With the passing of the great Elizabeth Taylor this past week, I wanted to showcase some of her talent. Here is a scene from Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf, for which she earned a Best Actress Academy Award.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
So, I have been going through some things lately . . .
Yes, I have been absent from my blog for a couple of weeks, which is a lot longer that I would have liked to. I have missed the opportunity of writing on a lot of unfolding events in our world (e.g. Japan, Libya, the newest events in Wisconsin). I won't promise that this will be the last time I ever do that, but I am going to try and start writing more frequently again. Was there a reason for my absence? Was I too busy, or did I just get lazy? Well, perhaps a little of both.
The main reason for my absence is that a couple weeks ago, the school that I work for informed me that they will not be renewing my contract for next year. I have spent the past couple of weeks preoccupied with searching for job opportunities and filling out applications. I have not had any calls for job interviews yet, but I do feel very confident about finding another job next year. There are plenty of special education job openings, and I check the internet everyday for new openings.
I always knew that loosing my job was a very real possibility due to the fact that a) states and local districts are making lots of cuts due to the budget, b) I do not have tenure, and c) the number of projected students that I teach is expected to significantly drop in the next 1-3 years. I am quite upset that the school cannot come out and say "We are cutting your job because of budget cuts". Although that is what it most likely is, they don't have to tell you a damn thing why they are cutting your job. This is a job I absolutely love to do, and a job I have spent hundreds of hours putting hard work into (hours that do not include the actual classroom time I am teaching). Now, the school I work for has informed me that I am not good enough to do it anymore for them. This is the thing that hurts me the most.
But I can only spend so much time feeling sorry for myself. A short period of self-pity is quite necessary, but overdoing it is not going to help me be a better teacher, or find me a new job. So, I dove headfirst into the job hunt, and I have been there ever since. Fortunately, I have been promised very good references by my supervisor and co-workers, and was reassured by those around me of the importance of the work I do. That helped my confidence greatly.
Also, I still have responsibilities at my current job that cannot be neglected. I promised my administrator that I will not let my non-renewal get in the way of what I need to do as a teacher. So far, I have not. If anything, I somehow feel I have become a better teacher. While I am little nervous about my future, I feel a certain freedom in the way approach my current job and teach my students. I worry less about what the school might think, and just focus helping the kids. That is one hell of a feeling! I still have a lot to look forward to before the year is over. My kids are training for the Job Olympics put on at Johnson County Community College, I have several other activities I will be doing with my students, and I have a few more IEPs left.
In addition, this will be the first year I participate in High School Graduation ceremonies since I earned my Master's degree. This means I get to wear a cool sash at graduation. I cannot tell you how much I look forward to graduation this year. I have several students I have grown close to over these past couple of years who are expected to walk.
One student, in particular, will make me especially proud if he can get to graduation. He has spent the past year largely absent from school. He comes from a very at-risk background full of poverty and crime. Our biggest worry at school was that he was doomed to drop out and eventually go to prison. Now, after a couple of times going through juvenile imprisonment, he has had a sudden change of heart. He is coming to his classes, doing all of his work, and taking extra courses through credit recovery. Suddenly, he is on track to graduate in May. He has promised to get back on track before, only to fall right back off track. But it does feels different this time: his attitude is more motivated, and his positive behavior is more consistent. I just hope he can keep doing what he is doing for a couple more months. A high school diploma will by no means ensure a secure future for him, but it does significantly increase his chances. If he walks across that stage with his gown and gap, and receives his diploma, it will certainly be one of the proudest moments of my career.
These are the reasons why I love what I do. I can only hope that my next job will provide these same types of opportunities.
The main reason for my absence is that a couple weeks ago, the school that I work for informed me that they will not be renewing my contract for next year. I have spent the past couple of weeks preoccupied with searching for job opportunities and filling out applications. I have not had any calls for job interviews yet, but I do feel very confident about finding another job next year. There are plenty of special education job openings, and I check the internet everyday for new openings.
I always knew that loosing my job was a very real possibility due to the fact that a) states and local districts are making lots of cuts due to the budget, b) I do not have tenure, and c) the number of projected students that I teach is expected to significantly drop in the next 1-3 years. I am quite upset that the school cannot come out and say "We are cutting your job because of budget cuts". Although that is what it most likely is, they don't have to tell you a damn thing why they are cutting your job. This is a job I absolutely love to do, and a job I have spent hundreds of hours putting hard work into (hours that do not include the actual classroom time I am teaching). Now, the school I work for has informed me that I am not good enough to do it anymore for them. This is the thing that hurts me the most.
But I can only spend so much time feeling sorry for myself. A short period of self-pity is quite necessary, but overdoing it is not going to help me be a better teacher, or find me a new job. So, I dove headfirst into the job hunt, and I have been there ever since. Fortunately, I have been promised very good references by my supervisor and co-workers, and was reassured by those around me of the importance of the work I do. That helped my confidence greatly.
Also, I still have responsibilities at my current job that cannot be neglected. I promised my administrator that I will not let my non-renewal get in the way of what I need to do as a teacher. So far, I have not. If anything, I somehow feel I have become a better teacher. While I am little nervous about my future, I feel a certain freedom in the way approach my current job and teach my students. I worry less about what the school might think, and just focus helping the kids. That is one hell of a feeling! I still have a lot to look forward to before the year is over. My kids are training for the Job Olympics put on at Johnson County Community College, I have several other activities I will be doing with my students, and I have a few more IEPs left.
In addition, this will be the first year I participate in High School Graduation ceremonies since I earned my Master's degree. This means I get to wear a cool sash at graduation. I cannot tell you how much I look forward to graduation this year. I have several students I have grown close to over these past couple of years who are expected to walk.
One student, in particular, will make me especially proud if he can get to graduation. He has spent the past year largely absent from school. He comes from a very at-risk background full of poverty and crime. Our biggest worry at school was that he was doomed to drop out and eventually go to prison. Now, after a couple of times going through juvenile imprisonment, he has had a sudden change of heart. He is coming to his classes, doing all of his work, and taking extra courses through credit recovery. Suddenly, he is on track to graduate in May. He has promised to get back on track before, only to fall right back off track. But it does feels different this time: his attitude is more motivated, and his positive behavior is more consistent. I just hope he can keep doing what he is doing for a couple more months. A high school diploma will by no means ensure a secure future for him, but it does significantly increase his chances. If he walks across that stage with his gown and gap, and receives his diploma, it will certainly be one of the proudest moments of my career.
These are the reasons why I love what I do. I can only hope that my next job will provide these same types of opportunities.
Monday, March 14, 2011
A Video for Sunday . . . I mean, Monday
Yep, I forgot my Video for Sunday while on vacation. But as I said in my previous post, I have been dealing with some personal things going on lately (and I do plan on writing about it eventually). So, I am doing my video a day late, and it is on something that I have been trying to do a lot of lately. This week's video comes from the greatest comedy troop of all time (and I am a big fan of comedy troops). Just remember, when life gets you down . . .
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Life Goes On
I have been MIA from blogging, internet, and education chat for the past few days. I was having a pretty good week until a couple of days ago. I can't really talk about what happened, but I promise I will eventually. I just started my spring break, and will be off of school for the next week. Right now, I am back in Central Missouri enjoying the company of my family and childhood friends for the next few days. I don't know if I will blog anymore this weekend (other than the Video for Sunday), but I promise to do a fair amount next week.
As I said, I am not going to talk about what happened to me right now. While I have been feeling kind of gloomy, I will say that at this current time, I am feeling optimistic about what the future has in store for me. The way I look at it, I can continue to sit around and feel sorry for myself, or I can stay positive, and do what I need to do. I choose the latter.
As I said, I am not going to talk about what happened to me right now. While I have been feeling kind of gloomy, I will say that at this current time, I am feeling optimistic about what the future has in store for me. The way I look at it, I can continue to sit around and feel sorry for myself, or I can stay positive, and do what I need to do. I choose the latter.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Highlight of the Day: 3/8/2011
Photo from Answers.com
Today, I went on a field trip with some of my students to the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library in Independence, MO. It was a very pleasant trip, and there were no major problems as there easily could have been. I enjoyed walking through the library and explaining different events that happened during the Truman Presidency to my students. However, I am not sure they understood everything that was discussed, and I am skeptical of how much they will remember whenever we get a chance to talk about the trip in class (it is at least partially a function of their disability). My US Social Studies classes just finished discussing the Civil War, so we haven't discussed World War II yet (although I think I will get to this very shortly). I did tell the students from my classes that were on the trip to expect questions in class, so they should try to absorb as much information as possible. We will see how that goes in a couple of days.
As far as what I think of President Truman, I am generally a fan. I won't say I necessarily agree with all of his actions (e.g. dropping of atomic bombs, forcing end to railroad strike, etc.) But overall, I believe our country was better off because of his Presidency. And as unpopular as he was when he left office, it is interesting to see how history now views his presidency in a more positive light. I am sure that part of the reason I am such a fan is my bias as a native Missourian. He isn't my favorite President, but he is definitely in my Top 5.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Highlight of the Day: 3/7/2011
Reviewed my teacher evaluation with a principal today. I definitely improved since the last time I was evaluated. While I still have some improvements to make, I am definitely proud of how I did. Now I just have to wait to hear from the powers that be about whether or not they want to renew my contract for next year. Keeping my fingers crossed.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Highlight of the Weekend: 3/5/2011-3/6/2011
Normally, I will not be writing "Highlights on the Weekend" because the only work-related activities I am usually doing then are working on lesson plans and IEPs. However, I have to share this story.
It is Saturday morning, and I am sitting in my pajamas eating breakfast with my wife. I get a phone call from a number I do not recognize. It turns out to be the mother of a girl I work with at school. This girl had brought home an electric simulation baby doll for the weekend for her parenting class to see how she takes care of it. It is one of those dolls that mimics the actions and needs of a real baby (crying, hungry, uses the bathroom, etc.) That morning the baby stopped working, and the girl is freaking out. I would be to, because those dolls are quite expensive, and the students are held responsible for any damage done to them. Mom wanted to know if I had a home phone number to contact the teacher of the parenting class. I didn't have one, and I recommended that she email the teacher, and hopes she checks her email over the weekend, and gets back to you. I guess I will find out what happens Monday morning.
It is Saturday morning, and I am sitting in my pajamas eating breakfast with my wife. I get a phone call from a number I do not recognize. It turns out to be the mother of a girl I work with at school. This girl had brought home an electric simulation baby doll for the weekend for her parenting class to see how she takes care of it. It is one of those dolls that mimics the actions and needs of a real baby (crying, hungry, uses the bathroom, etc.) That morning the baby stopped working, and the girl is freaking out. I would be to, because those dolls are quite expensive, and the students are held responsible for any damage done to them. Mom wanted to know if I had a home phone number to contact the teacher of the parenting class. I didn't have one, and I recommended that she email the teacher, and hopes she checks her email over the weekend, and gets back to you. I guess I will find out what happens Monday morning.
A Video for Sunday
"The love for all living creatures is the most noble attribute of man" -Charles Darwin
Friday, March 4, 2011
Again, Thank You Jon Stewart
On last night's The Daily Show, Jon Stewart did another segment on the recent trend of teacher bashing. As I said in my previous post on this topic, I can understand how the salary and benefits looks pretty good in this economy to many, but it wasn't all that long ago teachers (like a lot of public sector workers) were considered underpaid and overworked. But now that times are tough, and so many in the private sector are suffering, public employee workers like teachers have it to easy. Everyone has to bare the burden. Everyone has to sacrifice. . .
. . .except, apparently, the CEOs of major banks and Fortune 500 companies:
Also on last nights episode is an interview Jon Stewart has with Diane Ravitch. Enjoy!
| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
| Crisis in Dairyland - For Richer and Poorer | ||||
| ||||
. . .except, apparently, the CEOs of major banks and Fortune 500 companies:
Also on last nights episode is an interview Jon Stewart has with Diane Ravitch. Enjoy!
| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
| Diane Ravitch | ||||
| ||||
Highlight of the Day: 3/4/2011
Gave a math test on Geometry today. Specifically: types of lines, polygons, types of triangles, finding the missing angle in a triangle, perimeters, area of square/rectangle, circumference, and area of a circle. The scores varied. What unit shall I cover next? I will probably work on money and word problems a little bit next week, and then decide from there.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Highlight of the Day: 3/3/2011
My teaching was evaluated by one of the principals at the high school I worked at. I did a lot better than my first semester evaluation, though the misbehavior of a couple of my students cramped my style. Still, I feel pretty good about it, and glad it is over. I will know the results of my evaluation Monday.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Highlight of the Day: 3/2/2011
As busy as I am, I don't get to do longer posts as much as I would like to. So, I am think I am going to try something new that would help me publish material on my blog a little more frequently. The "Highlight of the Day" is going to be something that happened at my job that simply shares what is going on in my job. It can be good, bad, interesting, or just plain bizarre. It really doesn't matter. I will tell you that most days, it will be short, and to the point. I won't promise that I will post it everyday, but when I am up for it after work, I will make an effort to put something. Here is my first highlight of the day:
Today, I got to play a 30-second sample of Bob Marley's Classic Song "Buffalo Soldiers" for my US Social Studies course. We are finishing a unit on the Civil War, and I gave them a worksheet on the African-American Army infantries with the same nickname. I thought the song would be a nice addition to the worksheet. Most of the students liked it, but a few were indifferent. Only a couple had ever heard of Bob Marley (I was disappointed at that).
Read a little American History, then listen to some Bob.
Today, I got to play a 30-second sample of Bob Marley's Classic Song "Buffalo Soldiers" for my US Social Studies course. We are finishing a unit on the Civil War, and I gave them a worksheet on the African-American Army infantries with the same nickname. I thought the song would be a nice addition to the worksheet. Most of the students liked it, but a few were indifferent. Only a couple had ever heard of Bob Marley (I was disappointed at that).
Read a little American History, then listen to some Bob.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Thank You, Jon Stewart!
Teacher bashing is nothing new, but since the events is Wisconsin started two weeks ago, it has seemed to reach an all time high by many in the media. In the clips below, Jon Stewart takes a look at this phenomenon. Not only are teachers being blamed for the budget crisis that affects nearly every state across the country, but some of the oldest, most overused and unnecessary put downs of teachers are being used by pundits who feel most teachers have it easy. As The Daily Show played clips of these pundits talking about what a cushy job teachers have, I sat in cold silence with a smirk on my face, while my wife yelled at the TV because they clearly didn't know what the hell they were talking about.
Jon Stewart, certainly out of a love for his mother who is a teacher, takes on these pundits, and defends teachers against these charges. Anyone who is a teacher or who has a loved-one who is a teacher knows that teaching is anything but cushy (with the exception of the Fox News pundit in the first video below whose Mom is a teacher). There are many long hours outside of their work day where they are grading papers, planning lessons, or talking to parents. Chances are, if a teacher isn't spending time outside of their 8-hour contract period doing work, they aren't very good at their job. Yes, there are summer breaks, but many teachers teach summer school, tutor, take a second job to earn extra income, or spend time coming up with new lesson ideas and getting ready for the upcoming year. Often times, they are doing a combination of these.
Finally, there is the issue of teachers having a cushy pay in comparison to those in the private-sector workforce. I will admit that in today's economy, the pay of a teacher probably looks pretty good compared to the many jobs people are now forced to get because of hard times. But five years ago, when I decided to become a teacher, this was not the case. While teachers have always had their detractors, it was widely agreed that teachers were overworked and underpaid. One woman I knew growing up who is a now-retired professor of education joked that whenever I get married, I will know that girl is not marrying me because of the money I make (and I can honestly say that is true). But times have changed, and suddenly teachers have it easy, they are overpaid, and are living off the the hard-earned money of the taxpayer (how dare we do that). Fortunately, Jon Stewart challenges this thinking, and brings in some much-needed reality to this debate.
Here is Part 1:
Here is Part 2, a message to the teachers from Jon Stewart:
Jon Stewart, certainly out of a love for his mother who is a teacher, takes on these pundits, and defends teachers against these charges. Anyone who is a teacher or who has a loved-one who is a teacher knows that teaching is anything but cushy (with the exception of the Fox News pundit in the first video below whose Mom is a teacher). There are many long hours outside of their work day where they are grading papers, planning lessons, or talking to parents. Chances are, if a teacher isn't spending time outside of their 8-hour contract period doing work, they aren't very good at their job. Yes, there are summer breaks, but many teachers teach summer school, tutor, take a second job to earn extra income, or spend time coming up with new lesson ideas and getting ready for the upcoming year. Often times, they are doing a combination of these.
Finally, there is the issue of teachers having a cushy pay in comparison to those in the private-sector workforce. I will admit that in today's economy, the pay of a teacher probably looks pretty good compared to the many jobs people are now forced to get because of hard times. But five years ago, when I decided to become a teacher, this was not the case. While teachers have always had their detractors, it was widely agreed that teachers were overworked and underpaid. One woman I knew growing up who is a now-retired professor of education joked that whenever I get married, I will know that girl is not marrying me because of the money I make (and I can honestly say that is true). But times have changed, and suddenly teachers have it easy, they are overpaid, and are living off the the hard-earned money of the taxpayer (how dare we do that). Fortunately, Jon Stewart challenges this thinking, and brings in some much-needed reality to this debate.
Here is Part 1:
| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
| Crisis in Dairyland - Angry Curds | ||||
| ||||
Here is Part 2, a message to the teachers from Jon Stewart:
| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
| Crisis in Dairyland - Message for Teachers | ||||
| ||||
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