up the data on your computer onto an external drive.
I did a backup today, and it feels so great. Why?
Mostly because I'm a psycho and always have weird fears of losing data.
Backing up the data on your computer onto an external drive.
I did a backup today, and it feels so great. Why?
Mostly because I'm a psycho and always have weird fears of losing data.
I smell like paint.
No, that's not a euphemism for anything. I legit smell like tempera paint.
I spent the evening painting set pieces for my roommate's musical.
She teaches at a rich school. She's their music and choir teacher. Thus, she's doing a musical.
And why I smell like paint.
I cannot imagine my kiddos in a musical. But luckily I have my roommate's school to help prepare them to do middle class things - musicals and dances and actually having 2 specials instead of one....
I spent the evening painting set pieces for my roommate's musical.
She teaches at a rich school. She's their music and choir teacher. Thus, she's doing a musical.
And why I smell like paint.
I cannot imagine my kiddos in a musical. But luckily I have my roommate's school to help prepare them to do middle class things - musicals and dances and actually having 2 specials instead of one....
Thursday, March 24, 2011
I would...
I would get this email from my sub. I feel like this teacher knows exactly how I feel on a daily basis.
This is my favorite part:
"There were several other incidents, but I think you get the picture. An overwhelming majority of the class was beyond excellent today, so I don't want you to think it was just an awful day. But those four or five little ones sure made me wanna have 5 or 6 tall ones at the end of the day..."
This is my favorite part:
"There were several other incidents, but I think you get the picture. An overwhelming majority of the class was beyond excellent today, so I don't want you to think it was just an awful day. But those four or five little ones sure made me wanna have 5 or 6 tall ones at the end of the day..."
The punishment should fit the crime
Really had to say these things:
"ADD, please put your noose away."
"ADD, this is the second time I have told you to put away that noose."
"ADD, no matter how funny you think it is, you are not allowed to put that noose on our skeleton."
Almost died today when:
J was making a bar graph today, and he messed up the intervals. The bars were too close together and only took up a quarter of the page.
I said, "J, that looks awful."
He retorted, "YOU look awful."
I ALMOST DIED OF INTERNAL LAUGHTER. Good job, kid. That's what I would have said to my friends.
So I looked at him and said, "Go tell Scary 6th grade teacher what you said. Maybe she'll send her pterodactyl after you."
He started crying right there, begging me to not make him go.
So what did I do? I sent ADD as his escort to take him to Scary's room and retell the event. As I laughed on the inside for hours.
"ADD, please put your noose away."
"ADD, this is the second time I have told you to put away that noose."
"ADD, no matter how funny you think it is, you are not allowed to put that noose on our skeleton."
Almost died today when:
J was making a bar graph today, and he messed up the intervals. The bars were too close together and only took up a quarter of the page.
I said, "J, that looks awful."
He retorted, "YOU look awful."
I ALMOST DIED OF INTERNAL LAUGHTER. Good job, kid. That's what I would have said to my friends.
So I looked at him and said, "Go tell Scary 6th grade teacher what you said. Maybe she'll send her pterodactyl after you."
He started crying right there, begging me to not make him go.
So what did I do? I sent ADD as his escort to take him to Scary's room and retell the event. As I laughed on the inside for hours.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Frustrating
Dear Politicians,
If you would spend less time policing the bedroom and trying to instill your ideological crap into the heads of people who don't want to hear it, and more time on issues like education, I bet you wouldn't have such a shitty educational system.
I want to ask you this, overzealously religious politicians: how are people supposed to read the Bible if the educational system in this country is failing to produce functually literate human beings?
Start thumping your Bible at bills aimed to increase literacy in our youth. Then, they'll be able to read the stuff you are spewing at them.
Sincerely,
A frustrated educator
If you would spend less time policing the bedroom and trying to instill your ideological crap into the heads of people who don't want to hear it, and more time on issues like education, I bet you wouldn't have such a shitty educational system.
I want to ask you this, overzealously religious politicians: how are people supposed to read the Bible if the educational system in this country is failing to produce functually literate human beings?
Start thumping your Bible at bills aimed to increase literacy in our youth. Then, they'll be able to read the stuff you are spewing at them.
Sincerely,
A frustrated educator
Sunday, March 20, 2011
After my own heart...
After a joyful afternoon of spring training, we decided to go to BDubs to watch some March Madness. (Duh. Would you think any less of me?)
The manager of BDubs, while talking to us, takes his actual bracket out of his back pocket to reference it during our discussion.
That's a man after my own heart. Let's fall in love - just me, you, and your bracket.
The manager of BDubs, while talking to us, takes his actual bracket out of his back pocket to reference it during our discussion.
That's a man after my own heart. Let's fall in love - just me, you, and your bracket.
I concur...
Read Mathinaz's response to this.
I agree with her fiery response. I feel like I don't have to say much else about the topic.
Other than my retort to that evil letter writer, "Hey friend, I don't like to say the pledge of allegiance because of the phrase 'under God.' It was added to the pledge in the 50's to weed out the communists by Eisenhower's staff. Does that make me a commie? Or worse, an agnostic?"
And let's all not forget the fact that this person was a substitute teacher. Have we not thought about the idea that those students didn't want to learn FROM HIM? Perhaps we could think about the dynamics of leaving that this adult has no idea of. Students in the area that he taught have trust issues. (Oh, who wouldn't when everyone is leaving them...all of the time) They feel a need to test the people who try to take authority of them, to see if these people are worthy enough to gain their trust.
We teach them to NOT trust everyone. We teach them that some adults only want to use them (for drugs, for gangs, for money...whatever) and we tell them to be very careful of the people who they spend their time with. They are supposed to hurry home from school and they are rarely allowed to play outside (especially in the dark) because of the adults they cannot trust.
They also learn that they should not just give away their trust easily. If they learn to trust an adult, then the adult LEAVES THEM (parents, aunts and uncles left to care for them and then taken away, teachers who give up on them, neighbors and friends, etc) they get hurt. VERY HURT. So they put up walls so that they don't have to deal with the pain of loss.
What have I learned from being in the school for 4 years? If students trust you, then they will respect you.
So, I say back to you, substitute, what did YOU do to gain the students' trust? What did YOU do to gain the students' respect? OH, nothing? Well no wonder they treated you like shit. They knew you were going to leave them.
I agree with her fiery response. I feel like I don't have to say much else about the topic.
Other than my retort to that evil letter writer, "Hey friend, I don't like to say the pledge of allegiance because of the phrase 'under God.' It was added to the pledge in the 50's to weed out the communists by Eisenhower's staff. Does that make me a commie? Or worse, an agnostic?"
And let's all not forget the fact that this person was a substitute teacher. Have we not thought about the idea that those students didn't want to learn FROM HIM? Perhaps we could think about the dynamics of leaving that this adult has no idea of. Students in the area that he taught have trust issues. (Oh, who wouldn't when everyone is leaving them...all of the time) They feel a need to test the people who try to take authority of them, to see if these people are worthy enough to gain their trust.
We teach them to NOT trust everyone. We teach them that some adults only want to use them (for drugs, for gangs, for money...whatever) and we tell them to be very careful of the people who they spend their time with. They are supposed to hurry home from school and they are rarely allowed to play outside (especially in the dark) because of the adults they cannot trust.
They also learn that they should not just give away their trust easily. If they learn to trust an adult, then the adult LEAVES THEM (parents, aunts and uncles left to care for them and then taken away, teachers who give up on them, neighbors and friends, etc) they get hurt. VERY HURT. So they put up walls so that they don't have to deal with the pain of loss.
What have I learned from being in the school for 4 years? If students trust you, then they will respect you.
So, I say back to you, substitute, what did YOU do to gain the students' trust? What did YOU do to gain the students' respect? OH, nothing? Well no wonder they treated you like shit. They knew you were going to leave them.
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