Will every day be a struggle for the next 4 years?
Now I am trying not to scream and shout about the hypocrisy of the Trump supporters. Let's face it: if Trump had won the popular vote but lost the electoral vote, his supporters would have gone ape shit. Naturally, fueled by his statements about the election being rigged, they would be demanding justice. Or, insist that Trump not concede the race. Having won the race they claim that the protesters are just sore losers.
I am also struggling with the Melania Trump support. The woman allowed herself to be photographed nude, and now people are jumping to her defense because she has a child. ???
And, Melania has chosen cyberbullying to be her cause. How odd, when she is married to a man who bullies people on social media.
I am trying to get through.
Saturday, November 12, 2016
Friday, November 11, 2016
Trying to find Solace
I have lost yet another night of sleep as a result of the election. Some have called me a bad loser, bitter, elitist. I am perhaps all or none. But I need a place to vent because I cannot wrap my hands around the neck of the special interests who allowed or forced this to happen.
First, let's look at the insurance hikes that so conveniently happened so recently. People were furious and decided to put Obamacare out of business. I too am upset with the rise of insurance costs, but I also know that if the people in office were more willing to work with the President to draft this law to ensure that a cap was in place, the rise would not have happened. Insurance companies are in business to make money. Illness takes that money away. But despite our medical advances, there are still far too many people who do not have access to healthcare. There are many who were in danger of having no healthcare because insurance companies did not like how much their illnesses would cost. Case in point: I know a woman who had to have a liver transplant about 15 years ago. She was not a drunk or drug user, she just had some bad luck. Now she is worried if she will be able to afford her medicine.
Perhaps I am being elitist when I say that many people around me seem to think that just because they voted for a new President their premiums will not increase.
Second, the gun lobby. I cannot comprehend the number of people who believe that a Democrat in the White House will take away their gun. It will not happen. Goodness, how many times must that be said????
Finally, the idea that one President will make America great again is truly problematic. One person cannot do the job. Also, do we all define greatness the same way? What is Trump's definition?
To me, a great nation is one that has good healthcare, good schools, good policies that serve all the people not just a few. A great nation is one that hears the needs of all. A great nation is one that works will all members. A great nation embraces all the people who live in it and creates policies that acknowledge the hardships some face.
It's true this is not a great nation. I struggle with the belief or faith that Trump and the people who put him in office can make it great again.
First, let's look at the insurance hikes that so conveniently happened so recently. People were furious and decided to put Obamacare out of business. I too am upset with the rise of insurance costs, but I also know that if the people in office were more willing to work with the President to draft this law to ensure that a cap was in place, the rise would not have happened. Insurance companies are in business to make money. Illness takes that money away. But despite our medical advances, there are still far too many people who do not have access to healthcare. There are many who were in danger of having no healthcare because insurance companies did not like how much their illnesses would cost. Case in point: I know a woman who had to have a liver transplant about 15 years ago. She was not a drunk or drug user, she just had some bad luck. Now she is worried if she will be able to afford her medicine.
Perhaps I am being elitist when I say that many people around me seem to think that just because they voted for a new President their premiums will not increase.
Second, the gun lobby. I cannot comprehend the number of people who believe that a Democrat in the White House will take away their gun. It will not happen. Goodness, how many times must that be said????
Finally, the idea that one President will make America great again is truly problematic. One person cannot do the job. Also, do we all define greatness the same way? What is Trump's definition?
To me, a great nation is one that has good healthcare, good schools, good policies that serve all the people not just a few. A great nation is one that hears the needs of all. A great nation is one that works will all members. A great nation embraces all the people who live in it and creates policies that acknowledge the hardships some face.
It's true this is not a great nation. I struggle with the belief or faith that Trump and the people who put him in office can make it great again.
Monday, May 2, 2016
The Long Term Effects of No Consequences
Last year my colleagues and I were pretty surprised to learn that students would not be suspended any longer.
Why?
Simply because there were too many of them occurring. The educational reasoning was that students were losing educational time when they were suspended. It was educationally responsible to keep those students in school.
Isn't that swell? I wonder if anyone stops to think about the impact of that reasoning on the rest of the students in the class or grade or building. It's not a difficult task to see how poor, accepted behavior creates more poor, accepted behavior. Before you know it, all students think they can do what they want with little repercussions about their actions.
Is there a fix?
Sadly, I think the calm students get short shrift. They are forced to put up with the nonsense of the others and miss out on an education in the long run.
In my humble opinion, we will only look at the long-lasting impact of keeping poorly behaved students in the classroom when a student and his/her parent bring a lawsuit against the school. I am eager to see that happen frankly.
Schools cost a lot of money. There is no reason good students should have to continually suffer the consequences of being in a room with others who have no consequences.
Why?
Simply because there were too many of them occurring. The educational reasoning was that students were losing educational time when they were suspended. It was educationally responsible to keep those students in school.
Isn't that swell? I wonder if anyone stops to think about the impact of that reasoning on the rest of the students in the class or grade or building. It's not a difficult task to see how poor, accepted behavior creates more poor, accepted behavior. Before you know it, all students think they can do what they want with little repercussions about their actions.
Is there a fix?
Sadly, I think the calm students get short shrift. They are forced to put up with the nonsense of the others and miss out on an education in the long run.
In my humble opinion, we will only look at the long-lasting impact of keeping poorly behaved students in the classroom when a student and his/her parent bring a lawsuit against the school. I am eager to see that happen frankly.
Schools cost a lot of money. There is no reason good students should have to continually suffer the consequences of being in a room with others who have no consequences.
Monday, March 28, 2016
Improve Literacy and Cut the Librarian
We live in an age when the word "literacy" is the equivalent of educational gold. All teachers need to use it -- so instead of working on actual art and delving into the actual creative process, teachers need to add a reading -- literacy -- component to their work.
Swell.
Why then do the jobs of librarian so often wind up on the chopping block? Ask kids in inner city schools -- the kids who do not generally have money in their budget to buy books -- what they think is important and they'll mention the need for a good library that they have access to.
So, why do principals who supposedly embrace literacy get rid of the librarian? Is it because they think that job can be done by anyone? Is it because they feel the need to up the technology budget? Whatever it is, it makes no sense.
At my old school in Brooklyn, students were not allowed in the building without a book. No one stopped those kids to even ask them about the book they were reading. I caught an 8th grade boy reading 50 Shades of Grey; I caught a 5th grader using the book The Things They Carried as his pass to enter the building.
My principal's policy of using a book to gain entry to the building must have looked damn fine on paper. It was a joke in real life. But no one cared.
Well, no one cared until the literacy scores came in. Then the teachers were yelled at for poor scores. All the kids need is a book -- and access to it.
Go out and hire more librarians. Have them get kids involved in the LOVE of reading. Have them start book groups -- for students AND teachers. (Frankly, I find it suspect to work with teachers who claim they are too busy to read. ?????)
Swell.
Why then do the jobs of librarian so often wind up on the chopping block? Ask kids in inner city schools -- the kids who do not generally have money in their budget to buy books -- what they think is important and they'll mention the need for a good library that they have access to.
So, why do principals who supposedly embrace literacy get rid of the librarian? Is it because they think that job can be done by anyone? Is it because they feel the need to up the technology budget? Whatever it is, it makes no sense.
At my old school in Brooklyn, students were not allowed in the building without a book. No one stopped those kids to even ask them about the book they were reading. I caught an 8th grade boy reading 50 Shades of Grey; I caught a 5th grader using the book The Things They Carried as his pass to enter the building.
My principal's policy of using a book to gain entry to the building must have looked damn fine on paper. It was a joke in real life. But no one cared.
Well, no one cared until the literacy scores came in. Then the teachers were yelled at for poor scores. All the kids need is a book -- and access to it.
Go out and hire more librarians. Have them get kids involved in the LOVE of reading. Have them start book groups -- for students AND teachers. (Frankly, I find it suspect to work with teachers who claim they are too busy to read. ?????)
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
Connect Kids to Good Books
I used to love teaching To Kill a Mockingbird. Unfortunately, after my time in Brooklyn, I realize that it's a very difficult book for weak readers. Why make them read it?
Okay, I made an error. It's a great book. But it's only great to read if you are a strong reader. Too few students are strong enough to wade through Scout's long-winded considerations about the Southern culture in which she lives. It's a bygone era that fails to engage current readers who have difficulty imagining what's happening.
If we really want students to be able to read the classics, we need to give them surer footing. A great way to do that is to offer current books. That means having a budget to pay for new books and to hire teachers who are readers (who else will recommend these books after all?). When I was in an all-boys classroom, I spent time with some readers. I strongly recommended Edward Bloor's book Tangerine (and gave copies to those interested), and a funny thing happened: the boys read the book and liked it. I read The Crossover by Kwame Alexander to my class -- they sat and listened! Imagine if we took the time and money to engage kids with reading they wanted to do.
Special classes are often on the chopping block when it comes to tight budgets. On the surface it appears that in our climate of testing, it's okay to shave art and music from the budget. It's been my experience, however, that these cuts are hurting students. When asked to read a passage about the skills needed to forge a piece of art, it would be helpful for students to know the artist who is being forged and the techniques one would use to paint such a forgery.
Anyway, I believe that we need to put literacy in the front of our minds. Tech seems to reign supreme, but it can't hold a candle to a good book.
Okay, I made an error. It's a great book. But it's only great to read if you are a strong reader. Too few students are strong enough to wade through Scout's long-winded considerations about the Southern culture in which she lives. It's a bygone era that fails to engage current readers who have difficulty imagining what's happening.
If we really want students to be able to read the classics, we need to give them surer footing. A great way to do that is to offer current books. That means having a budget to pay for new books and to hire teachers who are readers (who else will recommend these books after all?). When I was in an all-boys classroom, I spent time with some readers. I strongly recommended Edward Bloor's book Tangerine (and gave copies to those interested), and a funny thing happened: the boys read the book and liked it. I read The Crossover by Kwame Alexander to my class -- they sat and listened! Imagine if we took the time and money to engage kids with reading they wanted to do.
Special classes are often on the chopping block when it comes to tight budgets. On the surface it appears that in our climate of testing, it's okay to shave art and music from the budget. It's been my experience, however, that these cuts are hurting students. When asked to read a passage about the skills needed to forge a piece of art, it would be helpful for students to know the artist who is being forged and the techniques one would use to paint such a forgery.
Anyway, I believe that we need to put literacy in the front of our minds. Tech seems to reign supreme, but it can't hold a candle to a good book.
Saturday, February 6, 2016
School Reform -- One size doesn't fit all
Many of my thoughts about school reform stem from my years of teaching -- particularly from my t years in urban schools in Las Vegas andNew York City.
Reform of public education is well beyond due, but the problem is that we are seeking a one size fits all fix. As we continue on that path, the goal drifts further and further away. To truly make change, the situation must be closely monitored, analyzed, and then solution should be put in place. And then the solution should be monitored and altered or discarded as need be. When I taught the book To Kill a Mockingbird for several years, I found myself no longer liking it. I had a particular class that had difficulty reading so instead of forcing the issue, I dropped the book from the curriculum for that year. there is no law that says change cannot be made periodically especially when the professional sees that there will be a problem.
Anyway, let me be more clear.
In Las Vegas where the class size was around 40 students per class, there was a huge problem with students dropping in or out of classes. I would begin the semester with a given set of students and finish the semester with a different group. Obviously moving from one class (or school) to another during any given year will have an impact on learning. However, making a policy change to address that issue would be futile in my school in NYC. There, I very rarely had class roster changes.
In NYC, kindergarten students read a book called Life in a Pond . Unfortunately, many of those students don't have first hand knowledge of a pond. What it looks like or smells like. Here is a problem where the curriculum doesn't suit the population. Now, I'm not saying students shouldn't read the book (or have it read to them), but to maximize the learning, it should be a given that all students who read that book have the chance to visit a pond during the course of study. It's a simple solution, not a school reform.
We need to stop wasting money on public education before the rich get fed up and decide to stop funding it altogether. Then we'll be stuck back in the old days when only the fortunate got an education while the less fortunate were forced to work in dead end jobs.
We need change. But we need that change to be well-thought for each situation.
Reform of public education is well beyond due, but the problem is that we are seeking a one size fits all fix. As we continue on that path, the goal drifts further and further away. To truly make change, the situation must be closely monitored, analyzed, and then solution should be put in place. And then the solution should be monitored and altered or discarded as need be. When I taught the book To Kill a Mockingbird for several years, I found myself no longer liking it. I had a particular class that had difficulty reading so instead of forcing the issue, I dropped the book from the curriculum for that year. there is no law that says change cannot be made periodically especially when the professional sees that there will be a problem.
Anyway, let me be more clear.
In Las Vegas where the class size was around 40 students per class, there was a huge problem with students dropping in or out of classes. I would begin the semester with a given set of students and finish the semester with a different group. Obviously moving from one class (or school) to another during any given year will have an impact on learning. However, making a policy change to address that issue would be futile in my school in NYC. There, I very rarely had class roster changes.
In NYC, kindergarten students read a book called Life in a Pond . Unfortunately, many of those students don't have first hand knowledge of a pond. What it looks like or smells like. Here is a problem where the curriculum doesn't suit the population. Now, I'm not saying students shouldn't read the book (or have it read to them), but to maximize the learning, it should be a given that all students who read that book have the chance to visit a pond during the course of study. It's a simple solution, not a school reform.
We need to stop wasting money on public education before the rich get fed up and decide to stop funding it altogether. Then we'll be stuck back in the old days when only the fortunate got an education while the less fortunate were forced to work in dead end jobs.
We need change. But we need that change to be well-thought for each situation.
Thursday, December 17, 2015
The Joys of Unemployment
It's stressful to be unemployed. However, when you feel less stress when you're unemployed than you felt when you were employed, then that's saying something.
A case in point:
My birthday fell on a Saturday. I took a class in the morning, took a hike in the afternoon, then went to a really nice dinner in the evening. In between I enjoyed a visit from my brother.
If I had my old job, I would have done all the above, but I wouldn't have been able to enjoy my time because I would be worrying about the work that needed doing.
Another case in point:
After a great family get together for Thanksgiving, and several days off with my husband, Sunday night came rolling around. I realized as I was getting into bed that at that time last year, I was getting nervous about dragging my butt back to work. Instead, I was able to reflect on the time we had and enjoy.
I guess I need to remind myself that while having an income is nice, staying home is nice too. And I should consider that there is joy in staying put and being available to family when they need me.
A case in point:
My birthday fell on a Saturday. I took a class in the morning, took a hike in the afternoon, then went to a really nice dinner in the evening. In between I enjoyed a visit from my brother.
If I had my old job, I would have done all the above, but I wouldn't have been able to enjoy my time because I would be worrying about the work that needed doing.
Another case in point:
After a great family get together for Thanksgiving, and several days off with my husband, Sunday night came rolling around. I realized as I was getting into bed that at that time last year, I was getting nervous about dragging my butt back to work. Instead, I was able to reflect on the time we had and enjoy.
I guess I need to remind myself that while having an income is nice, staying home is nice too. And I should consider that there is joy in staying put and being available to family when they need me.
Sunday, September 14, 2014
My job makes me nervous
Many years ago when I first began my career as a teacher, I enjoyed what I did. Although my boss could be a pain, she was essentially a fair woman who worked to keep teachers doing their job while at the same time making sure that the students were growing. We did not have data to determine how best to move forward. We looked at the students; we generally knew who they were and we moved forward.
These days all that is gone.
I toil for hours doing lesson plans. (For the record, I had to hand my lesson plans in every Monday morning in my first job. NEVER did I have stress or the sickness at the pit of my stomach that I suffer now.)
I am supposed to use the data to help students. Students who know what they're doing but don't have the time to do the work correctly. For example, if I look at the summative data, it looks like my students don't know how to cite text evidence in literary work. However, when I look at the diagnostic test, what I see is that students don't have the attention span to finish the work assigned. So, I receive data that suggests that they cannot cite text evidence when in fact they did not even get to the question.
Tomorrow I have a meeting with my boss to plan the next year. While I have a pretty good handle on what I'm doing, I still feel nervous about having to meet with her. There is something wrong with this. Employees who arrive to work fully prepared to do their job shouldn't feel the level of stress that a mean boss can force upon them.
I guess what I'm saying is that my boss should be less of a tyrant and more of a leader.
These days all that is gone.
I toil for hours doing lesson plans. (For the record, I had to hand my lesson plans in every Monday morning in my first job. NEVER did I have stress or the sickness at the pit of my stomach that I suffer now.)
I am supposed to use the data to help students. Students who know what they're doing but don't have the time to do the work correctly. For example, if I look at the summative data, it looks like my students don't know how to cite text evidence in literary work. However, when I look at the diagnostic test, what I see is that students don't have the attention span to finish the work assigned. So, I receive data that suggests that they cannot cite text evidence when in fact they did not even get to the question.
Tomorrow I have a meeting with my boss to plan the next year. While I have a pretty good handle on what I'm doing, I still feel nervous about having to meet with her. There is something wrong with this. Employees who arrive to work fully prepared to do their job shouldn't feel the level of stress that a mean boss can force upon them.
I guess what I'm saying is that my boss should be less of a tyrant and more of a leader.
Friday, August 29, 2014
Small Victory
My first memory of "gardening" was when I was in 7th grade and I threw some morning glory seeds into the ground. To my surprise, they grew. I even needed to construct a trellis for them. My experience was that they were an easy thing to grow.
Needless to say, that was the last time morning glories were easy to grow. Living in the deer path and virtual nature preserve where I am has been quite peaceful and frustrating as a gardener. I can't even count the money I have spent on plants only to have them eaten by the wildlife. And it's not as though I plant things that deer love. Quite the contrary: I have limited my choices to plants deer generally don't eat. Ha! They've even nibbled daffodils!
So, I have a fenced garden now. All should grow, right?
Wrong!
What the deer don't eat, the ground hogs do (woodchuck? whatever).
This year I was determined to get some morning glories growing. Perhaps I was spurned on by the beauty of my clematis blooming or the fact that the hollyhock seeds from last year actually gave me blooming plants. In any event, I was not going to allow the critters to get me down. I wrapped deer netting around the trellis where the seeds were planted. And my efforts were rewarded:
This is what keeps a gardener's hopes alive. Small victories!
Needless to say, that was the last time morning glories were easy to grow. Living in the deer path and virtual nature preserve where I am has been quite peaceful and frustrating as a gardener. I can't even count the money I have spent on plants only to have them eaten by the wildlife. And it's not as though I plant things that deer love. Quite the contrary: I have limited my choices to plants deer generally don't eat. Ha! They've even nibbled daffodils!
So, I have a fenced garden now. All should grow, right?
Wrong!
What the deer don't eat, the ground hogs do (woodchuck? whatever).
This year I was determined to get some morning glories growing. Perhaps I was spurned on by the beauty of my clematis blooming or the fact that the hollyhock seeds from last year actually gave me blooming plants. In any event, I was not going to allow the critters to get me down. I wrapped deer netting around the trellis where the seeds were planted. And my efforts were rewarded:
This is what keeps a gardener's hopes alive. Small victories!
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Communication
Days away from my return to work after a long vacation and I learn through the grapevine that there is a meeting at work tomorrow at 10 am.
So, if I did not ask a co-worker earlier in the week about being let in the building to set up my room, I doubt he'd have told me that this session is going on. When I called the school to confirm, I was told that I did not need to come because it is not part of my contract time, but I was obviously allowed to be there.
?????
WHY HAVE A MEETING IF NOT ALL THE PLAYERS ARE PRESENT?
Or, perhaps this is just a way to determine who is willing to be a part of the crap system that is in place?
My biggest complaint about where I work is that there is no communication. How could I expect my students to do the work if I were not able to communicate with them? Shouldn't the same be true of my boss??
So, what to do? Ignore the place because no one communicated with me or go in to hopefully get some information that would not otherwise be communicated.......
Good bye summer.
So, if I did not ask a co-worker earlier in the week about being let in the building to set up my room, I doubt he'd have told me that this session is going on. When I called the school to confirm, I was told that I did not need to come because it is not part of my contract time, but I was obviously allowed to be there.
?????
WHY HAVE A MEETING IF NOT ALL THE PLAYERS ARE PRESENT?
Or, perhaps this is just a way to determine who is willing to be a part of the crap system that is in place?
My biggest complaint about where I work is that there is no communication. How could I expect my students to do the work if I were not able to communicate with them? Shouldn't the same be true of my boss??
So, what to do? Ignore the place because no one communicated with me or go in to hopefully get some information that would not otherwise be communicated.......
Good bye summer.
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
The end (of summer) is near
Well, in less than two weeks it's back to school. Where has the summer gone??
And, what did I do?
There is still a mile long list of things I wanted to get done but didn't. Still, I feel rested and ready to return to the treadmill.
The biggest issue: I build my house 18 years ago and it looks it. Time for some updating: painting the interior, gutting the family room/ mud room in the basement, building a front porch and redoing the entry walk plus doing new front landscaping. Oh, I also want new flooring in the three bedrooms and in the bathroom and kitchen.
Lots to do.
But not impossible.
Today I made some baby steps. I left messages for two people for the painting. (I'm keeping it local if I can.)
Progress comes s-l-o-w-l-y at my house.
And, what did I do?
There is still a mile long list of things I wanted to get done but didn't. Still, I feel rested and ready to return to the treadmill.
The biggest issue: I build my house 18 years ago and it looks it. Time for some updating: painting the interior, gutting the family room/ mud room in the basement, building a front porch and redoing the entry walk plus doing new front landscaping. Oh, I also want new flooring in the three bedrooms and in the bathroom and kitchen.
Lots to do.
But not impossible.
Today I made some baby steps. I left messages for two people for the painting. (I'm keeping it local if I can.)
Progress comes s-l-o-w-l-y at my house.
Friday, July 11, 2014
Summer Break
Ahhh....summer vacation.
Now the other real work begins. I have the messiest basement you could imagine. And, although it'll take me until I return to school in September, I will work on this project.
First up, go through all the papers and books. Toss what I don't need; file away the other things. As a office supply junkie, I have TONS of office supplies. Pens. Pencils. Paper -- note pads, looseleaf and note books. I have a ton of folders -- and they're brand new!! Binders? Check - name the size I have it. Index cards. Highlighters. Well, you get the idea.
In six hours today, I was able to tackle a pair of bookshelves. And I am tired. And I have only made a baby dent in the disaster that is my basement.
Ugh. summer vacation.
Now the other real work begins. I have the messiest basement you could imagine. And, although it'll take me until I return to school in September, I will work on this project.
First up, go through all the papers and books. Toss what I don't need; file away the other things. As a office supply junkie, I have TONS of office supplies. Pens. Pencils. Paper -- note pads, looseleaf and note books. I have a ton of folders -- and they're brand new!! Binders? Check - name the size I have it. Index cards. Highlighters. Well, you get the idea.
In six hours today, I was able to tackle a pair of bookshelves. And I am tired. And I have only made a baby dent in the disaster that is my basement.
Ugh. summer vacation.
Sunday, May 4, 2014
Stop the negativity of testing
I had an epiphany this week as I was administering the Math tests to my 8th graders: the tests do nothing but make everyone feel inadequate. What good is that??
Principals feel inadequate because their schools don't perform well.
Teachers feel inadequate because their students don't perform well.
Students feel inadequate because they are given scores that in the real world are meaningless carry weight just the same.
If we must test, we need to find a better way to convey the results.
For example, wouldn't it be nice if the results came in and the first word on the report said, "Congratulations!" Then was followed with information about what gains were made? Wouldn't it be great if teachers also received information about where they did well and what areas they need to improve? Even better, wouldn't it be great if while that information was being relayed, a link for educational materials (free, of course) was provided to address those weak areas? Wouldn't it be great if principals stopped making everyone feel like crap when they don't, despite the high unlikelihood of doing so, score well?
These tests do nothing to further thinking and learning. They create a culture of cheating. Then, everyone is shocked to learn that cheating occurred. Ugh.
Better news please!
Principals feel inadequate because their schools don't perform well.
Teachers feel inadequate because their students don't perform well.
Students feel inadequate because they are given scores that in the real world are meaningless carry weight just the same.
If we must test, we need to find a better way to convey the results.
For example, wouldn't it be nice if the results came in and the first word on the report said, "Congratulations!" Then was followed with information about what gains were made? Wouldn't it be great if teachers also received information about where they did well and what areas they need to improve? Even better, wouldn't it be great if while that information was being relayed, a link for educational materials (free, of course) was provided to address those weak areas? Wouldn't it be great if principals stopped making everyone feel like crap when they don't, despite the high unlikelihood of doing so, score well?
These tests do nothing to further thinking and learning. They create a culture of cheating. Then, everyone is shocked to learn that cheating occurred. Ugh.
Better news please!
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Teachers need supplies
I continue to grapple with the nonsense that is present at my school.
Lately I am growing increasingly frustrated with the lack of "stuff" my school gives me (or any teacher). We have been working diligently to create units which will then be reviewed by the Quality Review team. While the school hired a consultant to work with us, the teachers do not have any time to work on the units. Furthermore, we don't have much time to work with the consultant. Just this week the consultant told us that we needed to place these units in a binder and submit them to the administration. Who do you think will supply the binder???
In my own classroom, I have spent well over $300 on supplies and materials for students. Some things don't bother me too much as I can lock the paper and pencils away until I need them (my co-teacher provides nothing and takes everything). However, when it's a piece of equipment that I need not just for myself but for the other teachers who use my room too, I think the school should provide.
They don't.
I need a dongle for my mac to connect to the projector. Sorry, I was told, we gave each teacher two last year. (I wasn't there last year). Now I need a new serial cable--will the school give me one? No, but they say, don't worry, it's only about 20 bucks at Staples.
I am sick of shelling out money and getting nothing from the administration.
Lately I am growing increasingly frustrated with the lack of "stuff" my school gives me (or any teacher). We have been working diligently to create units which will then be reviewed by the Quality Review team. While the school hired a consultant to work with us, the teachers do not have any time to work on the units. Furthermore, we don't have much time to work with the consultant. Just this week the consultant told us that we needed to place these units in a binder and submit them to the administration. Who do you think will supply the binder???
In my own classroom, I have spent well over $300 on supplies and materials for students. Some things don't bother me too much as I can lock the paper and pencils away until I need them (my co-teacher provides nothing and takes everything). However, when it's a piece of equipment that I need not just for myself but for the other teachers who use my room too, I think the school should provide.
They don't.
I need a dongle for my mac to connect to the projector. Sorry, I was told, we gave each teacher two last year. (I wasn't there last year). Now I need a new serial cable--will the school give me one? No, but they say, don't worry, it's only about 20 bucks at Staples.
I am sick of shelling out money and getting nothing from the administration.
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
I have certainly been busy.
Public school teaching is rough, especially in Brooklyn.
I work in a school that spends no money on supplies. I literally have to buy all my paper. Even thug the testing pressure is on, the school would NOT purchase new cardboard partitions for my students even though the old ones are full of graffiti! (Boys like to draw pictures of their boy parts on them.) So, message received loud and clear: you don't matter.
Much else goes on there that is annoying.
First, it's a "do as I say, not as I do" school. For example, my boss tells me I talk too much to the students. Yet, when she holds a 25 minute pep rally, we're there for an hour -- guess who does all the talking?
Second, my boss claims my classroom timing is off. Yet, when the literacy coach enters the room, she instructs the kids the same way I do. Timing is VERY difficult to manage when you have students who are so academically challenged. They can barely get their pencils on the desk in a timely manner. If I hurry them along, all I get is attitude. So, yeah, my timing is off. But read what is listed under first again.
Third, I am told to read the morning announcements. However, in order for me to read them, I need to be invited to them by an administrator. When I ask the administrators to invite me in, they pass me to someone else to do it. Hmmm....you know what I think.
Finally (for today), we use programs at the school that do NOT work. It's obvious they don't work because if they did, I wouldn't have 7th grade students with a 1st grade reading ability. You want me to read the data but when I do, I cannot do anything with my findings.
Ugh...off to bed to rest up for another day of crazy.
Public school teaching is rough, especially in Brooklyn.
I work in a school that spends no money on supplies. I literally have to buy all my paper. Even thug the testing pressure is on, the school would NOT purchase new cardboard partitions for my students even though the old ones are full of graffiti! (Boys like to draw pictures of their boy parts on them.) So, message received loud and clear: you don't matter.
Much else goes on there that is annoying.
First, it's a "do as I say, not as I do" school. For example, my boss tells me I talk too much to the students. Yet, when she holds a 25 minute pep rally, we're there for an hour -- guess who does all the talking?
Second, my boss claims my classroom timing is off. Yet, when the literacy coach enters the room, she instructs the kids the same way I do. Timing is VERY difficult to manage when you have students who are so academically challenged. They can barely get their pencils on the desk in a timely manner. If I hurry them along, all I get is attitude. So, yeah, my timing is off. But read what is listed under first again.
Third, I am told to read the morning announcements. However, in order for me to read them, I need to be invited to them by an administrator. When I ask the administrators to invite me in, they pass me to someone else to do it. Hmmm....you know what I think.
Finally (for today), we use programs at the school that do NOT work. It's obvious they don't work because if they did, I wouldn't have 7th grade students with a 1st grade reading ability. You want me to read the data but when I do, I cannot do anything with my findings.
Ugh...off to bed to rest up for another day of crazy.
Monday, October 28, 2013
Careful What You Wish For
I finally have a job and have been officially hired.
I am tired!
Teaching has changed drastically since I first began in 1985. Then, there was trust that teachers knew what they were doing. Students sometimes failed because they spent the day doing nothing. They also spent the evening doing nothing. These days, I have to keep a mountain of paperwork to prove that a student did not do work.
Also, where I work, I have to decorate my room like everyone else. How boring! Though, since the kids are stuck in the same classroom all day, they don't know any better.
But the work load!! I teach English but have to do a prep for Junior Great Books, Expeditionary Learning, Social Studies, and independent reading using the 100 book challenge. Further, I need to administer a testing diagnostic to my students once a month (then grade those exams). I also need to assess reading levels of students on a monthly basis. Since I haven't yet received the training (and my students' behavior is not conducive to administering such assessments), I am already behind. I have to write the entire lesson plan (or so it seems) on the board for visitors to see what I'm doing. I have to put student work up with an explanation of what the assignment was, the rubric used to grade it, and notes on the student work that addresses what was done well and what needs improvement.
I am exhausted. I have to walk my students to and from the lunch room (four floors). the partner teacher I work with has a room on the floor above mine. My other co-workers get to have a partner teacher who is right next door. I have to walk my students out of the building at dismissal. Four floors back up. I don't have a place to make copies. The copy machine is on the floor, but to use it I need to wheel it down the hall, plug it in, and hope it works. One day it literally took 40 minutes to make a copy of one piece of paper!
I've not been paid. I will be observed this week and have no idea what to expect. I teach the worst students in the school and know my observation is based on their behavior.
So, this is what I wished for. Now what??
I am tired!
Teaching has changed drastically since I first began in 1985. Then, there was trust that teachers knew what they were doing. Students sometimes failed because they spent the day doing nothing. They also spent the evening doing nothing. These days, I have to keep a mountain of paperwork to prove that a student did not do work.
Also, where I work, I have to decorate my room like everyone else. How boring! Though, since the kids are stuck in the same classroom all day, they don't know any better.
But the work load!! I teach English but have to do a prep for Junior Great Books, Expeditionary Learning, Social Studies, and independent reading using the 100 book challenge. Further, I need to administer a testing diagnostic to my students once a month (then grade those exams). I also need to assess reading levels of students on a monthly basis. Since I haven't yet received the training (and my students' behavior is not conducive to administering such assessments), I am already behind. I have to write the entire lesson plan (or so it seems) on the board for visitors to see what I'm doing. I have to put student work up with an explanation of what the assignment was, the rubric used to grade it, and notes on the student work that addresses what was done well and what needs improvement.
I am exhausted. I have to walk my students to and from the lunch room (four floors). the partner teacher I work with has a room on the floor above mine. My other co-workers get to have a partner teacher who is right next door. I have to walk my students out of the building at dismissal. Four floors back up. I don't have a place to make copies. The copy machine is on the floor, but to use it I need to wheel it down the hall, plug it in, and hope it works. One day it literally took 40 minutes to make a copy of one piece of paper!
I've not been paid. I will be observed this week and have no idea what to expect. I teach the worst students in the school and know my observation is based on their behavior.
So, this is what I wished for. Now what??
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
What is illegal hiring practice?
Wow! This job is so tough! It's even worse (or there's no light at the end of the tunnel) when you're doing it for free.
So, when a person gets hired, shouldn't that person have to sign papers? You know, 1099 or something...the W2? I've signed nothing and was reprimanded for requesting what the hold up was.
Hmmm....now I know what I am up against. Since I tried to peak behind the curtain, I just about got pushed out the window.
Here's the story. I was hired outside the pool of candidates within the NYCDOE. My principal needs permission to hire me. Frankly, I had no idea that I wasn't actually hired until today. What I mean is, I do not have a job. I have not been hired. I can't be until I get clearance. But what the hell am I doing at the school every day? Further, is it even legal for me to be there???
So, when a person gets hired, shouldn't that person have to sign papers? You know, 1099 or something...the W2? I've signed nothing and was reprimanded for requesting what the hold up was.
Hmmm....now I know what I am up against. Since I tried to peak behind the curtain, I just about got pushed out the window.
Here's the story. I was hired outside the pool of candidates within the NYCDOE. My principal needs permission to hire me. Frankly, I had no idea that I wasn't actually hired until today. What I mean is, I do not have a job. I have not been hired. I can't be until I get clearance. But what the hell am I doing at the school every day? Further, is it even legal for me to be there???
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Ugh! What a job.
Finally, I got a job in a NYC public school, and I am totally hating my job.
Well, to be fair, I want to be a teacher and that is what I was hired to do. Unfortunately, very little instruction actually occurs in these classrooms. When principals ask about how I handle discipline, and I give the talk about progressive discipline, they are fine with it. The reality, however, is that these kids have no respect for anyone or anything. And while their parents are quite literally ready to beat the crap out of the kids, no change in behavior occurs.
So, I try every day to rise above the shit.
Where I work is very unfriendly to teachers.
The students do not travel from one room to the next, it's the teachers who are required to do that. It's difficult for a variety of reasons. First, a portion of my evaluation is based on the classroom. I have no control over my room (because the kids are often fooling about in all their classes) nor do I have control over another teacher's room. Our stamp is to be present, but I am struggling to figure how to do that.
The discipline is problematic. It's possible that making these kids sit in the same room all day long only increases their poor behavior. Kids need to get up and move. Keeping them in the same room day after day cannot be good for learning. (Though I suspect it makes the principal look good. Any visitor to the school would see a nice, quiet building.) Further, we, the teachers, are told to escort the children from class to lunch. Imagine, the kids are ready to bust out of the room, but I have to get them to walk in straight lines down four floors to enter the cafeteria quietly.
Then the logistics. Still no sign of a pay check on the horizon. If my boss thinks I'll stick around all year with no pay, think again. This is utterly ridiculous!!!!
And, I have to do these nutty programs with the kids. for example, I have to do Junior Great Books. The students listen to a story on CD and then there are a whole load of lessons to go with them. That's all well and good, but I do not have a CD player, nor do I have enough books for the students. Nevertheless, I am expected to begin this program. Hmmm.....how can I pull that off?? In any other situation, I would have made copies of other materials. Not at this school. NO Paper is available. Further, the copier on my floor needs to be wheeled out from where it is, and plugged in to a plug outside someone's classroom. Further, the copier often doesn't work. On Monday it literally took me 40 minutes (almost my entire prep period) to make a copy of one sheet of paper.
So, I can tell the IRS that I'm a teacher, but it really feels like I'm just a punching bag.
Well, to be fair, I want to be a teacher and that is what I was hired to do. Unfortunately, very little instruction actually occurs in these classrooms. When principals ask about how I handle discipline, and I give the talk about progressive discipline, they are fine with it. The reality, however, is that these kids have no respect for anyone or anything. And while their parents are quite literally ready to beat the crap out of the kids, no change in behavior occurs.
So, I try every day to rise above the shit.
Where I work is very unfriendly to teachers.
The students do not travel from one room to the next, it's the teachers who are required to do that. It's difficult for a variety of reasons. First, a portion of my evaluation is based on the classroom. I have no control over my room (because the kids are often fooling about in all their classes) nor do I have control over another teacher's room. Our stamp is to be present, but I am struggling to figure how to do that.
The discipline is problematic. It's possible that making these kids sit in the same room all day long only increases their poor behavior. Kids need to get up and move. Keeping them in the same room day after day cannot be good for learning. (Though I suspect it makes the principal look good. Any visitor to the school would see a nice, quiet building.) Further, we, the teachers, are told to escort the children from class to lunch. Imagine, the kids are ready to bust out of the room, but I have to get them to walk in straight lines down four floors to enter the cafeteria quietly.
Then the logistics. Still no sign of a pay check on the horizon. If my boss thinks I'll stick around all year with no pay, think again. This is utterly ridiculous!!!!
And, I have to do these nutty programs with the kids. for example, I have to do Junior Great Books. The students listen to a story on CD and then there are a whole load of lessons to go with them. That's all well and good, but I do not have a CD player, nor do I have enough books for the students. Nevertheless, I am expected to begin this program. Hmmm.....how can I pull that off?? In any other situation, I would have made copies of other materials. Not at this school. NO Paper is available. Further, the copier on my floor needs to be wheeled out from where it is, and plugged in to a plug outside someone's classroom. Further, the copier often doesn't work. On Monday it literally took me 40 minutes (almost my entire prep period) to make a copy of one sheet of paper.
So, I can tell the IRS that I'm a teacher, but it really feels like I'm just a punching bag.
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Back to Work
Yesterday was the first time I had my own class in over a year.
It was very tough.
Teaching in an inner city school requires much structure -- there are too many students to allow for a loose hand. But, the greatest issue for me is the challenge to get the students to relate to me as their teacher. It was obvious that the white woman in the room was not like the boys she was teaching. However, after a second go, it seems we are beginning to make progress.
Since I was hired only last week, I did not have time to prepare myself or my room. I do not have enough materials to begin covering the curriculum. I am thankful that the administration is supportive. So are my co-workers. Nevertheless, I am the one who needs to get it together and I am struggling.
First, the classroom is utterly filthy. I feel so dirty every day. However, it'll be a slow go. I have to trash much of the materials the former teacher left for me (she has portfolios of student work -- from three years ago!). I finally opened the laptop, and was disgusted by the grime on the white Mac surface. The blinds in the room are broken or gone so the former teacher made curtains for the classroom. It was a nice gesture, but the curtains are not matching. There are blue curtains on some windows and maroon on others. Since it's an old school building, the windows require very long curtains -- instead she made a pair for the top of the window and a pair for the bottom. I have easily 8 windows in my room with mismatched curtains. I cannot pair the colors (put all blue curtains on one window and all maroon on another) because I have 15 foot ceilings and the windows go to the top!
Second, I have not yet signed a contract. The woman at the school in charge of organizing my paperwork indicated that I may not get paid until October 15th. In the meantime, I am spending money getting to work -- 392 dollars for the train alone. Add the cost of parking at the train station and my metro card and you can see that I need money coming in the door sooner than mid-October.
Third, I have to teach according to a very set program. We should all be in lock-step to help the students gain ground on the state tests.
Still, I am happy to be at work again.
It was very tough.
Teaching in an inner city school requires much structure -- there are too many students to allow for a loose hand. But, the greatest issue for me is the challenge to get the students to relate to me as their teacher. It was obvious that the white woman in the room was not like the boys she was teaching. However, after a second go, it seems we are beginning to make progress.
Since I was hired only last week, I did not have time to prepare myself or my room. I do not have enough materials to begin covering the curriculum. I am thankful that the administration is supportive. So are my co-workers. Nevertheless, I am the one who needs to get it together and I am struggling.
First, the classroom is utterly filthy. I feel so dirty every day. However, it'll be a slow go. I have to trash much of the materials the former teacher left for me (she has portfolios of student work -- from three years ago!). I finally opened the laptop, and was disgusted by the grime on the white Mac surface. The blinds in the room are broken or gone so the former teacher made curtains for the classroom. It was a nice gesture, but the curtains are not matching. There are blue curtains on some windows and maroon on others. Since it's an old school building, the windows require very long curtains -- instead she made a pair for the top of the window and a pair for the bottom. I have easily 8 windows in my room with mismatched curtains. I cannot pair the colors (put all blue curtains on one window and all maroon on another) because I have 15 foot ceilings and the windows go to the top!
Second, I have not yet signed a contract. The woman at the school in charge of organizing my paperwork indicated that I may not get paid until October 15th. In the meantime, I am spending money getting to work -- 392 dollars for the train alone. Add the cost of parking at the train station and my metro card and you can see that I need money coming in the door sooner than mid-October.
Third, I have to teach according to a very set program. We should all be in lock-step to help the students gain ground on the state tests.
Still, I am happy to be at work again.
Saturday, September 7, 2013
Wasted Time No More
So, my "wasted" time has become quality time spent.
How? Despite the hurdles she had to jump, my principal hired me. Finally I am employed again because someone saw me and liked what she saw. Since the principal at my new school is not new to her job, she was able to cut through the nonsense and get me on her staff.
Yes, there are still excess teachers with my certification in my field. However, my new principal did what needed doing to leave those teachers on the curb while inviting me in the door.
The lesson? Keep trying.
Another lesson? I work for someone who knows exactly what she needs to do and I better not let her down.
How? Despite the hurdles she had to jump, my principal hired me. Finally I am employed again because someone saw me and liked what she saw. Since the principal at my new school is not new to her job, she was able to cut through the nonsense and get me on her staff.
Yes, there are still excess teachers with my certification in my field. However, my new principal did what needed doing to leave those teachers on the curb while inviting me in the door.
The lesson? Keep trying.
Another lesson? I work for someone who knows exactly what she needs to do and I better not let her down.
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