Every semester, there comes a time when my life sucks. That time is research paper time. I have yet to find a successful way to impart the simplicity of MLA citations to my students. One day, before I retire, it will happen.
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Broken Windows
Had a conversation today with a fellow employee about the lack of discipline and disregard for school rules and policies by others in our school. It is something we deal with on a daily basis. There are a small percentage of teachers who enforce the rules, yet the vast majority do not. This becomes a burden on those who do. We look like the "jerks" of the school and the students quickly learn which classes to avoid and which teachers they need to placate in order to not get a referral. Most of this attitude on the part of the staff comes from the administration who are too busy to handle the small referrals in a timely manner so they get shuffled to the bottom of the stack and often don't get dealt with.
Unfortunately, this sets up a series of events and situations where even the good kids begin to flout the rules and chaos begins to slowly creep in. I know that there are some rules that seem meaningless and mundane, but it is their arbitrariness that creates a tone in the school. If we don't fix the small issues, then the small issues become big issues and suddenly you're in free-fall. Rant over.
Unfortunately, this sets up a series of events and situations where even the good kids begin to flout the rules and chaos begins to slowly creep in. I know that there are some rules that seem meaningless and mundane, but it is their arbitrariness that creates a tone in the school. If we don't fix the small issues, then the small issues become big issues and suddenly you're in free-fall. Rant over.
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Spring Break
The kids think they rule the joy of spring break, but I guarantee teachers are just as excited. My question for today...what can I learn today and use in the classroom in the future? Even on break, I am in planning mode.
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
BOY TOY
Before anyone who doesn't know gets the wrong idea, BOY TOY is the pet name given to male Teachers of the Year at my school. It is a moniker that was bestowed upon me to wear for the 2014-2015 school term. I am deeply honored to have been chosen; however, I don't feel that I am all that deserving. I see myself currently as mediocre teacher. There is a lot I need to improve about my teaching. Strangely though, I get the impression that being named Teacher of the Year will be the catalyst to me becoming Teacher of the Year, as paradoxical as that may sound.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Summer 2012
Here we go with another summer as I prepare for a new school year. I hope to become a better teacher and put my administrative dreams on hold.
Monday, February 20, 2012
It's been awhile...
2009 to 2012. That's a long time to let a blog sit idle. I don't know if I will do any better this time, but I plan to try. Tomorrow I issue interims to my second semester students. I have tried a new method of grading which involves giving them only one grade per week for class participation and one for homework. I usually grade every piece (and I still grade each one) as an individual grade, but have found this method a little cumbersome. I am still trying to identify the best way to check the work without wasting valuable class time. Besides, the grades have been terrible. With only two or three assignments each week, the averages can be drastic if a student misses one.
As for my scheduling, I still think I try to shove too much in for the tests. I don't think they know the stories at all when we are done. Part of that is that they don't read them, but on my end it just seems as if we're skimming.
As for my scheduling, I still think I try to shove too much in for the tests. I don't think they know the stories at all when we are done. Part of that is that they don't read them, but on my end it just seems as if we're skimming.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Are we really behind?
Checking out this article tonight: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090518/ap_on_re_us/us_education_trash_talk
I've always said that comparisons of US students to students in foreign countries is flawed. Sure there's stuff we could improve on, but students are learning. No Child Left Behind is a pipe-dream, but the opportunity is there for students who desire to learn and parents who are willing to stress the importance of an education. Frankly, we teachers don't have much say over the close nurture of a parent. If the parent doesn't support it, chances are the student isn't going to try to their potential. For that matter, they probably won't work to their potential if their parents do stress it. Life in America is too easy, and until we have to struggle, it is my belief that things won't change much in this country.
My opinion for what it's worth.
I've always said that comparisons of US students to students in foreign countries is flawed. Sure there's stuff we could improve on, but students are learning. No Child Left Behind is a pipe-dream, but the opportunity is there for students who desire to learn and parents who are willing to stress the importance of an education. Frankly, we teachers don't have much say over the close nurture of a parent. If the parent doesn't support it, chances are the student isn't going to try to their potential. For that matter, they probably won't work to their potential if their parents do stress it. Life in America is too easy, and until we have to struggle, it is my belief that things won't change much in this country.
My opinion for what it's worth.
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