Yes, it has been tough. Honestly, this break I have come to the conclusion that perhaps my best move for optimal mental health may be to resign after completing one year...it will all depend on how I am feeling in June.
Nevertheless, I then think about the 90 students at my school whose teacher is on indefinite "sick leave" and has had a substitute hand them worksheets everyday for the past three and a half months. This is atrociously unfair; just another example of the great injustice of our time that is far from truly being discovered by the average US citizen. I know that I am showing up to work (when not sick enough to go to the ER) and trying my best for my students. My classroom management or plan for the day may not be the best, but I will persevere and give these next months my all.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Annnnd now for a new installment of "You Know You Hate Your Job When!..."
This week's topic: You Would Rather Get Appendicitis Than Go To Work.
Indeed, perhaps a little extreme. However, I must admit that when I saw the urgent care doctor's orders that I stay home from work for 3 days I was pretty content...despite the fact that these words came right after the following discharge orders: "To ER for immediate surgical eval.!" My positive attitude was likely driven by the fact that I highly doubted that I actually had appendicitis.
It all began with a horrible Tuesday. 6 hours of less than extreme learning later, I faced an unhelpful TFA focus group and my program director pulling me into a private room to share her concerns, "I just wanted to make sure you're ok." Holding back tears of frustration and exhaustion, I drove home in quite a foul mood. After a near-scalding shower and a quick teary session in front of the roomies, I was heavily encouraged to call in sick on Wednesday. But with true-to-TFA ignorant determination, I said no no, don't be ridiculous, I will attempt to close the achievement gap in the face of any stomach pain or mild depression.
At 4am the next morning, I did not feel the same. Barely able to sit up in bed without crying out in pain, I determined that calling in sick was the appropriate move. Playing along with what most people would do when staying home from work, I visited the urgent care center. My next move was to check myself into the ER, of course, as noted previously.
My awesome roommates joined me to learn that I would need immediate surgery, occurring about 1:30am that night. Waking up from surgery in intense pain the morphine dose was dramatically increased and my groggy, sleep-filled Thursday in the recovery room began. Thankfully, one of my roommates stayed with me through the delirium on Thursday and brought me home.
All in all, everything worked out. I am now home, only a day later than planned, recovering well.
Moral of the story: if you have intense abdominal pain get it checked out immediately and if you would rather be in the hospital than at work - perhaps a career change may be in order...
Indeed, perhaps a little extreme. However, I must admit that when I saw the urgent care doctor's orders that I stay home from work for 3 days I was pretty content...despite the fact that these words came right after the following discharge orders: "To ER for immediate surgical eval.!" My positive attitude was likely driven by the fact that I highly doubted that I actually had appendicitis.
It all began with a horrible Tuesday. 6 hours of less than extreme learning later, I faced an unhelpful TFA focus group and my program director pulling me into a private room to share her concerns, "I just wanted to make sure you're ok." Holding back tears of frustration and exhaustion, I drove home in quite a foul mood. After a near-scalding shower and a quick teary session in front of the roomies, I was heavily encouraged to call in sick on Wednesday. But with true-to-TFA ignorant determination, I said no no, don't be ridiculous, I will attempt to close the achievement gap in the face of any stomach pain or mild depression.
At 4am the next morning, I did not feel the same. Barely able to sit up in bed without crying out in pain, I determined that calling in sick was the appropriate move. Playing along with what most people would do when staying home from work, I visited the urgent care center. My next move was to check myself into the ER, of course, as noted previously.
My awesome roommates joined me to learn that I would need immediate surgery, occurring about 1:30am that night. Waking up from surgery in intense pain the morphine dose was dramatically increased and my groggy, sleep-filled Thursday in the recovery room began. Thankfully, one of my roommates stayed with me through the delirium on Thursday and brought me home.
All in all, everything worked out. I am now home, only a day later than planned, recovering well.
Moral of the story: if you have intense abdominal pain get it checked out immediately and if you would rather be in the hospital than at work - perhaps a career change may be in order...
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Recent Quotes
As I prepare to go to bed before 11 for the first time in the last eight days, I shall recount a few fun quotes from the past week.
"Save it for your sheets tonight!"
-Me, in response to a student beating his desk rhythmically with a grunting, vocal accompaniment. Thankfully, his need to share his sexual frustrations with the class ceased for the moment.
"I don't like poor people." and then later "Shut up, stupid a**, pimple-faced poor m$%^# f#%$."
--Antonio, unleashing intense frustration at a classmate for his admittedly obnoxious and never-ending cursing and poor behavior control. Really Antonio?...do you realize that basic school demographics reveal the vast majority of your peers to be "poor people." Generalizations, no good.
"The administrative staff has received reliable information that there will be gang fights at all lunches today. Please do not share this information with students, as this will cause them to strategically change the locations and times."
--FA administrator in regards to why students were confined to classrooms for lunch today. Although certainly impeding teachers from enjoying those 15 minutes of freedom, this action also made all gang-violence attempts defunct during the lunch hour.
"...but we all know they're all a bunch of Q's!" [chuckle, chuckle]
--again, FA administrator. This time describing a group of male dancers that might bring ballroom dance to enrich the school's boy's club program. And they wonder why students can't stop the jokes about fag#@( and fruit cakes?
"Save it for your sheets tonight!"
-Me, in response to a student beating his desk rhythmically with a grunting, vocal accompaniment. Thankfully, his need to share his sexual frustrations with the class ceased for the moment.
"I don't like poor people." and then later "Shut up, stupid a**, pimple-faced poor m$%^# f#%$."
--Antonio, unleashing intense frustration at a classmate for his admittedly obnoxious and never-ending cursing and poor behavior control. Really Antonio?...do you realize that basic school demographics reveal the vast majority of your peers to be "poor people." Generalizations, no good.
"The administrative staff has received reliable information that there will be gang fights at all lunches today. Please do not share this information with students, as this will cause them to strategically change the locations and times."
--FA administrator in regards to why students were confined to classrooms for lunch today. Although certainly impeding teachers from enjoying those 15 minutes of freedom, this action also made all gang-violence attempts defunct during the lunch hour.
"...but we all know they're all a bunch of Q's!" [chuckle, chuckle]
--again, FA administrator. This time describing a group of male dancers that might bring ballroom dance to enrich the school's boy's club program. And they wonder why students can't stop the jokes about fag#@( and fruit cakes?
Monday, December 1, 2008
Happy December!
Well, obstacle-filled October and nefarious November have come to a close. Good riddance. As staff members at my roommate's elementary school mentioned at the very first staff meeting post-break, "only three weeks until the holidays!" Indeed, even veteran teachers are looking forward to future time away from school.
I must say that the opportunity to travel home to California for Thanksgiving was highly appreciated and the safety of home provided my adrenal glands a rest from early morning surges (except for Sunday morning of course, when the return to life here in the queen city was forced to resume.)
Although I was noticeable discouraged to leave the comforts of home to fly across the country, my poignant, yet ever-fading, hopes of closing the achievement gap inspired me to hold my head high and remember that I have an essential job here to which I shall dedicate my best efforts.
"1 day down...14 to go!", responds my reassuring roommate after our brief descriptions of decent but trying days. We march onward in an attempt to tame these beasts of behavior challenges and trick even the most obstinate of learners into picking up just a little something from a lesson.
Loving the Christmas music, green tea, and the scented candle burning gently in my room, I will soon drift off to sleep and dream of home fridges filled with egg whites (shout out to midd bball - gotta think of that hard-boiled egg when lifting!), warm, mouth-watering brownies, and a chill late morning with mom reading the paper or a hard-core spotting session with my bro.
Peace and love.
I must say that the opportunity to travel home to California for Thanksgiving was highly appreciated and the safety of home provided my adrenal glands a rest from early morning surges (except for Sunday morning of course, when the return to life here in the queen city was forced to resume.)
Although I was noticeable discouraged to leave the comforts of home to fly across the country, my poignant, yet ever-fading, hopes of closing the achievement gap inspired me to hold my head high and remember that I have an essential job here to which I shall dedicate my best efforts.
"1 day down...14 to go!", responds my reassuring roommate after our brief descriptions of decent but trying days. We march onward in an attempt to tame these beasts of behavior challenges and trick even the most obstinate of learners into picking up just a little something from a lesson.
Loving the Christmas music, green tea, and the scented candle burning gently in my room, I will soon drift off to sleep and dream of home fridges filled with egg whites (shout out to midd bball - gotta think of that hard-boiled egg when lifting!), warm, mouth-watering brownies, and a chill late morning with mom reading the paper or a hard-core spotting session with my bro.
Peace and love.
Monday, November 17, 2008
A relaxing-ish week
Ooo the joys of ISS and OSS (in-school and out-of-school suspension). I hate to admit it, but I am dramatically more relaxed if I know that certain students will not be joining the group on a given day.
Last week was actually pretty decent! Smaller classes allowed students both more one-on-one time with me and fewer peers by whom to be distracted. The week ended on a somewhat acerbic note with 4th block, however, whose attention I rarely command in its entirety. Today I literally gave students their independent practice and wrote the steps to solve the equations on the board afterwards - (normally you would do some introduction of new material as a class, proceed to guided practice and then send them off to practice in pairs or on their own) this actually worked fairly well though, as it allowed those students who understood to work ahead and those who did not to pay attention to me.
Last Friday morning brought a strange challenge. Brittney walked across the room to return her calculator, only to return to an empty desk - completed test gone without a trace. Approaching the alarmed looking teen, I asked where her test was. She reported that she had no idea - "it was just gone!" Surveying the scene of those still working on their tests, I spotted Tre in the corner, concentrating a little too hard. In order to protect Brittney's reputation - so that it wouldn't look like she had informed me specifically that Tre had taken it (it is still unclear whether it was really magically gone or she was coerced into sharing it with him), I approached Tre in the corner. Seeing that he had a sheet of paper looking conspicuously like Brittney's test underneath his own, I whispered "Tre, lift up your hand, I am not going to say anything in front of the class, but I need to take this." Tre had the decency to return it to Brittney, however also the gall to pass it to another student on the way so that he too could copy. Seriously Tre...?? I should have written him up, but instead I left a message with his mother - in case you wonder about the 0 in Tre's records - oh yeah, that was him cheating.
Awesome.
Last week was actually pretty decent! Smaller classes allowed students both more one-on-one time with me and fewer peers by whom to be distracted. The week ended on a somewhat acerbic note with 4th block, however, whose attention I rarely command in its entirety. Today I literally gave students their independent practice and wrote the steps to solve the equations on the board afterwards - (normally you would do some introduction of new material as a class, proceed to guided practice and then send them off to practice in pairs or on their own) this actually worked fairly well though, as it allowed those students who understood to work ahead and those who did not to pay attention to me.
Last Friday morning brought a strange challenge. Brittney walked across the room to return her calculator, only to return to an empty desk - completed test gone without a trace. Approaching the alarmed looking teen, I asked where her test was. She reported that she had no idea - "it was just gone!" Surveying the scene of those still working on their tests, I spotted Tre in the corner, concentrating a little too hard. In order to protect Brittney's reputation - so that it wouldn't look like she had informed me specifically that Tre had taken it (it is still unclear whether it was really magically gone or she was coerced into sharing it with him), I approached Tre in the corner. Seeing that he had a sheet of paper looking conspicuously like Brittney's test underneath his own, I whispered "Tre, lift up your hand, I am not going to say anything in front of the class, but I need to take this." Tre had the decency to return it to Brittney, however also the gall to pass it to another student on the way so that he too could copy. Seriously Tre...?? I should have written him up, but instead I left a message with his mother - in case you wonder about the 0 in Tre's records - oh yeah, that was him cheating.
Awesome.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
An Explosive Heart to Heart
After it was over, I pulled a student into the hallway and bluntly asked, "Donovan, why don't you do any work in my class?" An embarrassed smile cracked his lips as he replied, "I don't know, I guess stuff at home makes it hard to focus." Euphoria and defeat set in. Euphoria for the fact that he had opened up to me; defeat for my utter helplessness in solving this student's primary trouble. Although it seemed as if I could not help, he did provide me with his grandmother's phone number and told me that if I called her, she could explain to me what was going on.
After it was over. Indeed.
It. The loud bang resounding from inside my classroom. It. One of the more horrifying fates that could have occurred in my five second absence as I led a student across the hall. Yes, it, the reason the freshman academy administrator called in a search on my students.
The loud bang? Oh, nothing but a firecracker exploding in my classroom.
As I entered after the sound, I remained cool. I barely blinked irregularly for the reason that this loud bang was remarkably similar to one heard last week when a metal chair leg was cracked against a metal desktop. Hastily asking a student to write down what she saw, I called in our administrator. No one confessed.
I taught the rest of class with two safety officers searching my students one-by-one for contraband. By the end of the block I remained uniformed of the result of the search. However, later I was approached by a face-down, rightfully vanquished Taion, who apologized for the happening. Again I was approached with an apology, this time by two students asking forgiveness for their part in the crime- hiding a lighter and a spare firecracker. The perpetrators received 10 days and 3 days, of out-of-school suspension.
Grinning in shock and disbelief, we march onward!
After it was over. Indeed.
It. The loud bang resounding from inside my classroom. It. One of the more horrifying fates that could have occurred in my five second absence as I led a student across the hall. Yes, it, the reason the freshman academy administrator called in a search on my students.
The loud bang? Oh, nothing but a firecracker exploding in my classroom.
As I entered after the sound, I remained cool. I barely blinked irregularly for the reason that this loud bang was remarkably similar to one heard last week when a metal chair leg was cracked against a metal desktop. Hastily asking a student to write down what she saw, I called in our administrator. No one confessed.
I taught the rest of class with two safety officers searching my students one-by-one for contraband. By the end of the block I remained uniformed of the result of the search. However, later I was approached by a face-down, rightfully vanquished Taion, who apologized for the happening. Again I was approached with an apology, this time by two students asking forgiveness for their part in the crime- hiding a lighter and a spare firecracker. The perpetrators received 10 days and 3 days, of out-of-school suspension.
Grinning in shock and disbelief, we march onward!
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Good Riddance October.
Picture this: dressed in business casual, I aggressively confront my 2nd block with a cheaply made crow-bar (a broken chair leg) as I yell, "I work my ass off for you! Staying up until 1:00am in the morning and getting up at 5:00am, and this is how you repay me?! By throwing paper balls at me?!"
Indeed, Thursday was a rough day. I knew it was not going to be my all-time favorite when the day started off by someone ripping down the name chart with pluses and minuses. Then...when I figuratively said f*** you by simply writing the names of students on the board and minutes later turned my back...some little bastard swiped his hand through the names. I immediately realized that this little behavior management system would not work for 2nd block. Left with few options, my only choice was to go hard and flip out on them a little.
Anyway, the first quarter has ended. Thank the Lord. We have two workdays coming up here Monday and Tuesday. I must say that my day today was significantly better given the fact that I will not drive to school tomorrow for an unpredictable day. For this seems to be one of the most difficult parts of the job - the unpredictability of it all. I can be in a great mood and then be ready to give it all up by the end of the day as I clean trash off the floor. Or I can dread walking through the doors of the freshman academy more than I ever have before, only to be greeted by a pleasantly surprising great block. The ups and downs are both incredibly dramatic yet ephemeral.
Tomorrow we travel to Gaston to visit a KIPP school. This program is well-established as an efficient-class making machine. It was created and continues to be run by TFA alumni, now with KIPP schools nationwide. We leave at 5:15am, and return (after an 8 hr round trip travel time!) at 8pm. I think it will be inspiring to see great classrooms and provide me and fellow corps members with some solid ideas for the future.
Anyhoo...anyone who is considering applying to TFA, please do not let my story discourage you. If you are the kind of person who "doesn't take crap from nobody" and is willing to work hard, then you'll rock. Likewise, if you are less assertive but also work hard, get ready for a crash course in becoming more assertive and self-assured. Just know there will be many a treacherous mountain and hollow cavern ahead.
Like the ARMY, sometimes you have to be beaten down in order to rise up.
Indeed, Thursday was a rough day. I knew it was not going to be my all-time favorite when the day started off by someone ripping down the name chart with pluses and minuses. Then...when I figuratively said f*** you by simply writing the names of students on the board and minutes later turned my back...some little bastard swiped his hand through the names. I immediately realized that this little behavior management system would not work for 2nd block. Left with few options, my only choice was to go hard and flip out on them a little.
Anyway, the first quarter has ended. Thank the Lord. We have two workdays coming up here Monday and Tuesday. I must say that my day today was significantly better given the fact that I will not drive to school tomorrow for an unpredictable day. For this seems to be one of the most difficult parts of the job - the unpredictability of it all. I can be in a great mood and then be ready to give it all up by the end of the day as I clean trash off the floor. Or I can dread walking through the doors of the freshman academy more than I ever have before, only to be greeted by a pleasantly surprising great block. The ups and downs are both incredibly dramatic yet ephemeral.
Tomorrow we travel to Gaston to visit a KIPP school. This program is well-established as an efficient-class making machine. It was created and continues to be run by TFA alumni, now with KIPP schools nationwide. We leave at 5:15am, and return (after an 8 hr round trip travel time!) at 8pm. I think it will be inspiring to see great classrooms and provide me and fellow corps members with some solid ideas for the future.
Anyhoo...anyone who is considering applying to TFA, please do not let my story discourage you. If you are the kind of person who "doesn't take crap from nobody" and is willing to work hard, then you'll rock. Likewise, if you are less assertive but also work hard, get ready for a crash course in becoming more assertive and self-assured. Just know there will be many a treacherous mountain and hollow cavern ahead.
Like the ARMY, sometimes you have to be beaten down in order to rise up.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Why I Love my Roommates
Shout out to my brother for finishing up his second officer leadership course! Congrats!
Also props to the Midd Women's Ball team for their season soon to be underway. Good luck this weekend!
Over a delicious burrito, one of my roommates began discussing her elaborate behavior management program in the form of a check system. Good checks, bad checks, x's, etc. Now her system is pretty intense - not something that I could jump into overnight. Another mild hazard is that what gets 4th graders going, doesn't exactly always get 9th graders enthused.
Back when I had my old 4th block, one day I got extremely fed up and pulled my own check system out of the air - your basic middle school jam where your name goes on the board if you are disruptive or disrespectful. I gave minuses for negative behavior and pluses for positive behavior - helping classmates, raising your hand, etc. This actually worked really well - I ended up calling a ridiculous number of parents that night, but it was helpful if I am remembering it correctly. I may give it a shot with 3rd block tomorrow.
The main piece to share: this evening my roommate related getting into trouble for poor classroom management by your principal, to being yelled at by the mayor of a town that is constantly hit by the bubonic plague for having a sick person in your house. Instead of worrying only about the sick person in my house, fix the town! Indeed, Ms. Bell seems to be determined to get on particular teachers when perhaps she should be focusing on bigger, school-wide transformations.
However, no matter how many kids curse in the halls, call each other faggots and n****s, get thrown out of school for food-fights, throwing punches, or cursing out teachers to their face or physically hitting them, I will try to make my own classroom the best it can be.
Also props to the Midd Women's Ball team for their season soon to be underway. Good luck this weekend!
Over a delicious burrito, one of my roommates began discussing her elaborate behavior management program in the form of a check system. Good checks, bad checks, x's, etc. Now her system is pretty intense - not something that I could jump into overnight. Another mild hazard is that what gets 4th graders going, doesn't exactly always get 9th graders enthused.
Back when I had my old 4th block, one day I got extremely fed up and pulled my own check system out of the air - your basic middle school jam where your name goes on the board if you are disruptive or disrespectful. I gave minuses for negative behavior and pluses for positive behavior - helping classmates, raising your hand, etc. This actually worked really well - I ended up calling a ridiculous number of parents that night, but it was helpful if I am remembering it correctly. I may give it a shot with 3rd block tomorrow.
The main piece to share: this evening my roommate related getting into trouble for poor classroom management by your principal, to being yelled at by the mayor of a town that is constantly hit by the bubonic plague for having a sick person in your house. Instead of worrying only about the sick person in my house, fix the town! Indeed, Ms. Bell seems to be determined to get on particular teachers when perhaps she should be focusing on bigger, school-wide transformations.
However, no matter how many kids curse in the halls, call each other faggots and n****s, get thrown out of school for food-fights, throwing punches, or cursing out teachers to their face or physically hitting them, I will try to make my own classroom the best it can be.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
heading into the week!
Thank you to family and friends for your support! Especially to my parents, aunts, and baaalllllllers! (good luck on the fitness test.) Shout out to Lani for rocking classroom management as well as for starting a blog!
As my students say, I have to be "hard" tomorrow. No room for disrespect or wasted time. This is not a democracy, it's a dictatorship - I still have to frame this essential and inspirational phrase.
Homecoming back at school has come and gone and how I wish I could have been there. True, it would have been full of crazy debauchery and mayhem among recent graduates; but it surely would have provided a needed break from my life here. As school consumes my soul.
I made my own escape from reality this weekend, traveling to the mountains with my visiting aunt to meet another aunt for some much needed R & R. The leaves were reminiscent of a fall in Vermont - yes, ok, I do miss school. I was darn ready to leave even an entire year before I graduated, but as I mentioned at dinner tonight, sometimes I would trade thinking about the challenges the next day at school will surely bring for a night in the Middlebury library writing two essays.
On another note - I fear I have been placed on the "suicide-watch list" for TFA. At the end of a recent survey I noted that TFA was likely unaware of the extent to which many 08 corps are seriously considering quitting. The very next afternoon I received not only an email, but also a personal phone call from the Charlotte retention director in regard to my comments. After a program director meeting last week I was escorted to the retention director's office to "share my thoughts." I expressed that the way TFA often comes off to corps members when directors discuss retention concerns is that TFA wants to retain its corps in order to preserve its image and respect as an organization. The director responded by sharing that this was not the way they intended to come off and was sorry that their words have been interpreted in this way. After a 15 min meeting, both she and I better understood the other's side and we began to come up with some good ideas for the future. It was fantastic to see the organization so responsive to only a few, though sharply worded, comments at the end of a survey.
Onward!
As my students say, I have to be "hard" tomorrow. No room for disrespect or wasted time. This is not a democracy, it's a dictatorship - I still have to frame this essential and inspirational phrase.
Homecoming back at school has come and gone and how I wish I could have been there. True, it would have been full of crazy debauchery and mayhem among recent graduates; but it surely would have provided a needed break from my life here. As school consumes my soul.
I made my own escape from reality this weekend, traveling to the mountains with my visiting aunt to meet another aunt for some much needed R & R. The leaves were reminiscent of a fall in Vermont - yes, ok, I do miss school. I was darn ready to leave even an entire year before I graduated, but as I mentioned at dinner tonight, sometimes I would trade thinking about the challenges the next day at school will surely bring for a night in the Middlebury library writing two essays.
On another note - I fear I have been placed on the "suicide-watch list" for TFA. At the end of a recent survey I noted that TFA was likely unaware of the extent to which many 08 corps are seriously considering quitting. The very next afternoon I received not only an email, but also a personal phone call from the Charlotte retention director in regard to my comments. After a program director meeting last week I was escorted to the retention director's office to "share my thoughts." I expressed that the way TFA often comes off to corps members when directors discuss retention concerns is that TFA wants to retain its corps in order to preserve its image and respect as an organization. The director responded by sharing that this was not the way they intended to come off and was sorry that their words have been interpreted in this way. After a 15 min meeting, both she and I better understood the other's side and we began to come up with some good ideas for the future. It was fantastic to see the organization so responsive to only a few, though sharply worded, comments at the end of a survey.
Onward!
Sunday, October 19, 2008
quick update
Here is a 2-minute update on the last few trials and tribulations.
Trouble with the principal: of course, the principal has to walk by my door when things are kind of crazy. Granted, I have had kids leaving class through the window, throwing trash (paper balls, wrappers, etc.) out the same window, launching tennis balls across the room, fights breaking out...you know, the first-year-teacher struggles. Anyhoo, now the principal is fixated on me as someone who must improve classroom management. After a long explanation of how I need a seating chart in the form of a sports analogy that I would frustrating and a tad condescending, I felt the need for action...however, it did not come as I wanted it to that day.
Last Tuesday I finally broke down. I had refrained from letting the tears flow until this fateful day. After second period I was ready to throw up my hands and say, hell, I am no good at this, it's beating me down to a pulp each day, why am I still here?? But I made it through the remainder of the day. On my way home I relayed to my mom, "Mom, today was a new low." "How could that possibly be true?" my mom questioned. True! How could the days get rougher? Well, indeed they could.
Wednesday was another rough day. But these tough times were nothing strong parental support couldn't pull me out of! After a supportive phone call and a beautiful floral arrangement to brighten the day from mom and a strong, much-needed pep-talk from dad I woke up on Thursday ready to put the craziness to an end!
Looking myself in the mirror I pointed to my face and said, "YOU! Are going to write 4 referrals today!" I was on pace to reach my goal, but ended up writing 2. However, on Friday I reached it, writing 2 more. By the end of class on Friday I felt good about the end of the week.
I have created a pump-up cd for the morning this week entitled, FSKU! I will refrain from going into detail regarding the meaning of this acronym - however, I'll let on that it includes the opposite of down and a synonym for children.
Anyhoo, I will persevere and damn it, they'll learn! Whether in ISS (in-school suspension), at the back of another classroom, or in my room.
Time to rock it this week.
Trouble with the principal: of course, the principal has to walk by my door when things are kind of crazy. Granted, I have had kids leaving class through the window, throwing trash (paper balls, wrappers, etc.) out the same window, launching tennis balls across the room, fights breaking out...you know, the first-year-teacher struggles. Anyhoo, now the principal is fixated on me as someone who must improve classroom management. After a long explanation of how I need a seating chart in the form of a sports analogy that I would frustrating and a tad condescending, I felt the need for action...however, it did not come as I wanted it to that day.
Last Tuesday I finally broke down. I had refrained from letting the tears flow until this fateful day. After second period I was ready to throw up my hands and say, hell, I am no good at this, it's beating me down to a pulp each day, why am I still here?? But I made it through the remainder of the day. On my way home I relayed to my mom, "Mom, today was a new low." "How could that possibly be true?" my mom questioned. True! How could the days get rougher? Well, indeed they could.
Wednesday was another rough day. But these tough times were nothing strong parental support couldn't pull me out of! After a supportive phone call and a beautiful floral arrangement to brighten the day from mom and a strong, much-needed pep-talk from dad I woke up on Thursday ready to put the craziness to an end!
Looking myself in the mirror I pointed to my face and said, "YOU! Are going to write 4 referrals today!" I was on pace to reach my goal, but ended up writing 2. However, on Friday I reached it, writing 2 more. By the end of class on Friday I felt good about the end of the week.
I have created a pump-up cd for the morning this week entitled, FSKU! I will refrain from going into detail regarding the meaning of this acronym - however, I'll let on that it includes the opposite of down and a synonym for children.
Anyhoo, I will persevere and damn it, they'll learn! Whether in ISS (in-school suspension), at the back of another classroom, or in my room.
Time to rock it this week.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
2nd Referral
Well yesterday was awesome. Students actually learned! Conversely, learning was a true challenge today. In a moment of transparent frustration, I heard a student ask, "Ms. Fisher, are you giving up on us?" I responded firmly, "No, Antonio I am not giving up on you. I will never give up on you."
Thennn 4th period happened. Dallas, a challenging student, to say the least, fails to perform any work every day. He takes medication in the morning and therefore is quite focused in his classes earlier in the day; however, by the end of the day, his meds significantly fade. Ultimately, this afternoon as I stood about 4-5 feet from this young man, he flung a pencil in my general direction, and it "happened" to hit me. In all honesty, I don't think he was really trying to throw a pencil at me...but indeed, a pencil from his hands no doubt made contact with my stomach. I said, "Dallas, did you really just throw a pencil at me?!" To which he complained, "Ms. Fisher, do you really think I would throw a pencil at you?" with a smug, self-content expression across his arrogant adolescent face. "See me after class." At the end of the period, after multiple reminders to stay, Dallas walked out. Frustrated and unsure of the next appropriate move I asked my lead administrator who informed me that to walk out when asked to stay is an automatic referral. Thus..my second referral. Good times. It turns out that he shouldn't even have been in my class because he had gotten in trouble in an earlier class. He will be in ISS (in-school-suspension) for the next two days - great for the learning of my 4th block, but rough on his academic chances in Algebra.
Grad school will likely be a breeze compared to this.
Thennn 4th period happened. Dallas, a challenging student, to say the least, fails to perform any work every day. He takes medication in the morning and therefore is quite focused in his classes earlier in the day; however, by the end of the day, his meds significantly fade. Ultimately, this afternoon as I stood about 4-5 feet from this young man, he flung a pencil in my general direction, and it "happened" to hit me. In all honesty, I don't think he was really trying to throw a pencil at me...but indeed, a pencil from his hands no doubt made contact with my stomach. I said, "Dallas, did you really just throw a pencil at me?!" To which he complained, "Ms. Fisher, do you really think I would throw a pencil at you?" with a smug, self-content expression across his arrogant adolescent face. "See me after class." At the end of the period, after multiple reminders to stay, Dallas walked out. Frustrated and unsure of the next appropriate move I asked my lead administrator who informed me that to walk out when asked to stay is an automatic referral. Thus..my second referral. Good times. It turns out that he shouldn't even have been in my class because he had gotten in trouble in an earlier class. He will be in ISS (in-school-suspension) for the next two days - great for the learning of my 4th block, but rough on his academic chances in Algebra.
Grad school will likely be a breeze compared to this.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Looking forward to the week ahead!
I must sleep but must say this: So pumped for this week!
I began my new Algebra 1-A class this week with a entirely novel group of students during 4th block. I must say that I am less than grieving the loss of my previous 4th block - things had gotten a little out of control and it had become difficult to teach. After a conversation with an EC teacher (North Carolina's Spec Ed.) I have a better understanding of where my school fits into the school district. According to my informer, we have a suspiciously large population of students with 504's, Personal Education Plans, and Individualized Education Plans - basically a large number of kids who have a noticeably difficult time with some or all subjects in school.
Some of the schools in the area have entrance exams - we do not. Therefore, these schools weed out students who would not be successful between their walls and send those students to schools like ours. At the same time, we are expected to produce test scores that are just as high as theirs...or face the budget consequences. Really fair...not.
On another note, school is much better! One student, Terry, who is usually a challenging one to keep on task actually stayed after the bell rang on Friday to finish his homework for Monday! Additionally, the Algebra class is awesome, mainly because the students are more motivated, I love algebra, and I have the opportunity to actually teach students something they don't know! Something new to me and my students. The intro class consists of teaching students material that they failed to demonstrate their mastery of on their 8th grade end of grade exam. My plan is to go easy on the standard content of the intro class, and instead push the class to be more like an Algebra 1-A prep class. I hope to discuss this idea with the principal this week. This woman of extreme power is scheduled to observe my intro class 2nd block bright and early tomorrow morning - should be interesting.
I had planned one lesson (well thought about it); however, after speaking with a fellow teacher at school (without whom I would be somewhat disoriented) we decided on a different lesson for my observation.
Best news for last: two of my roommates and I went to the beach this weekend! We left yesterday morning for the coast where we spent a beautiful day splashing in the waves and relaxing on the beach under a warm sun, a combination that washed away all negative remnants of school and brought in its place a positive energy that I carry with me now. Although we all were forced to scramble lessons together for tomorrow, we feel infinitely refreshed.
A day with the Atlantic, rushing sand between our toes; a night under a clear, star-speckled sky, roasted marshmellows over a nurturing flame in the company of supportive friends. Few other settings and characters could have brought a better ending to this weekend chapter.
I began my new Algebra 1-A class this week with a entirely novel group of students during 4th block. I must say that I am less than grieving the loss of my previous 4th block - things had gotten a little out of control and it had become difficult to teach. After a conversation with an EC teacher (North Carolina's Spec Ed.) I have a better understanding of where my school fits into the school district. According to my informer, we have a suspiciously large population of students with 504's, Personal Education Plans, and Individualized Education Plans - basically a large number of kids who have a noticeably difficult time with some or all subjects in school.
Some of the schools in the area have entrance exams - we do not. Therefore, these schools weed out students who would not be successful between their walls and send those students to schools like ours. At the same time, we are expected to produce test scores that are just as high as theirs...or face the budget consequences. Really fair...not.
On another note, school is much better! One student, Terry, who is usually a challenging one to keep on task actually stayed after the bell rang on Friday to finish his homework for Monday! Additionally, the Algebra class is awesome, mainly because the students are more motivated, I love algebra, and I have the opportunity to actually teach students something they don't know! Something new to me and my students. The intro class consists of teaching students material that they failed to demonstrate their mastery of on their 8th grade end of grade exam. My plan is to go easy on the standard content of the intro class, and instead push the class to be more like an Algebra 1-A prep class. I hope to discuss this idea with the principal this week. This woman of extreme power is scheduled to observe my intro class 2nd block bright and early tomorrow morning - should be interesting.
I had planned one lesson (well thought about it); however, after speaking with a fellow teacher at school (without whom I would be somewhat disoriented) we decided on a different lesson for my observation.
Best news for last: two of my roommates and I went to the beach this weekend! We left yesterday morning for the coast where we spent a beautiful day splashing in the waves and relaxing on the beach under a warm sun, a combination that washed away all negative remnants of school and brought in its place a positive energy that I carry with me now. Although we all were forced to scramble lessons together for tomorrow, we feel infinitely refreshed.
A day with the Atlantic, rushing sand between our toes; a night under a clear, star-speckled sky, roasted marshmellows over a nurturing flame in the company of supportive friends. Few other settings and characters could have brought a better ending to this weekend chapter.
Monday, September 29, 2008
New Game Plan
A curve ball from the public school system:
Because of high numbers in Algebra (the superintendent is getting on our principal's arse), I am being moved around. I will keep my 2nd and 3rd block Intro to Math classes and will lose my 4th block. Instead of ending the day feeling shat upon, I will take an Algebra 1-A class which, in theory, should have better behaved students. I actually got to hand pick (we have yet to see whether it will actually go through or not though) which students from my current 4th block will transfer to my 3rd block and I may even have the opportunity to bring some with me to Algebra 1-A. There are about 6 kids that would be just fine in this class I believe.
Saturday brought a high point to my experience thus far. Bridgette, a 3rd blocker who painfully fails to grasp nearly all of the material, randomly texted me while I was grading tests. "Hi, Ms. Fisher, this is Bridgette." Hmm, strange, I thought, let's see how she did on her test...a 54, o dear. The previous week I had asked this student if she could ever come in after school for tutoring - she said that she would inquire about the possibility. I texted her back, "Hey Bridgette! Great to hear from you. Have you checked with your mom about tutoring?" A short series of texts later and we have a tutoring date Wednesday from 2:30-3:15pm! I hope that 1, she will actually come, and 2, that I can help her.
Teacher workday tomorrow! YES. I have to move classrooms because of this big move in the Algebra department. I get to sleep in a bit and work leisurely tomorrow. Sweet day.
Because of high numbers in Algebra (the superintendent is getting on our principal's arse), I am being moved around. I will keep my 2nd and 3rd block Intro to Math classes and will lose my 4th block. Instead of ending the day feeling shat upon, I will take an Algebra 1-A class which, in theory, should have better behaved students. I actually got to hand pick (we have yet to see whether it will actually go through or not though) which students from my current 4th block will transfer to my 3rd block and I may even have the opportunity to bring some with me to Algebra 1-A. There are about 6 kids that would be just fine in this class I believe.
Saturday brought a high point to my experience thus far. Bridgette, a 3rd blocker who painfully fails to grasp nearly all of the material, randomly texted me while I was grading tests. "Hi, Ms. Fisher, this is Bridgette." Hmm, strange, I thought, let's see how she did on her test...a 54, o dear. The previous week I had asked this student if she could ever come in after school for tutoring - she said that she would inquire about the possibility. I texted her back, "Hey Bridgette! Great to hear from you. Have you checked with your mom about tutoring?" A short series of texts later and we have a tutoring date Wednesday from 2:30-3:15pm! I hope that 1, she will actually come, and 2, that I can help her.
Teacher workday tomorrow! YES. I have to move classrooms because of this big move in the Algebra department. I get to sleep in a bit and work leisurely tomorrow. Sweet day.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
O the weekend is near!
Shout out to mom for the delicious reminder of home in the form of cinnamon bread and to Ann for an amazingly uplifting card! You guys rock.
Riot this morning. Result: "Restricted Movement" - all students must have an escort when moving about the campus = no bathrooms, amazing.
Today I gave my students an A by letting them cheat...well almost. In front of them on their slanted, somewhat broken desks lay the key to their success on our exam tomorrow. It was the exact same test - just with different numbers. Some chose not to complete the task despite my repeated reminder that there was no excuse for not getting a 100% tomorrow because they were exposed to the precise test prior to their official attempt.
A glimpse into the chaotic and dangerous lives of some of my students - one young man failed to complete his homework the other day - when I asked why, he informed me that his brother had gotten shot the night before and he had spent the night in the hospital with his family. "I told him not to mess with selling drugs, but he didn't listen!" Concerned, I asked Ricky today how his brother was doing - still in the hospital but recovering well.
To the end of day: two of my students decided they had had enough and departed class through the window. In short, I had asked them to step outside the window for a quick second in order to collect the trash that someone in a previous class had thrown out. A student inside promptly closed the window, however, and Eberson and Oziel peaced out 5 minutes before the bell despite my requests that they regale us with their presence for a few more minutes.
Tomorrow I will administer a re-take with a little more material than last time. I hope they rock it and master these objectives!
Riot this morning. Result: "Restricted Movement" - all students must have an escort when moving about the campus = no bathrooms, amazing.
Today I gave my students an A by letting them cheat...well almost. In front of them on their slanted, somewhat broken desks lay the key to their success on our exam tomorrow. It was the exact same test - just with different numbers. Some chose not to complete the task despite my repeated reminder that there was no excuse for not getting a 100% tomorrow because they were exposed to the precise test prior to their official attempt.
A glimpse into the chaotic and dangerous lives of some of my students - one young man failed to complete his homework the other day - when I asked why, he informed me that his brother had gotten shot the night before and he had spent the night in the hospital with his family. "I told him not to mess with selling drugs, but he didn't listen!" Concerned, I asked Ricky today how his brother was doing - still in the hospital but recovering well.
To the end of day: two of my students decided they had had enough and departed class through the window. In short, I had asked them to step outside the window for a quick second in order to collect the trash that someone in a previous class had thrown out. A student inside promptly closed the window, however, and Eberson and Oziel peaced out 5 minutes before the bell despite my requests that they regale us with their presence for a few more minutes.
Tomorrow I will administer a re-take with a little more material than last time. I hope they rock it and master these objectives!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Aaand, another near fight!
I wrote a written statement about this super duper occurrence today, check it out:
Statement regarding the altercation between Sekina and Shawn that took place on 9/23/08 at 2:20pm.
During class a group of girls including Shawn began talking. Sekina, sitting a few feet away from the group, somehow got involved in a verbal dispute. In the beginning it did not seem more than playful banter; however, as the conversation became more heated it became clear that it might be going somewhere serious.
Both Shawn and Sekina raised their voices and exchanged curse words. Neither one moved from her desk at first. As the cursing became more aggressive and the voices louder, Shawn stood up in retaliation, threw off her jacket and approached Sekina in a confrontational manner.
At this point I was close by and got in front of Shawn – between the two students. Shawn attempted to get close to Sekina but I was able to keep them apart. Sekina stood up at one point during this; but because my back was turned, I do not know whether she stood to move away from the situation or to stand for a fight.
I pulled Shawn into the hallway, and stood in the doorway in order to keep the students separate. Shawn lightly attempted to get by me to get back in the room, but did not push me at all once in the hallway. Sekina did not attempt to rush the door to confront Shawn.
Outside the classroom in the hall, Shawna calmed down and walked down the hall away from the classroom. I believe that the dispute was over whether someone had been talking about the other behind her back. Additionally, from what I heard, this fight will likely be taken off school grounds to continue in the future.
Kathryne Fisher 9/23 2:45pm
Statement regarding the altercation between Sekina and Shawn that took place on 9/23/08 at 2:20pm.
During class a group of girls including Shawn began talking. Sekina, sitting a few feet away from the group, somehow got involved in a verbal dispute. In the beginning it did not seem more than playful banter; however, as the conversation became more heated it became clear that it might be going somewhere serious.
Both Shawn and Sekina raised their voices and exchanged curse words. Neither one moved from her desk at first. As the cursing became more aggressive and the voices louder, Shawn stood up in retaliation, threw off her jacket and approached Sekina in a confrontational manner.
At this point I was close by and got in front of Shawn – between the two students. Shawn attempted to get close to Sekina but I was able to keep them apart. Sekina stood up at one point during this; but because my back was turned, I do not know whether she stood to move away from the situation or to stand for a fight.
I pulled Shawn into the hallway, and stood in the doorway in order to keep the students separate. Shawn lightly attempted to get by me to get back in the room, but did not push me at all once in the hallway. Sekina did not attempt to rush the door to confront Shawn.
Outside the classroom in the hall, Shawna calmed down and walked down the hall away from the classroom. I believe that the dispute was over whether someone had been talking about the other behind her back. Additionally, from what I heard, this fight will likely be taken off school grounds to continue in the future.
Kathryne Fisher 9/23 2:45pm
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Quotes from week 4:
Ricky, I have asked you multiple times not to talk when I am talking, I am going to ask you to leave. "Man f*** this class" Excuse me? "Man, whatever ho." I hope I didn't just hear that. "If you heard it, I probably said it." Says Ricky as he exits the classroom.
Next day before class in the hallway, "Ricky, I didn't appreciate some of the things you said yesterday." "I apologize for that, I really do."
Later in the week, me after the class refuses to get on track. Dramatically slamming the board with my palm, "I am sick of this s***! Sit your a** down and shut up!!" Most looked genuinely frightened, finally shut up, and sat down.
On Friday the principal came and spoke with my 2nd and 4th blocks in a harsh way. It was great to get support from the administration even though it meant that my class was not on lock-down.
After a pretty rough week, my Friday ended well as a few kids came by the classroom after school to say hey. Later in the evening I attended our second home football game where I saw a few more students and purchased my first school gear. Another first: a real life high school marching band - the half-time show was greatly impressive, with dancers in glittering, colored costumes and enthusiastic trumpet players swinging their brass from side to side.
We ended up losing 27-0, but still a good time.
Many TFA people are having an incredibly difficult time. Myself included, but some much more so. On Saturday we met as a large group and talked about how things are going in terms of planning and stress levels. The fact that we had to take time to talk about stress, stressed people out. Take a whole bunch of people who are used to succeeding when they work their butt off at something and put them in a situation where they continually fail despite every effort and you get a whole lot of terribly frustrated, high-strung people.
Week 5 here we come.
Next day before class in the hallway, "Ricky, I didn't appreciate some of the things you said yesterday." "I apologize for that, I really do."
Later in the week, me after the class refuses to get on track. Dramatically slamming the board with my palm, "I am sick of this s***! Sit your a** down and shut up!!" Most looked genuinely frightened, finally shut up, and sat down.
On Friday the principal came and spoke with my 2nd and 4th blocks in a harsh way. It was great to get support from the administration even though it meant that my class was not on lock-down.
After a pretty rough week, my Friday ended well as a few kids came by the classroom after school to say hey. Later in the evening I attended our second home football game where I saw a few more students and purchased my first school gear. Another first: a real life high school marching band - the half-time show was greatly impressive, with dancers in glittering, colored costumes and enthusiastic trumpet players swinging their brass from side to side.
We ended up losing 27-0, but still a good time.
Many TFA people are having an incredibly difficult time. Myself included, but some much more so. On Saturday we met as a large group and talked about how things are going in terms of planning and stress levels. The fact that we had to take time to talk about stress, stressed people out. Take a whole bunch of people who are used to succeeding when they work their butt off at something and put them in a situation where they continually fail despite every effort and you get a whole lot of terribly frustrated, high-strung people.
Week 5 here we come.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Ooo this is fun.
Thursday: Game plan, get 4th block in check. I resolved to make my students come into the room quietly. Standing at the door, I instructed each student who walked in to enter quietly and stand quietly at the back of the room.
After all had filed into the four walls there was much chatter in the atmosphere. I responded, "Ok, that was your first chance. Let's see if you can do it this time, everyone in the hall." Again, they stood in the hall and I asked them to enter quietly and proceed to stand quietly in the back. Once more, there was talking and laughing. "You have failed again, let's see if you can get it right this time."
By now a few students were getting fairly angry. Many were talking loudly and complaining in the hall. This attracted the attention of the assistant principal of instruction of the freshman academy. The stern, African-American gentleman joined me in compelling all students to stand silently in line next to the lockers. They were offered another opportunity to start class by entering quietly, and again they failed. It took 7 times for them to finally get it right.
One girl ended up crying of frustration and stayed in the hallway. Some students said to me, "Tiffany is still in the hallway." I was so desensitized to the drama that students bring everyday that I hardly responded, leaving Tiffany in the hallway. The next day the API (assistant principal) (who is amazingly supportive and wise) came in to chat about the previous day's happenings. At first mention of Tiffany (no names were said; yet it was clear about whom we were talking) I stiffened, worrying that Tiffany's words had turned her parents and the API against me; however, it turned out that rather than a frustration with my tactics, she had been extremely frustrated by her classmates. This brought great relief to me.
A bright glimmer from yesterday! As I went through an example of the distributive property one student, for whom normally the material we are going through is less than challenging, asked a question about the example. For about 30 seconds I explained how I distributed the -4 over the t as well as the 3. The class was silent and everyone was attentive. WOW! This must be what teaching must feel like! If only every moment could be like that one, we could get through a thousand times as much material. I am seriously concerned that we are not going to make it through all of the material this semester considering how disruptive class is.
In order to combat my worries and get students on board with learning, I am going to get a tracking chart to put on the wall. I also plan to get each student his or her personal tracking sheet so that each student can see how he or she is doing. Using these techniques I hope to instill a stronger sense of urgency in my students, so that they will be motivated to journey with me through the material.
O how I love thee, weekend.
After all had filed into the four walls there was much chatter in the atmosphere. I responded, "Ok, that was your first chance. Let's see if you can do it this time, everyone in the hall." Again, they stood in the hall and I asked them to enter quietly and proceed to stand quietly in the back. Once more, there was talking and laughing. "You have failed again, let's see if you can get it right this time."
By now a few students were getting fairly angry. Many were talking loudly and complaining in the hall. This attracted the attention of the assistant principal of instruction of the freshman academy. The stern, African-American gentleman joined me in compelling all students to stand silently in line next to the lockers. They were offered another opportunity to start class by entering quietly, and again they failed. It took 7 times for them to finally get it right.
One girl ended up crying of frustration and stayed in the hallway. Some students said to me, "Tiffany is still in the hallway." I was so desensitized to the drama that students bring everyday that I hardly responded, leaving Tiffany in the hallway. The next day the API (assistant principal) (who is amazingly supportive and wise) came in to chat about the previous day's happenings. At first mention of Tiffany (no names were said; yet it was clear about whom we were talking) I stiffened, worrying that Tiffany's words had turned her parents and the API against me; however, it turned out that rather than a frustration with my tactics, she had been extremely frustrated by her classmates. This brought great relief to me.
A bright glimmer from yesterday! As I went through an example of the distributive property one student, for whom normally the material we are going through is less than challenging, asked a question about the example. For about 30 seconds I explained how I distributed the -4 over the t as well as the 3. The class was silent and everyone was attentive. WOW! This must be what teaching must feel like! If only every moment could be like that one, we could get through a thousand times as much material. I am seriously concerned that we are not going to make it through all of the material this semester considering how disruptive class is.
In order to combat my worries and get students on board with learning, I am going to get a tracking chart to put on the wall. I also plan to get each student his or her personal tracking sheet so that each student can see how he or she is doing. Using these techniques I hope to instill a stronger sense of urgency in my students, so that they will be motivated to journey with me through the material.
O how I love thee, weekend.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Quotes of the Last Few Days...
Rough day today. Although extremely tired, I have created some super overheads for tomorrow. Goodness my management must improve.
Favorites from last week: In trying to get the class' attention, I began speaking to myself using a fake finger-puppet. This seemed to get their attention.
When the class simply would not listen, I yelled out "SEX!" Strangely enough, it worked...for about 10 seconds.
After this tough day, it was extremely relieving to talk to my program director who offered some upbeat and cheery advice. I need to get visual with them - show them just how far we have to go!
But today, my day was made by enthusiastic roommates calling to see if I would be home for dinner and a text from a student, "Eh yo ms. fisher, itz me benjamin. Do we got homework 2day?"
Off to bedddd zzzzz.....
Favorites from last week: In trying to get the class' attention, I began speaking to myself using a fake finger-puppet. This seemed to get their attention.
When the class simply would not listen, I yelled out "SEX!" Strangely enough, it worked...for about 10 seconds.
After this tough day, it was extremely relieving to talk to my program director who offered some upbeat and cheery advice. I need to get visual with them - show them just how far we have to go!
But today, my day was made by enthusiastic roommates calling to see if I would be home for dinner and a text from a student, "Eh yo ms. fisher, itz me benjamin. Do we got homework 2day?"
Off to bedddd zzzzz.....
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Near Fight.
Yes! An interactive activity, they are totally going to get into this. We are defining between what two integers the positive square root of 30 is, and then it begins...
Cherry and Newwneww exchange choice words, coming back with more and more harsh retorts. Cherry will not stop. I ask the class to "calm down" - which, of course, does nothing. Cherry continues her verbal assault against Newwneww. I ask Cherry specifically to cease her attack. Instead of complying, Cherry cries out, "OH Helllll no!!" ripping off her hoop earrings, bracelets, shoes, and jacket - preparing herself for a physical altercation and moving aggressively towards Newwneww.
Oh no; this is not about to happen in my classroom. I step in between the two girls, arms spread open, front facing Cherry. "Cherry, that's it! Absolutely not! Walk with me to the hall, walk with me to the hall." I start walking her out, but she has to circle back towards Newwneww to grab her belongings. I failed to get in between the two girls and feared for a moment that my attempts to disperse the hostility had failed.
Cherry approached her desk, Newwneww about 2 feet away. I catch up to Cherry and step part-way in between the two. "Cherry is just going to walk with me to the hall" I assure the class (i.e. myself). I get Cherry outside and tell her to sit in the back of a nearby classroom and complete her quiz.
Coming back into the classroom, I hear a kid say, "Ms. Fisher ain't scared of Black kids!" Then someone else say, "Were you scared?"
"Was I scared?" I ask. "No, I wasn't scared, I feared that someone was going to get hurt, but I didn't think it would come to that. I had faith that you guys wouldn't let a fight break out; that you would step in between them." A few murmurs informed me that quite the opposite was true.
In the future, I can't let it get this close. Could have been really serious.
Cherry and Newwneww exchange choice words, coming back with more and more harsh retorts. Cherry will not stop. I ask the class to "calm down" - which, of course, does nothing. Cherry continues her verbal assault against Newwneww. I ask Cherry specifically to cease her attack. Instead of complying, Cherry cries out, "OH Helllll no!!" ripping off her hoop earrings, bracelets, shoes, and jacket - preparing herself for a physical altercation and moving aggressively towards Newwneww.
Oh no; this is not about to happen in my classroom. I step in between the two girls, arms spread open, front facing Cherry. "Cherry, that's it! Absolutely not! Walk with me to the hall, walk with me to the hall." I start walking her out, but she has to circle back towards Newwneww to grab her belongings. I failed to get in between the two girls and feared for a moment that my attempts to disperse the hostility had failed.
Cherry approached her desk, Newwneww about 2 feet away. I catch up to Cherry and step part-way in between the two. "Cherry is just going to walk with me to the hall" I assure the class (i.e. myself). I get Cherry outside and tell her to sit in the back of a nearby classroom and complete her quiz.
Coming back into the classroom, I hear a kid say, "Ms. Fisher ain't scared of Black kids!" Then someone else say, "Were you scared?"
"Was I scared?" I ask. "No, I wasn't scared, I feared that someone was going to get hurt, but I didn't think it would come to that. I had faith that you guys wouldn't let a fight break out; that you would step in between them." A few murmurs informed me that quite the opposite was true.
In the future, I can't let it get this close. Could have been really serious.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Quotes of the Day
2nd block:
A pen cap falls on the floor and the student asks another to pick it up for him. The second student looks down at the pen cap and back to the individual making the request. No response.
I say, "Terry, Benjamin asked you politely to pick up his pen cap, please do so."
Terry, to Benjamin, "Say please."
Benjamin, "Please."
Terry: "Say your gay."
Benjamin, "I'm gay."
With this renunciation of his manhood, Benjamin finally received his pen cap back. With an "absolutely not in this classroom!" I attempted to respond to the remark.
4th block:
Me after Jasmine repeatedly spoke out of turn, "Jasmine, there is seat at the back waiting for you, move!"
Jasmine, "Man, why you pickin on me, I ain't even talkin'"
"I clearly heard you talking; I asked you to stop; you did not, now you are going to move to the back."
Jasmine as she sits down in the back, "Man, I don't give a f***! Don't be listenin' to me talkin'!"
At this point, I needed to remove this student. "Ok! Good bye! Grab your stuff and head over to Ms. G.'s room."
A new technique I implemented today: if students are really bad send them to the back of a nearby classroom with some work to do. Veteran W.M. teachers have our new teachers' backs and offered their rooms to which we could send students...it got them out of the class, but ohhh 4th block you are wild.
Tomorrow my program director from TFA is coming to observe. Should be interesting.
A pen cap falls on the floor and the student asks another to pick it up for him. The second student looks down at the pen cap and back to the individual making the request. No response.
I say, "Terry, Benjamin asked you politely to pick up his pen cap, please do so."
Terry, to Benjamin, "Say please."
Benjamin, "Please."
Terry: "Say your gay."
Benjamin, "I'm gay."
With this renunciation of his manhood, Benjamin finally received his pen cap back. With an "absolutely not in this classroom!" I attempted to respond to the remark.
4th block:
Me after Jasmine repeatedly spoke out of turn, "Jasmine, there is seat at the back waiting for you, move!"
Jasmine, "Man, why you pickin on me, I ain't even talkin'"
"I clearly heard you talking; I asked you to stop; you did not, now you are going to move to the back."
Jasmine as she sits down in the back, "Man, I don't give a f***! Don't be listenin' to me talkin'!"
At this point, I needed to remove this student. "Ok! Good bye! Grab your stuff and head over to Ms. G.'s room."
A new technique I implemented today: if students are really bad send them to the back of a nearby classroom with some work to do. Veteran W.M. teachers have our new teachers' backs and offered their rooms to which we could send students...it got them out of the class, but ohhh 4th block you are wild.
Tomorrow my program director from TFA is coming to observe. Should be interesting.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Favorites from week 1
Day 1
"Ms. Fisher, is this your first year teaching?"
"Ms. Fisher...are you nervous...you seem nervous."
In my frantic state of Monday, I continually decreased effectiveness (TFA joke) by placing paper after paper in random places around the room. I spent all of Monday thinking to myself, "Good God! Where in hell did I put that down?!" while pretending to know exactly what I was doing and the precise location of what I needed next...I heavily doubt I succeeded in fooling anyone.
Day 5
Tre, a 6'3 African American student heatedly approaching a 4'9 Latino male after little Alexis accidentally sat in Tre's seat.
Brianna standing up in the middle of class and yelling, "Ima take him out into the hall and kick his m***** f***ing little a**!" "Brianna, sit down." "Ima kick his m***** f***ing a**!"
I hadn't realized that a fight might actually break out in my classroom until these situations went down - oooh 4th block, how I appreciate thee.
I ended my first and final day of this first week in a state of shock, needing an hour to stare into space to let everything settle. Luckily, a friendly '07 sat down with me to debrief on both of these days, bringing me from relatively near teary frustration to motivated calm. I don't know what I would do without her at this point.
Week 2 begins tomorrow. Pray for my leadership guiding students to appropriate behavior and academic confidence.
"Ms. Fisher, is this your first year teaching?"
"Ms. Fisher...are you nervous...you seem nervous."
In my frantic state of Monday, I continually decreased effectiveness (TFA joke) by placing paper after paper in random places around the room. I spent all of Monday thinking to myself, "Good God! Where in hell did I put that down?!" while pretending to know exactly what I was doing and the precise location of what I needed next...I heavily doubt I succeeded in fooling anyone.
Day 5
Tre, a 6'3 African American student heatedly approaching a 4'9 Latino male after little Alexis accidentally sat in Tre's seat.
Brianna standing up in the middle of class and yelling, "Ima take him out into the hall and kick his m***** f***ing little a**!" "Brianna, sit down." "Ima kick his m***** f***ing a**!"
I hadn't realized that a fight might actually break out in my classroom until these situations went down - oooh 4th block, how I appreciate thee.
I ended my first and final day of this first week in a state of shock, needing an hour to stare into space to let everything settle. Luckily, a friendly '07 sat down with me to debrief on both of these days, bringing me from relatively near teary frustration to motivated calm. I don't know what I would do without her at this point.
Week 2 begins tomorrow. Pray for my leadership guiding students to appropriate behavior and academic confidence.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
calm before the storm
Dear Ms. Fisher,
It seems as though I am trivially nervous this evening; however, the nerves have not yet manifested themselves as rabid butterflies making fish food of my stomach. Perhaps the morning will bring this on. At the sight of a school bus my tummy may churn like the thumping of a wooden rod in great grandma’s butter pot. But like the creamy butter that was the result of wood thrashing against metal, the storm in my stomach too will subside and my nerves calm. Give me 3 shots of adrenaline, one for each period, and I am good to go.
Well, writing this has soothed me to a sleepy state. When I wake to the sound of my alarm at 5:20am tomorrow morning I will strive to remember this calm and carry it through the day. Brush it off like Jay-Z and convince the kids they can like Nas…game on.
It seems as though I am trivially nervous this evening; however, the nerves have not yet manifested themselves as rabid butterflies making fish food of my stomach. Perhaps the morning will bring this on. At the sight of a school bus my tummy may churn like the thumping of a wooden rod in great grandma’s butter pot. But like the creamy butter that was the result of wood thrashing against metal, the storm in my stomach too will subside and my nerves calm. Give me 3 shots of adrenaline, one for each period, and I am good to go.
Well, writing this has soothed me to a sleepy state. When I wake to the sound of my alarm at 5:20am tomorrow morning I will strive to remember this calm and carry it through the day. Brush it off like Jay-Z and convince the kids they can like Nas…game on.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
A glimpse into the future...
White, bare walls. Bumpin' oldies tunes. Yogurt covered pretzels and chocolate hazelnut sticks lonely in their containers. Three piles of paper: 1) parent survey, 2) letter home, and 3) syllabus. A young teacher in a blue button-down, wandering aimlessly around the classroom. Indeed, it is I.
Tonight was family night/back to school night at our school. Of the 80 or more students I will have, a total of 8 families swung by. I met energetic, bright-eyed girls, straight-faced, eye-contact avoiding young men, and a student who I am not sure understood a single word I spoke. My students will range from this last student, N., who moved from (I think) Cambodia to the US 2 years ago, to a private-school looking student whose mother told me she is normally an honor-roll student...sure mom, aren't all of our sons and daughters who somehow got stuck in the remedial math class...Kidding! I firmly believe, and refuse to halt my faith, that these students are simply kids who never were placed in a learning environment conducive to their building strong academic confidence. Many teachers in their past likely treated them with distrust, reproach, and hostility. I intend to create an environment where making mistakes is seen as a learning opportunity and not as something to mock. Where students are excited for tests because it represents an opportunity to participate in school when they know they can and will succeed.
Yes...yes...fair enough...indeed I continue to bask in the blissful ignorance of the naive, young teacher.
Give me these last few days.
Tonight was family night/back to school night at our school. Of the 80 or more students I will have, a total of 8 families swung by. I met energetic, bright-eyed girls, straight-faced, eye-contact avoiding young men, and a student who I am not sure understood a single word I spoke. My students will range from this last student, N., who moved from (I think) Cambodia to the US 2 years ago, to a private-school looking student whose mother told me she is normally an honor-roll student...sure mom, aren't all of our sons and daughters who somehow got stuck in the remedial math class...Kidding! I firmly believe, and refuse to halt my faith, that these students are simply kids who never were placed in a learning environment conducive to their building strong academic confidence. Many teachers in their past likely treated them with distrust, reproach, and hostility. I intend to create an environment where making mistakes is seen as a learning opportunity and not as something to mock. Where students are excited for tests because it represents an opportunity to participate in school when they know they can and will succeed.
Yes...yes...fair enough...indeed I continue to bask in the blissful ignorance of the naive, young teacher.
Give me these last few days.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Quick Facts
Bets news of the day: I HAVE A CLASSROOM!! YESSSS. I am no longer floating. This may not seem like amazing news, but Good Lord it will make my year so much happier I believe.
Best quote of the day: Our principal getting up in front of the school at our meeting with the superintendent and saying (direct quote), "We have it rough at West Meck!" audience applause..."We have kids coming to school pistol whipping other kids over the weekend and bringing all that baggage with them to school on Monday." I was like...what? Did she just say that out loud??
This came just before our gang workshop where we learned that if you see "5 poppin, 6 droppin" written anywhere, it means that the Bloods are going to shoot up some Crips. 5 shooting and 6 dead. We have a decently size gang problem at our school; Crips will cross out all the B's on tests to diss the Bloods and signs are thrown up around the school on a regular basis.
Also, I have asked the principal and athletic director if I can take the Head JV Women's Basketball coaching position...hopefully I'll get it, but there are some complications with stealing a math teacher from another school which may be facilitated if said person were to take a head coaching position - small stipulation in the CMS school rules.
Best quote of the day: Our principal getting up in front of the school at our meeting with the superintendent and saying (direct quote), "We have it rough at West Meck!" audience applause..."We have kids coming to school pistol whipping other kids over the weekend and bringing all that baggage with them to school on Monday." I was like...what? Did she just say that out loud??
This came just before our gang workshop where we learned that if you see "5 poppin, 6 droppin" written anywhere, it means that the Bloods are going to shoot up some Crips. 5 shooting and 6 dead. We have a decently size gang problem at our school; Crips will cross out all the B's on tests to diss the Bloods and signs are thrown up around the school on a regular basis.
Also, I have asked the principal and athletic director if I can take the Head JV Women's Basketball coaching position...hopefully I'll get it, but there are some complications with stealing a math teacher from another school which may be facilitated if said person were to take a head coaching position - small stipulation in the CMS school rules.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Depot'n' and Rappin'
I feel myself becoming the hyper type-A, so ridiculous that it must be TFA, person that I once feared and loathed.
Example A: Yesterday I purchased about 80 - 1 inch view binders from Walmart. I stared at the wall of binders in front of me. It stood about 7 feet tall and consisted of all sorts of brands, colors and sizes. Locating the cheapest brand, I began pulling binders of all sorts of beautiful colors from the sea of choices...blue...sea blue...turquoise ...red...fuscia...and then the vision hit me. 30 students fighting each other for the turquoise gem. Yes, indeed this was a special piece that all student should have the opportunity to use. However, would all students really like this color? And how extremely out of control might my classroom get should I allow students to choose their favorite color? I solved the problem! Everyone gets white!
This was only the beginning. I purchased bright orange printer paper with which students will create binder dividers (turns out a set of 5 is about 3 times as much as a 1inch binder). As a class, we will set up binders in exactly the same way. I also purchased hanging folders and a crate in which to carry them - I will have one folder for each student, where I will keep a student survey, parent survey, and track contacts with parents. Lastly, I got sweet boxes to put white board markers, pencils, and markers in. I'll have these on counters for students to grab when they walk in the door.
Best teacher tip ever: To make white boards for your students go to Home Depot or a similar store. Ask for shower board or cardboard with a white coating on top. You get an 8ft by 4ft board that can be cut into pieces. I now have 32, 1ft by 1ft, white boards all for $12.95. Pretty crazy.
I hope this organization pays off...school starts a week from tomorrow.
Also, my math dept. coordinator asked us to come up with a little rap to present to the staff tomorrow, this is what I offered:
Eh EOC
Yeah you know me
We're comin for ya to achieve
So high, you can't believe
West Mecklenburg
Low scores, we gonna purge
Yo Myers Park, you better hop to the curb
We're goin straight to the top
And you know we don't stop
(EOCs are the NC high school standardized tests and Myers Park is a predominantly white high school with great scores)
Example A: Yesterday I purchased about 80 - 1 inch view binders from Walmart. I stared at the wall of binders in front of me. It stood about 7 feet tall and consisted of all sorts of brands, colors and sizes. Locating the cheapest brand, I began pulling binders of all sorts of beautiful colors from the sea of choices...blue...sea blue...turquoise ...red...fuscia...and then the vision hit me. 30 students fighting each other for the turquoise gem. Yes, indeed this was a special piece that all student should have the opportunity to use. However, would all students really like this color? And how extremely out of control might my classroom get should I allow students to choose their favorite color? I solved the problem! Everyone gets white!
This was only the beginning. I purchased bright orange printer paper with which students will create binder dividers (turns out a set of 5 is about 3 times as much as a 1inch binder). As a class, we will set up binders in exactly the same way. I also purchased hanging folders and a crate in which to carry them - I will have one folder for each student, where I will keep a student survey, parent survey, and track contacts with parents. Lastly, I got sweet boxes to put white board markers, pencils, and markers in. I'll have these on counters for students to grab when they walk in the door.
Best teacher tip ever: To make white boards for your students go to Home Depot or a similar store. Ask for shower board or cardboard with a white coating on top. You get an 8ft by 4ft board that can be cut into pieces. I now have 32, 1ft by 1ft, white boards all for $12.95. Pretty crazy.
I hope this organization pays off...school starts a week from tomorrow.
Also, my math dept. coordinator asked us to come up with a little rap to present to the staff tomorrow, this is what I offered:
Eh EOC
Yeah you know me
We're comin for ya to achieve
So high, you can't believe
West Mecklenburg
Low scores, we gonna purge
Yo Myers Park, you better hop to the curb
We're goin straight to the top
And you know we don't stop
(EOCs are the NC high school standardized tests and Myers Park is a predominantly white high school with great scores)
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Rough But Hopeful News
I received a text from one of my summer school students this evening: "Just wanted to let you know I didn't pass the test, hope you are doing well."
I was pretty devastated. Granted this was a student that missed half of summer school, but damn did it hurt. I sent some inspirational words about dominating in school this year and he replied that he would rather look into getting a GED. We texted back and forth for a little, and I eventually emailed him an article about the degree from TIME. Apparently "95% of community colleges and four-year colleges accept the certificate in place of a high school diploma." I found this especially important to share with him so that he does not give up on college dreams.
Although I am bummed that things didn't go perfectly for him this summer, I am happy that he continues to reach out to me to check up every few weeks. Hopefully I can be a positive influence in his life. His story will surely motivate me this year; it will deter me from giving up on a single student.
I was pretty devastated. Granted this was a student that missed half of summer school, but damn did it hurt. I sent some inspirational words about dominating in school this year and he replied that he would rather look into getting a GED. We texted back and forth for a little, and I eventually emailed him an article about the degree from TIME. Apparently "95% of community colleges and four-year colleges accept the certificate in place of a high school diploma." I found this especially important to share with him so that he does not give up on college dreams.
Although I am bummed that things didn't go perfectly for him this summer, I am happy that he continues to reach out to me to check up every few weeks. Hopefully I can be a positive influence in his life. His story will surely motivate me this year; it will deter me from giving up on a single student.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Free Teacher Stuff, Religion, and More Cockroaches
Well today I was hit by the teacher Gods. There is a place in Charlotte called Classroom Central that gives away over 3.5 million dollars worth of school supplies to teachers every year. I went in there not knowing what I was getting into and walked out with literally about $400 worth of merchandise...from new and used binders, notebooks and pens, to mechanical pencils, notebook paper and a backpack! I immediately called my Mom and delivered the phenomenal news: We get to go once a month and pick out basically as much stuff as we would ever need or want. I was a kid in a candy store in there, couldn't stop talking about it.
Last night we sat around the dinner table and had a little religion break down. I expressed my concern regarding the hypocritical nature of people's hating on particularly religious individuals just like they claim highly religious Christians hate on them. After their discussing their reasons at length and my quiet taking in what they were conveying, I think it came across as if I were holding something back from them - like I were a closet super-conservative Christian waiting to sneak into their rooms when they were sleeping and convert them. Addressing this concern that they might mistake my silence for the "judgement of the Southern Christian," I proclaimed that in no way had anything they had said offended me and that I actually agreed with many points - a true statement. Anyway, I think it will all turn out all right...but the divide between conservative Christians and those who lack respect for their culture is certainly great...especially in the South.
Also...the darn cockroaches will not go in peace. Under the direction of a wise aunt, I went on a Boric Acid rampage the other night. Some of my roommates were remarkably concerned by the poison sign on the white bottle that I had picked up from the drugstore. I reassured them that there was little to fear, as I liberally dusted crevices and holes in their rooms and around the house with the bug repellent. Ever doubtful (and perhaps for good reason - as the bottle warned against contact between powder and eyes, fingers and throat), one fellow renter looked it up online to confirm that it had previously been used as a cure-all for eye and yeast infections alike - oh the plethora of uses for Boric acid. Long story short, we have continued to experience cockroach sightings all through the house, particularly in bedrooms. Last night I made a heroic dive under my roommate's bed to catch one before it could disappear from view.
New teacher workdays begin tomorrow. Time to leave the TFA bubble and enter real life...thank God and good God!
Also...I will be reporting to school no later than 6:50am during the school year and will be "floating" - i.e. I don't have a set classroom, but instead will have a cart with which I shall transport my goods. Maybe I'll finally get into coffee.
Last night we sat around the dinner table and had a little religion break down. I expressed my concern regarding the hypocritical nature of people's hating on particularly religious individuals just like they claim highly religious Christians hate on them. After their discussing their reasons at length and my quiet taking in what they were conveying, I think it came across as if I were holding something back from them - like I were a closet super-conservative Christian waiting to sneak into their rooms when they were sleeping and convert them. Addressing this concern that they might mistake my silence for the "judgement of the Southern Christian," I proclaimed that in no way had anything they had said offended me and that I actually agreed with many points - a true statement. Anyway, I think it will all turn out all right...but the divide between conservative Christians and those who lack respect for their culture is certainly great...especially in the South.
Also...the darn cockroaches will not go in peace. Under the direction of a wise aunt, I went on a Boric Acid rampage the other night. Some of my roommates were remarkably concerned by the poison sign on the white bottle that I had picked up from the drugstore. I reassured them that there was little to fear, as I liberally dusted crevices and holes in their rooms and around the house with the bug repellent. Ever doubtful (and perhaps for good reason - as the bottle warned against contact between powder and eyes, fingers and throat), one fellow renter looked it up online to confirm that it had previously been used as a cure-all for eye and yeast infections alike - oh the plethora of uses for Boric acid. Long story short, we have continued to experience cockroach sightings all through the house, particularly in bedrooms. Last night I made a heroic dive under my roommate's bed to catch one before it could disappear from view.
New teacher workdays begin tomorrow. Time to leave the TFA bubble and enter real life...thank God and good God!
Also...I will be reporting to school no later than 6:50am during the school year and will be "floating" - i.e. I don't have a set classroom, but instead will have a cart with which I shall transport my goods. Maybe I'll finally get into coffee.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Cockroaches...apparently they are clean!
Greetings!
As of now, the cockroach count in our condo is 3 and counting. As the four of us snuggled up for a quiet evening of "Wild Things", it wasn't the plot twists that freaked us out so much as the reddish-black, dazzlingly quick creature crawling up the curtain in the background. We were visited again by a friend in the shower last night. Running to the rescue, I was handed a shot glass and a magazine with which to catch and release the demon. As I blew air in an attempt to stir the roach from the cozy crevice it was inhabiting, I failed to hang onto the glass. Unfortunately, the small glass slipped from my hand, only to shatter on the shower bottom beneath it...perhaps one of the worst places for broken glass. Thankfully, my roommates were not filled with ill will after this occurrence, likely due to my willingness to confront the intruding bug and my sincere and repeated apologies for my failed actions. Needless to say, the cockroach got away and we were out one bug catching glass.
In other news, after a great adventure we now have a furnished living room! One roommate and I drove to a local Lowe's yesterday to rent a truck and worked our way around Charlotte picking up a fantastic couch. After an air condition-less ride that pushed my navigational skills to a near perilous end, we arrived at our next pick-up point. A third roommate awaited us at Salvation Army with a coffee table and another couch. She was quite happy to see us pull up, as she had been sitting in the 90 degree heat being eaten alive by mosquitoes for an hour. Once home, we enlisted the aid of a couple of strong fellows who took on our stairs with the heavy couch. After many a grunt, heavy breath, minor hand and wrist injury and curse word, the guys had successfully ascended our staircase with the couch. I have never appreciated a place to sit more than last night. Pillows on the floor are great...but really, flopping down on a comfy couch after a long day will be a far greater reward - especially considering our great efforts that allowed it to rest in the room.
This weekend will involve more online training and unit planning. It will be a long weekend, but it will likely ensure a stronger beginning to the school year.
As of now, the cockroach count in our condo is 3 and counting. As the four of us snuggled up for a quiet evening of "Wild Things", it wasn't the plot twists that freaked us out so much as the reddish-black, dazzlingly quick creature crawling up the curtain in the background. We were visited again by a friend in the shower last night. Running to the rescue, I was handed a shot glass and a magazine with which to catch and release the demon. As I blew air in an attempt to stir the roach from the cozy crevice it was inhabiting, I failed to hang onto the glass. Unfortunately, the small glass slipped from my hand, only to shatter on the shower bottom beneath it...perhaps one of the worst places for broken glass. Thankfully, my roommates were not filled with ill will after this occurrence, likely due to my willingness to confront the intruding bug and my sincere and repeated apologies for my failed actions. Needless to say, the cockroach got away and we were out one bug catching glass.
In other news, after a great adventure we now have a furnished living room! One roommate and I drove to a local Lowe's yesterday to rent a truck and worked our way around Charlotte picking up a fantastic couch. After an air condition-less ride that pushed my navigational skills to a near perilous end, we arrived at our next pick-up point. A third roommate awaited us at Salvation Army with a coffee table and another couch. She was quite happy to see us pull up, as she had been sitting in the 90 degree heat being eaten alive by mosquitoes for an hour. Once home, we enlisted the aid of a couple of strong fellows who took on our stairs with the heavy couch. After many a grunt, heavy breath, minor hand and wrist injury and curse word, the guys had successfully ascended our staircase with the couch. I have never appreciated a place to sit more than last night. Pillows on the floor are great...but really, flopping down on a comfy couch after a long day will be a far greater reward - especially considering our great efforts that allowed it to rest in the room.
This weekend will involve more online training and unit planning. It will be a long weekend, but it will likely ensure a stronger beginning to the school year.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Bad Plumbing and the Po-Po
We have officially moved into the condo!...and I will never...ever rent or buy a condo again. Some words of caution to those signing a lease soon:
1) Make sure you are the only ones who have keys to the place, or at least know all parties that have a key.
2) Ensure that your landlord upholds the darn agreement from the beginning!
A few days ago, we had moved into a nicely renovated condo with two bathrooms and 2 kitchens...little did we know that one bathroom was off limits because the drains were leaking into our downstairs neighbor's ceiling and the electricity in one kitchen didn't work...pretty sweet. One afternoon we came home to a note on a bathroom mirror reading, "DON'T USE SINK OR SHOWER! --Your downstairs neighbor." I mean really? At least get rid of the caps Jeanie. And how freaking impersonal. And she has a key to our place?! Apparently the condo owner and Jeanie have a history of bad blood between them. That night our landlord came over to change our locks...when we discovered that Jeanie actually should have a key according to the condo laws...our landlord proceeded to run to the grocery store and buy us all some crystal light and snack food. A little bribery for our troubles perhaps...as if that wasn't fishy enough, our condo owner brought over a $150 gift certificate last night for a nice restaurant. So clearly something has gone very wrong with their upholding their end of the lease.
Long story short, our bathrooms all work (thanks to Gamel, our great handy-man who worked extremely hard into the evening a couple of days to get us squared away), but one of our kitchens (with the better oven) is still out of commission.
In other news, I got pulled over for the first time last night! Woohoo. We are driving along after out delicious meal on our condo owner and a roomie in the back is telling a great story about being pulled over by the police. I happen to glance in the rear-view mirror and notice that a cop is behind me...hmmm, I better not speed or anything, wouldn't that be ironic if we got pulled over when someone was telling a story about the exact phenomenon. O dear...this is actually happening, lights behind me are flashing, "Is he seriously asking me to pull over?" I question my compatriots. Indeed he was, and I proceed to move into a conveniently located pull-out area, signaling carefully.
I roll down the window and prepare myself for my first ticket. A young policeman approaches my window. "Good evening ma'am, how's it going tonight?" "Very well, thank you" I say. "Have you been drinking tonight?" "No, not a drop" (A true statement) "I'll walk the line or take a blood alcohol level test if you want" "What about everybody else" "Yes, others in the car have been" (Each had a drink at dinner). "Do you know why I pulled you over ma'am?" "No sir, I am very curious," I say with a little too much enthusiasm in my voice." "Your headlights are off" "O wow! I didn't even realize!" I respond with genuine shock, madly turning the knob that would ensure full visibility of the path ahead. "Do you know who usually drives at night with their headlights off?" He asks with a slight air of condescension. "I am guessing drunk drivers?" What do I win Bob?! "Yes, ma'am. License and registration please." I provide the essentials. By this point a second car had joined our party across the street, and shortly thereafter a third car, making three cars blocking traffic with lights flashing. Are they serious? I think. A female approaches with some plastic tubes in her hand. "Have you ever taken one of these before?" she inquires. "No, I haven't." "Take a deep breath, blow hard into the tube and don't stop until I tell you." Taking a deep breath, I blew with all of my might as I avoided cracking under the sarcastic comedic comments relating to sexual references from the peanut gallery in the back. "She's clean" the policewoman reports to her fellow member of the force. The first policeman comes back into view, returning borrowed documents and closes our meeting with, "Thank you for being the designated driver this evening, have a good night." Whew! Not even a verbal warning. I will certainly keep my lights on in the future.
1) Make sure you are the only ones who have keys to the place, or at least know all parties that have a key.
2) Ensure that your landlord upholds the darn agreement from the beginning!
A few days ago, we had moved into a nicely renovated condo with two bathrooms and 2 kitchens...little did we know that one bathroom was off limits because the drains were leaking into our downstairs neighbor's ceiling and the electricity in one kitchen didn't work...pretty sweet. One afternoon we came home to a note on a bathroom mirror reading, "DON'T USE SINK OR SHOWER! --Your downstairs neighbor." I mean really? At least get rid of the caps Jeanie. And how freaking impersonal. And she has a key to our place?! Apparently the condo owner and Jeanie have a history of bad blood between them. That night our landlord came over to change our locks...when we discovered that Jeanie actually should have a key according to the condo laws...our landlord proceeded to run to the grocery store and buy us all some crystal light and snack food. A little bribery for our troubles perhaps...as if that wasn't fishy enough, our condo owner brought over a $150 gift certificate last night for a nice restaurant. So clearly something has gone very wrong with their upholding their end of the lease.
Long story short, our bathrooms all work (thanks to Gamel, our great handy-man who worked extremely hard into the evening a couple of days to get us squared away), but one of our kitchens (with the better oven) is still out of commission.
In other news, I got pulled over for the first time last night! Woohoo. We are driving along after out delicious meal on our condo owner and a roomie in the back is telling a great story about being pulled over by the police. I happen to glance in the rear-view mirror and notice that a cop is behind me...hmmm, I better not speed or anything, wouldn't that be ironic if we got pulled over when someone was telling a story about the exact phenomenon. O dear...this is actually happening, lights behind me are flashing, "Is he seriously asking me to pull over?" I question my compatriots. Indeed he was, and I proceed to move into a conveniently located pull-out area, signaling carefully.
I roll down the window and prepare myself for my first ticket. A young policeman approaches my window. "Good evening ma'am, how's it going tonight?" "Very well, thank you" I say. "Have you been drinking tonight?" "No, not a drop" (A true statement) "I'll walk the line or take a blood alcohol level test if you want" "What about everybody else" "Yes, others in the car have been" (Each had a drink at dinner). "Do you know why I pulled you over ma'am?" "No sir, I am very curious," I say with a little too much enthusiasm in my voice." "Your headlights are off" "O wow! I didn't even realize!" I respond with genuine shock, madly turning the knob that would ensure full visibility of the path ahead. "Do you know who usually drives at night with their headlights off?" He asks with a slight air of condescension. "I am guessing drunk drivers?" What do I win Bob?! "Yes, ma'am. License and registration please." I provide the essentials. By this point a second car had joined our party across the street, and shortly thereafter a third car, making three cars blocking traffic with lights flashing. Are they serious? I think. A female approaches with some plastic tubes in her hand. "Have you ever taken one of these before?" she inquires. "No, I haven't." "Take a deep breath, blow hard into the tube and don't stop until I tell you." Taking a deep breath, I blew with all of my might as I avoided cracking under the sarcastic comedic comments relating to sexual references from the peanut gallery in the back. "She's clean" the policewoman reports to her fellow member of the force. The first policeman comes back into view, returning borrowed documents and closes our meeting with, "Thank you for being the designated driver this evening, have a good night." Whew! Not even a verbal warning. I will certainly keep my lights on in the future.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
New Assignment
During institute a few weeks ago, one corps member noticed that our district had recently cut 400 jobs. A little concerned, we asked an '06 (someone who began teaching with TFA in 2006) what this would mean for our placements. He replied with a laugh, "It's a political move because they didn't receive as much money from the state as they requested - don't worry, it won't affect TFA people." Reassured, but unsure how to feel about the too typical, somewhat arrogant, self-assurance of many corps members, I concluded that nothing would be affected.
That was until two days ago. I received an email relaying to me and another '08 that our placements were being shifted around. The next day I learned that I will now be in a high school, which luckily is about the same distance, although a totally different direction, from the apartment. The middle school math praxis II, which I took back in the spring, allows teachers to teach grades 6-9. Thus, I will be teaching 9th grade math - nice, because I won't have multiple grade levels to prepare for, although I still may have different subjects within the 9th grade. My initial preference was actually for high school, so I am getting my first choice after all, even though I had been looking forward to middle school after my experience this summer.
The TFA name might get you great benefits at Wachovia and Kinko's, but it can't protect you from all bureaucratic shifts it seems.
That was until two days ago. I received an email relaying to me and another '08 that our placements were being shifted around. The next day I learned that I will now be in a high school, which luckily is about the same distance, although a totally different direction, from the apartment. The middle school math praxis II, which I took back in the spring, allows teachers to teach grades 6-9. Thus, I will be teaching 9th grade math - nice, because I won't have multiple grade levels to prepare for, although I still may have different subjects within the 9th grade. My initial preference was actually for high school, so I am getting my first choice after all, even though I had been looking forward to middle school after my experience this summer.
The TFA name might get you great benefits at Wachovia and Kinko's, but it can't protect you from all bureaucratic shifts it seems.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Home Sweet Home!
Back in Oaktown and already missing institute. I must say, those first few weeks were rather rough in terms of scrambling together lesson plans and attempting to execute effectively and efficiently. Overall though, despite the fact that I was extremely skeptical that Teach for America could prepare individuals completely new to teaching to lead their own classrooms to high achievement the very next fall, I am feeling far more confident in this regard than I ever thought I would.
On the last day of teaching this summer we got new freedom in terms of what we could plan. We began the day with a spontaneous push-up contest, with Mr. C. seeing just how many he could push out in two minutes. This was sparked by my informing the class why I had been absent the day before - attending my brothers OCS graduation - and following that, how many push-ups my brother did in 2 minutes. Mr. C. thought he could easily surpass this number, and set to work with bewildered and skeptical students looking on. In the end, Mr. C. put forth a valiant effort, performing far more than I thought he could; however, his form did not reach ARMY standards, and therefore I had to inform him that virtually every one he did would not have counted (I also warned him of this during his attempt, but he failed to heed my warnings).
After a morning workout, it was time for my lesson: Meditation. I set out on the floor the blankets I had brought with me and asked students to remove their shoes and join me in a circle. We chatted about the benefits of meditation - including stress reduction, boosting the immune system, improved cognitive and athletic performance, and more. Then we got into our first meditation: with our eyes closed, we counted our breaths from one to ten and then back to one in our heads.
Now, keep in mind that when first considering whether or not to bring meditation to the class, I had a few reservations. First and foremost, I was concerned that students would simply fall asleep. This was a risk particularly due to the fact that my lesson came first in the day - 8:30am. My second worry was that they would not take it seriously, perhaps laughing and talking during the meditation. Fortunately, my fears were assuaged. Our kids were energized and a short talk about staying focused on the meditation kept them engaged ("if you find yourself with your eyes open, exchanging a laugh with a friend, just close your eyes and bring your attention back to you breathing"). When I was ready to bring them out of is, I opened my eyes, looked around, and saw all students relaxed with their eyes closed. It was a definite success, with students saying that this was a technique they would likely try again at home when they needed to relax - whether it be to escape the stress that an unhappy baby's screaming might induce or just to come down before bed after a long day. This is something that I will absolutely incorporate into my classes in the fall once a safe, supportive environment has been established.
I have been home for a few days now and it's unbelievable how quickly institute went by. I will surely keep in touch with students I met over the summer and will spend the next two weeks preparing mentally and logistically before heading back to the South for more directed preparation. Nice to get some time off though to eat well and see old friends!
On the last day of teaching this summer we got new freedom in terms of what we could plan. We began the day with a spontaneous push-up contest, with Mr. C. seeing just how many he could push out in two minutes. This was sparked by my informing the class why I had been absent the day before - attending my brothers OCS graduation - and following that, how many push-ups my brother did in 2 minutes. Mr. C. thought he could easily surpass this number, and set to work with bewildered and skeptical students looking on. In the end, Mr. C. put forth a valiant effort, performing far more than I thought he could; however, his form did not reach ARMY standards, and therefore I had to inform him that virtually every one he did would not have counted (I also warned him of this during his attempt, but he failed to heed my warnings).
After a morning workout, it was time for my lesson: Meditation. I set out on the floor the blankets I had brought with me and asked students to remove their shoes and join me in a circle. We chatted about the benefits of meditation - including stress reduction, boosting the immune system, improved cognitive and athletic performance, and more. Then we got into our first meditation: with our eyes closed, we counted our breaths from one to ten and then back to one in our heads.
Now, keep in mind that when first considering whether or not to bring meditation to the class, I had a few reservations. First and foremost, I was concerned that students would simply fall asleep. This was a risk particularly due to the fact that my lesson came first in the day - 8:30am. My second worry was that they would not take it seriously, perhaps laughing and talking during the meditation. Fortunately, my fears were assuaged. Our kids were energized and a short talk about staying focused on the meditation kept them engaged ("if you find yourself with your eyes open, exchanging a laugh with a friend, just close your eyes and bring your attention back to you breathing"). When I was ready to bring them out of is, I opened my eyes, looked around, and saw all students relaxed with their eyes closed. It was a definite success, with students saying that this was a technique they would likely try again at home when they needed to relax - whether it be to escape the stress that an unhappy baby's screaming might induce or just to come down before bed after a long day. This is something that I will absolutely incorporate into my classes in the fall once a safe, supportive environment has been established.
I have been home for a few days now and it's unbelievable how quickly institute went by. I will surely keep in touch with students I met over the summer and will spend the next two weeks preparing mentally and logistically before heading back to the South for more directed preparation. Nice to get some time off though to eat well and see old friends!
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
A Bitter-Sweet Work-Free Night
Yesterday over dinner, I learned of rumors going around school that students plan to smuggle weapons (guns and/or razors) into school through pregnant girls on Thursday. As mentioned earlier, these young women are not required to pass through the metal detectors for fear of harming their unborn children. The metal detector staff, including myself, do not always thoroughly search these individuals - a quick search through their bags and maybe a light pat down. Of all students, these would definitely be the best to bring in unwelcome weaponry into the place.
Well fights needn't wait until this Thursday evidently. This morning a corps member noticed a razor blade hidden in a female students' hair. She notified a veteran teacher, who proceeded either not to understand or not care - still unclear. However, eventually the student was confronted, ending in her suspension and likely a trip to juvi. Almost half of this one class has been suspended at some point during summer school.
Yesterday the school had an assembly where "star" and "most-improved" students were appreciated in front of the school. The facilitator did a model job handling the hidden hostile atmosphere...not exactly. He began by getting each middle school, in turn, to out-cheer other schools. If this conflict is truly between middle schools, what on earth would move someone to highlight these differences in front of the largest crowd possible? Additionally, if the administration really believes that there may be an eruption of violence on Thursday, why would it let school run go on that day. Theoretically, an ideal leadership would call off school after the test, ensuring the safety of students and all staff. However, apparently school will go on. Luckily, I will not be at school on Thursday, as I will be cheering on my brother for his graduation; however, I do worry about the well-being of my fellow corps members and students.
The high note of the week was certainly yesterday afternoon when one of my students initiated an enthusiastic high-five at the end of the day. Often I am the initiator, receiving a less than incredible response from students. Thus, it completely made my day when G. sent a big high-five my way.
Yesss work-free evening, amazing. Time to look over those apartment details...
Well fights needn't wait until this Thursday evidently. This morning a corps member noticed a razor blade hidden in a female students' hair. She notified a veteran teacher, who proceeded either not to understand or not care - still unclear. However, eventually the student was confronted, ending in her suspension and likely a trip to juvi. Almost half of this one class has been suspended at some point during summer school.
Yesterday the school had an assembly where "star" and "most-improved" students were appreciated in front of the school. The facilitator did a model job handling the hidden hostile atmosphere...not exactly. He began by getting each middle school, in turn, to out-cheer other schools. If this conflict is truly between middle schools, what on earth would move someone to highlight these differences in front of the largest crowd possible? Additionally, if the administration really believes that there may be an eruption of violence on Thursday, why would it let school run go on that day. Theoretically, an ideal leadership would call off school after the test, ensuring the safety of students and all staff. However, apparently school will go on. Luckily, I will not be at school on Thursday, as I will be cheering on my brother for his graduation; however, I do worry about the well-being of my fellow corps members and students.
The high note of the week was certainly yesterday afternoon when one of my students initiated an enthusiastic high-five at the end of the day. Often I am the initiator, receiving a less than incredible response from students. Thus, it completely made my day when G. sent a big high-five my way.
Yesss work-free evening, amazing. Time to look over those apartment details...
Sunday, July 6, 2008
On Post and Male Gay Bars
After a virtual bike race through redwood forests and pacific coastal trails (amazing exercise equipment these days!) I headed out to test my navigational skills on a new public transportation system. Walking about a mile to the closest rapid transit train system, I successfully got myself to the Atlanta airport, and from there to Ft. Benning, utilizing a highly convenient shuttle service. Rather hilariously ironic, I thought, the film on the way to the ARMY Fort was "I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry," a 2007 comedy about two FDNY young men who decide to get married to reap the benefits of domestic partnerships.
Once on base, the service dropped me right outside Daniel's dorm, which was pretty sweet. I couldn't believe how enormous the base is; I have been told it is the largest in the United States. Seriously though, it is a town in and of itself - warranting its own "Ft. Benning" for the city location of the address. I met one of DFish's bunkmates and a few of his other buddies. We enjoyed some delicious hamburgers, a quick trip to Barnes and Noble, and the bumping, eclectic musical collection of a fellow soldier. It was fantastic to see and hang out with him. I look forward to his graduation this Thursday and spending over a week together back home in Cali beginning in a couple of weeks.
I left Ft. Benning around 8 and arrived back in ATL around 10:15pm. Much like I become uncomfortable seeing acquaintances from high school that I haven't seen in a while, I ran into some TFA people getting off MARTA at the same time as I. It was nice to see them, however I worried that they would too adamantly encourage me to join them for a night on the town - I was feeling some solitary exploration of the city as opposed to a group effort. One gentlemen suggested that a girl shouldn't walk home alone. Praying that chivalry truly is dead, I reaffirmed my preference for walking around a bit before heading home and hoped that he wouldn't insist against this. Finally parting from the group, I said good night, and walked in the direction opposite campus.
I realized that I was in the same location that I had been when out and about with a few friends the night before, certainly a comfort. The street was lit up with electronic signs and rainbow flags and the air was filled with the combination of live and DJ-controlled music. Poking my head into one bar, I felt unsure of my presence there and headed to Starbucks for a quick bite. Recharged, I made up my mind to go back to the bar. Asking in front about the establishment, I had trouble discerning the general vibe of the scene. Well, I'll just have to decide for myself, I thought. With some renewed ounces of courage, I opened the door and asked how much the cover was. Within 10 seconds of entering, I immediately fled toward the bar for a coke, feeling the need for something, anything in hand to blend in. Too soon did I realize that I was not only the only white individual in the place, but also the only female...hmm. My suspicions about the place were confirmed as two African-American gentlemen took the floor and showed each other a little love. I didn't really feel overly out of place, as I was very much enjoying the music, but worried that others might be bothered by the presence of a female in their all-male space - thus, I decided to leave. Luckily I found a bus back to campus, as I didn't feel too safe walking the mile back to campus in the dark.
One more week of school and then back to Cali next Saturday!
Once on base, the service dropped me right outside Daniel's dorm, which was pretty sweet. I couldn't believe how enormous the base is; I have been told it is the largest in the United States. Seriously though, it is a town in and of itself - warranting its own "Ft. Benning" for the city location of the address. I met one of DFish's bunkmates and a few of his other buddies. We enjoyed some delicious hamburgers, a quick trip to Barnes and Noble, and the bumping, eclectic musical collection of a fellow soldier. It was fantastic to see and hang out with him. I look forward to his graduation this Thursday and spending over a week together back home in Cali beginning in a couple of weeks.
I left Ft. Benning around 8 and arrived back in ATL around 10:15pm. Much like I become uncomfortable seeing acquaintances from high school that I haven't seen in a while, I ran into some TFA people getting off MARTA at the same time as I. It was nice to see them, however I worried that they would too adamantly encourage me to join them for a night on the town - I was feeling some solitary exploration of the city as opposed to a group effort. One gentlemen suggested that a girl shouldn't walk home alone. Praying that chivalry truly is dead, I reaffirmed my preference for walking around a bit before heading home and hoped that he wouldn't insist against this. Finally parting from the group, I said good night, and walked in the direction opposite campus.
I realized that I was in the same location that I had been when out and about with a few friends the night before, certainly a comfort. The street was lit up with electronic signs and rainbow flags and the air was filled with the combination of live and DJ-controlled music. Poking my head into one bar, I felt unsure of my presence there and headed to Starbucks for a quick bite. Recharged, I made up my mind to go back to the bar. Asking in front about the establishment, I had trouble discerning the general vibe of the scene. Well, I'll just have to decide for myself, I thought. With some renewed ounces of courage, I opened the door and asked how much the cover was. Within 10 seconds of entering, I immediately fled toward the bar for a coke, feeling the need for something, anything in hand to blend in. Too soon did I realize that I was not only the only white individual in the place, but also the only female...hmm. My suspicions about the place were confirmed as two African-American gentlemen took the floor and showed each other a little love. I didn't really feel overly out of place, as I was very much enjoying the music, but worried that others might be bothered by the presence of a female in their all-male space - thus, I decided to leave. Luckily I found a bus back to campus, as I didn't feel too safe walking the mile back to campus in the dark.
One more week of school and then back to Cali next Saturday!
Friday, July 4, 2008
Two Great Lessons and Handcuffs
I ended the week on a high note, having given two excellent lessons. The first consisted of an interactive activity where students were given post-its with a number on it, decided whether it was rational or irrational (conferring with a friend if necessary), and then stuck it in the appropriate rational or irrational circle. My Faculty Advisor asked me how I felt about them, and I shared with her that I thought they were my best days thus far, she nodded with encouragement.
Last week there was a big fight at school. During metal detector duty heads started turning towards the noise beginning to erupt from the gym downstairs. A police officer came in through our side of the metal detectors. Shortly after, he returned with a young man in handcuffs. As far as I heard, he was taken to the station and is now in jail. During the fight one teacher, a corps member, fled from the gym and proceeded to sing "Jesus Loves Me" with a dazed, holding-onto the-faith-of-a-greater-power look. We had various reactions, but this was certainly the most extreme.
Speaking of God; in one of our sessions this week we examined the case of a classroom of four TFA women. They had been talking about how rough the boys they had were, however I still had my doubts, assuming that they were merely exaggerating. However, as I sat in the back of their classroom this week observing, I realized I was wrong. The group never ceases to talk while the teacher talks; one boy got out of his chair, jumping off of a desk to reach a high shelf upon which he threw his shirt. The students attempt to out-disrespect one another and the teacher constantly. I truly admire how these teachers maintain a positive attitude.
Back to the session...the four teachers relayed that they refused to give up on one particular student in their class - the leader who encourages other students to refrain from keeping up a productive learning environment. After the group offered some suggestions, one gentleman raised his hand and offered, "Look, Jesus Christ came down and even he couldn't save everybody." True, perhaps, I thought; however, the uncomfortable silence led me to believe that he had struck a wrong cord among others in the room. Moving right along, the individual leading the discussion hastily moved forward without really addressing the comment, as I saw a note passed between two members in the audience reading, "Big Brother says (crossed out) RELIGION."
At our weekly school meeting yesterday afternoon, our school director noted "just one more thing" before we broke for the holiday weekend. She reminded us that while students will take their official re-test next Wednesday, many students may return on Thursday just to fight. One might first think that the fighting is gang related, with students clearly choosing to wear red or blue and the bloods or crips signs written around the school or being thrown up by students. However, it seems as though the conflict is more over middle schools than gangs. Hopefully next Thursday will go smoothly...
Aside from school, I attended a corps social event last night, followed by a trip into downtown ATL to catch some nightlife. We went to an edgy bar/restaurant called "The Vortex," enjoying some delicious hummus. For the 4th tonight, I headed to a friend's home for some grilling and small town fireworks. The food was delicious, the fireworks impressive, and most enjoyable of all, the dogs sweet and cuddly. Taking a day trip to visit my bro tomorrow!
Last week there was a big fight at school. During metal detector duty heads started turning towards the noise beginning to erupt from the gym downstairs. A police officer came in through our side of the metal detectors. Shortly after, he returned with a young man in handcuffs. As far as I heard, he was taken to the station and is now in jail. During the fight one teacher, a corps member, fled from the gym and proceeded to sing "Jesus Loves Me" with a dazed, holding-onto the-faith-of-a-greater-power look. We had various reactions, but this was certainly the most extreme.
Speaking of God; in one of our sessions this week we examined the case of a classroom of four TFA women. They had been talking about how rough the boys they had were, however I still had my doubts, assuming that they were merely exaggerating. However, as I sat in the back of their classroom this week observing, I realized I was wrong. The group never ceases to talk while the teacher talks; one boy got out of his chair, jumping off of a desk to reach a high shelf upon which he threw his shirt. The students attempt to out-disrespect one another and the teacher constantly. I truly admire how these teachers maintain a positive attitude.
Back to the session...the four teachers relayed that they refused to give up on one particular student in their class - the leader who encourages other students to refrain from keeping up a productive learning environment. After the group offered some suggestions, one gentleman raised his hand and offered, "Look, Jesus Christ came down and even he couldn't save everybody." True, perhaps, I thought; however, the uncomfortable silence led me to believe that he had struck a wrong cord among others in the room. Moving right along, the individual leading the discussion hastily moved forward without really addressing the comment, as I saw a note passed between two members in the audience reading, "Big Brother says (crossed out) RELIGION."
At our weekly school meeting yesterday afternoon, our school director noted "just one more thing" before we broke for the holiday weekend. She reminded us that while students will take their official re-test next Wednesday, many students may return on Thursday just to fight. One might first think that the fighting is gang related, with students clearly choosing to wear red or blue and the bloods or crips signs written around the school or being thrown up by students. However, it seems as though the conflict is more over middle schools than gangs. Hopefully next Thursday will go smoothly...
Aside from school, I attended a corps social event last night, followed by a trip into downtown ATL to catch some nightlife. We went to an edgy bar/restaurant called "The Vortex," enjoying some delicious hummus. For the 4th tonight, I headed to a friend's home for some grilling and small town fireworks. The food was delicious, the fireworks impressive, and most enjoyable of all, the dogs sweet and cuddly. Taking a day trip to visit my bro tomorrow!
Monday, June 30, 2008
Snakes and Surprise Students
So I am walking back to a prospective apartment from the car where I had forgotten my driver's license to find a large black object on the sidewalk. "Hmm, what is this?" I thought to myself. Upon closer inspection, my eyes scrolled from the tail, along the 1.5 in thick body up to the head of a huge black snake! Ahh! At first I wasn't sure if it was real because it was so still, as I have never encountered a snake of that size (at least 2.5 ft long) outside of a zoo. After deciding that it was most certainly real, I hopped over it and walked briskly back to the apartment.
Perhaps ignoring a blatant sign from the All Mighty, we decided to go for this apartment. We had the most stressful 15 minutes that I have experienced in a long time as we went back and forth as to whether to go through the application process (competing with 5 other groups) or to pay a slightly higher price. After prolonged fetal positions and sounds of agony, we decided to make the call! We weren't quite set, however, because if we wanted the place it meant coming up with $1500 in cash in the next three hours. Luckily, a local Walmart hooked us up with cashing a personal check (something they supposedly do not do on a typical basis). All in all, we now have a place to live!
On the school side of things, this morning was a true challenge. I was just opening my lesson to a one person class when three students whom I had never seen before, except working metal detector duty, entered our classroom. Not knowing what was going on, I assumed I was the only one who did not know why this was occurring; I introduced myself and quickly learned their names. I also found out that the class that they had been in was behind where we were, which meant that it might be challenging for them to grasp the lesson. By the end of the day, I had rushed a bit through the intro and guided practice - so some students were still struggling. This is certainly frustrating, but I have no doubt that they will have a strong understanding of the material tomorrow.
I also had a successful call to K.'s mom! K. hasn't been in school for a few days now and we are growing concerned. It turns out that she thought her son could not return to school because he had missed 3 days. I urged her to call the school to make sure that he could absolutely not come to school - in which case I offered evening or weekend tutoring sessions to help K. pass the big re-test next week. Hopefully we will see him again soon.
Shout out to my mom for sending my quilt - I sleep so much better in the coziness!
4 day week and then only a few days before the test. Also, Atlanta Pride is this weekend. Should be a fun time!
Perhaps ignoring a blatant sign from the All Mighty, we decided to go for this apartment. We had the most stressful 15 minutes that I have experienced in a long time as we went back and forth as to whether to go through the application process (competing with 5 other groups) or to pay a slightly higher price. After prolonged fetal positions and sounds of agony, we decided to make the call! We weren't quite set, however, because if we wanted the place it meant coming up with $1500 in cash in the next three hours. Luckily, a local Walmart hooked us up with cashing a personal check (something they supposedly do not do on a typical basis). All in all, we now have a place to live!
On the school side of things, this morning was a true challenge. I was just opening my lesson to a one person class when three students whom I had never seen before, except working metal detector duty, entered our classroom. Not knowing what was going on, I assumed I was the only one who did not know why this was occurring; I introduced myself and quickly learned their names. I also found out that the class that they had been in was behind where we were, which meant that it might be challenging for them to grasp the lesson. By the end of the day, I had rushed a bit through the intro and guided practice - so some students were still struggling. This is certainly frustrating, but I have no doubt that they will have a strong understanding of the material tomorrow.
I also had a successful call to K.'s mom! K. hasn't been in school for a few days now and we are growing concerned. It turns out that she thought her son could not return to school because he had missed 3 days. I urged her to call the school to make sure that he could absolutely not come to school - in which case I offered evening or weekend tutoring sessions to help K. pass the big re-test next week. Hopefully we will see him again soon.
Shout out to my mom for sending my quilt - I sleep so much better in the coziness!
4 day week and then only a few days before the test. Also, Atlanta Pride is this weekend. Should be a fun time!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
A little 'tude.
So this morning started out a little shaky (again). We had two students - the student whose mother I called a couple of days ago was not there. We think something may be going on at home. Our faculty advisor is looking into it. One of our students had some major attitude, clearly not thrilled to be there. When it was my turn, I attempted my incredible motivational speech that I had been formulating for the previous 10 minutes (in my head - next time I'll take some notes...) - it began with "Who wants to spend their summer in summer school next year?!" Raising my hand to indicate "I do!" and asking this in a very sarcastic tone. I highlighted the fact that the test is two weeks from today and that we need to have a sense of urgency. I then tried to squeeze in the fact that we need them to say things in class with confidence, not just muttering answers under their breath so they have more confidence when they rock the test. "You know the answer, I know you know the answer, so be confident and say it!" Although it could have been smoother, I think it served its purpose.
The morning hour had drawn to a close, and it was my time to conduct my lesson. I hoped to spark the interest of my students with dramatic hand gestures, energy, and an enthusiastic tone. It worked a little, but in the future I need to find more sustainable and predicable investment strategies. For example! I planned my method for rational and irrational numbers for next week this afternoon. Relating the idea to girlfriends or boyfriends, you want one that is consistent and predicable, spends alone time with you, and in the end, is absolutely perfect - rational decimal numbers have either a consistent pattern or are terminal - unlike irrational numbers with that infinite, random drama at the end of them. Rational numbers, like super significant others, spend alone time with you, with just one of you in the numerator or denominator of a fraction without endless friends hanging around (can be expressed in the form of an integer over an integer - and they are perfect, because radicals with perfect square radicands are rational. Hope it goes well.
I handled the attitude with a firm, relatively harsh, approach. I also coupled it with warm, one-on-one interactions, however. In the future I must try to leave emotion out of it and calmly explain how students are being disrespectful and precisely what they can do to get back on track. Today N. kept making errors adding radicals with like radicands together. I said that this is what happens when we are not focused or tired - blaming her addition errors on her lack of focus. Almost too late did I realize that the real problem was that she cannot add and subtract negative numbers. So we spent the rest of the period reviewing how to add negatives - remember this is 8th grade - yet another example of how these students have been done a horrific disservice by their education.
Overall a good day as I look forward to giving my lesson tomorrow using the Jordin Sparks' song "One Step At A Time" to talk about how we need to take problems one step at a time so we don't rush into things and make mistakes.
The morning hour had drawn to a close, and it was my time to conduct my lesson. I hoped to spark the interest of my students with dramatic hand gestures, energy, and an enthusiastic tone. It worked a little, but in the future I need to find more sustainable and predicable investment strategies. For example! I planned my method for rational and irrational numbers for next week this afternoon. Relating the idea to girlfriends or boyfriends, you want one that is consistent and predicable, spends alone time with you, and in the end, is absolutely perfect - rational decimal numbers have either a consistent pattern or are terminal - unlike irrational numbers with that infinite, random drama at the end of them. Rational numbers, like super significant others, spend alone time with you, with just one of you in the numerator or denominator of a fraction without endless friends hanging around (can be expressed in the form of an integer over an integer - and they are perfect, because radicals with perfect square radicands are rational. Hope it goes well.
I handled the attitude with a firm, relatively harsh, approach. I also coupled it with warm, one-on-one interactions, however. In the future I must try to leave emotion out of it and calmly explain how students are being disrespectful and precisely what they can do to get back on track. Today N. kept making errors adding radicals with like radicands together. I said that this is what happens when we are not focused or tired - blaming her addition errors on her lack of focus. Almost too late did I realize that the real problem was that she cannot add and subtract negative numbers. So we spent the rest of the period reviewing how to add negatives - remember this is 8th grade - yet another example of how these students have been done a horrific disservice by their education.
Overall a good day as I look forward to giving my lesson tomorrow using the Jordin Sparks' song "One Step At A Time" to talk about how we need to take problems one step at a time so we don't rush into things and make mistakes.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Oops and The Big Fake Out
The day started off a little shaky. Everyday we are given "daily sponge" problems, which are warm up problems for students to do prior to the formal lesson. Today's problem asked about how many square wood pieces a carpenter would have left over after she created a square top with the most pieces possible. I proceeded to outline the problem, as the two students who were in class today were having trouble beginning. Opposite the ideal way I might have started the explanation, I began to find the greatest perfect square factor of 195 - which, unless I have done my calculations incorrectly is, in fact, 1. Not the right way to do the problem. Having realized my error and pointed out to the students that this was not the correct approach, I began the correct method: finding the perfect square factor that is closest to 195, but does not exceeding it - 169, leaving 26 pieces remaining.
After this, I ran into another hurdle as a problem asked about interest rates and making a deposit in a bank. The student understood the problem doing it one way, but I wanted to show her a more efficient way to get the same right answer. This student is very quick to pick things up; therefore, I assumed that this would be no different. To my chagrin, however, the concept did not flow like DMX free-styling. To make matters a little harder by heightening my nerves, an observer of the highest rank entered the room during the explanation. Although I was nervous to receive her feedback, she actually left a very positive message relating that my "explanation led the student to really get it!" This was a welcome reassurance.
At 1:30, signs all over the school read "TFA, Emergency Meeting 1:30, CS Room." Confused and anxious, all corps members reported to the CS room promptly. A Corps Member Advisor addressed the group, "Our school director is upstairs in an important meeting so I will be the one to deliver this bad news. I just heard it myself about 15 minutes ago, so bear with me. Although you guys are doing an awesome job in the classroom, A. Public Schools has made the decision to have your faculty advisors step in and teach the rest of summer school. They do not believe the students are making enough progress. You will still turn in lesson plans, but you will not teach any more during institute; instead you will observe everyday." At this point a murmur in the crowd suggested that this must be a joke. The speaker replied to this with, "I am so far to the opposite of that. This is really hard for me to tell you" with tears emerging in his eyes. At this point, I began to imagine the rest of institute at the back of a classroom - it would be frustrating, but maybe it was best for the students, and I would still learn a little. Other corps members were taking it much harder - bursting into tears all over the room.
To deal with the harsh reality of the moment, the speaker suggested that we discuss what TFA means to us to bring our spirits back. Corps member advisors held up signs with different slogans on them. Finally, the last member raised her sign which read, "Totally Free Afternoon!" Stunned, corps members looked around, searching for answers from each other. "The bus is waiting, we were just kidding!" we were told. Long story short, many were very bitter and hurt that our leaders would play such a cruel joke on us. But, either way, we had the afternoon off! Spectacular. Apparently this is a tradition that they insert when they feel that people are wearing thin - a well-timed choice this time, as just this morning I heard a couple of corps members sharing that they had thought about quitting the program the night before because the work was getting to be too much and sleep too little.
Anyway, speaking of sleep, I am off to dream land.
After this, I ran into another hurdle as a problem asked about interest rates and making a deposit in a bank. The student understood the problem doing it one way, but I wanted to show her a more efficient way to get the same right answer. This student is very quick to pick things up; therefore, I assumed that this would be no different. To my chagrin, however, the concept did not flow like DMX free-styling. To make matters a little harder by heightening my nerves, an observer of the highest rank entered the room during the explanation. Although I was nervous to receive her feedback, she actually left a very positive message relating that my "explanation led the student to really get it!" This was a welcome reassurance.
At 1:30, signs all over the school read "TFA, Emergency Meeting 1:30, CS Room." Confused and anxious, all corps members reported to the CS room promptly. A Corps Member Advisor addressed the group, "Our school director is upstairs in an important meeting so I will be the one to deliver this bad news. I just heard it myself about 15 minutes ago, so bear with me. Although you guys are doing an awesome job in the classroom, A. Public Schools has made the decision to have your faculty advisors step in and teach the rest of summer school. They do not believe the students are making enough progress. You will still turn in lesson plans, but you will not teach any more during institute; instead you will observe everyday." At this point a murmur in the crowd suggested that this must be a joke. The speaker replied to this with, "I am so far to the opposite of that. This is really hard for me to tell you" with tears emerging in his eyes. At this point, I began to imagine the rest of institute at the back of a classroom - it would be frustrating, but maybe it was best for the students, and I would still learn a little. Other corps members were taking it much harder - bursting into tears all over the room.
To deal with the harsh reality of the moment, the speaker suggested that we discuss what TFA means to us to bring our spirits back. Corps member advisors held up signs with different slogans on them. Finally, the last member raised her sign which read, "Totally Free Afternoon!" Stunned, corps members looked around, searching for answers from each other. "The bus is waiting, we were just kidding!" we were told. Long story short, many were very bitter and hurt that our leaders would play such a cruel joke on us. But, either way, we had the afternoon off! Spectacular. Apparently this is a tradition that they insert when they feel that people are wearing thin - a well-timed choice this time, as just this morning I heard a couple of corps members sharing that they had thought about quitting the program the night before because the work was getting to be too much and sleep too little.
Anyway, speaking of sleep, I am off to dream land.
Monday, June 23, 2008
First Call Home
This evening I made my first "teacher call" to a student's home. One student in our class is not only chronically late, but also absent frequently. When summer school is only 4.5 weeks long, every day counts. I made a call in the early evening and got an answering machine. Identifying myself with my name, I revealed that I am one of K.'s summer school teachers. I began by mentioning how much all teachers missed the student in class today, emphasizing that K. is an active participant in classroom mathematical discussions and a patient, hard-worker. Wanting to stress the importance of his daily attendance at school, I commented that if there was anything that they could suggest to the teaching staff or if there was anyway that we could work out together to ensure that he gets to school everyday, we would like to make every effort to make this happen. Hopefully K. will be in class tomorrow.
On a side note, I made the unfortunate decision of eating too much dried fruit as I snacked yesterday and seem to be battling some form of a cold - a rough combination.
This evening I participated in a discussion with a number of current and past corps members about their queer experiences in teaching. All veterans reported that they remained closeted at school - I think most people in the discussion left feeling pretty discouraged. However, technically there are no legal protections in many states (here or in other regions in the US) for "alternate" sexual orientations. Therefore, from the perspective of protecting one's job, perhaps this is the best way to go.
On a side note, I made the unfortunate decision of eating too much dried fruit as I snacked yesterday and seem to be battling some form of a cold - a rough combination.
This evening I participated in a discussion with a number of current and past corps members about their queer experiences in teaching. All veterans reported that they remained closeted at school - I think most people in the discussion left feeling pretty discouraged. However, technically there are no legal protections in many states (here or in other regions in the US) for "alternate" sexual orientations. Therefore, from the perspective of protecting one's job, perhaps this is the best way to go.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Pump Fakes and Starbursts
How to demonstrate the idea that word problems throw extraneous information at you? Bring in the pump fake! During our math lit hour this morning as people were going over rules and procedures, I began to daydream about better ways to invest our students in my lesson. It occurred to me to get physical. At the beginning of my time, I questioned the class as to who played basketball. A young man raised his hand and I asked him to rise, step forward, and show me his best defensive stance. After being entirely unimpressed I said, really man, I am going to get by you like none other if you don't D me up better. So he got lower and I pretended that I had the ball. I took it to the right and he followed. Going up for a pump fake, I said that he jumped out of his shoes and I dunked on him. But in round two, he knew it was coming so that he could say "get out of here" to my shot attempt. I was the test and he was the student. Tests are going to throw lots of pump fakes at you as you go through them. As the student, you must see those coming and react accordingly so that you are best able to defend yourself.
I asked our students to write down how they see their lives in 15 years - family, home, car, travel, job, etc. Sharing aloud, one student remarked that she and her current baby would have a 3 bedroom house and a porche. Another student pronounced that she would live in a million dollar mansion and travel all over the world. With the great help of an old middle school math teacher of mine, we broke down exactly how much more money per day you make by staying in school and one day graduating from college as opposed to not finishing high school. The students were not overtly impressed; however, I think that it demonstrated well to them the monetary value in continuing their education through college.
Tomorrow I teach perfect squares. A fellow teacher imparted to a group earlier that she intended to use starburts for this exercise so that they could have a clear visual of what a perfect square really is. I decided that this sounded pretty cool and made it my personal mission to get some darn starbursts for my students. After an incredibly inefficient, two-hour session at school processing (more finger printing for a new school district), I set off for the gas station that we always pass on the way to school, hoping for starbursts. Eureka! I now have a full ziploc bag (useful for many things!) full of colorful squares ready to help students remember what a perfect square is.
I asked our students to write down how they see their lives in 15 years - family, home, car, travel, job, etc. Sharing aloud, one student remarked that she and her current baby would have a 3 bedroom house and a porche. Another student pronounced that she would live in a million dollar mansion and travel all over the world. With the great help of an old middle school math teacher of mine, we broke down exactly how much more money per day you make by staying in school and one day graduating from college as opposed to not finishing high school. The students were not overtly impressed; however, I think that it demonstrated well to them the monetary value in continuing their education through college.
Tomorrow I teach perfect squares. A fellow teacher imparted to a group earlier that she intended to use starburts for this exercise so that they could have a clear visual of what a perfect square really is. I decided that this sounded pretty cool and made it my personal mission to get some darn starbursts for my students. After an incredibly inefficient, two-hour session at school processing (more finger printing for a new school district), I set off for the gas station that we always pass on the way to school, hoping for starbursts. Eureka! I now have a full ziploc bag (useful for many things!) full of colorful squares ready to help students remember what a perfect square is.
Monday, June 16, 2008
First Day as a Teacher
I am super exhausted but I wanted to right a quick one.
Despite my hard work over the weekend, I ended up getting to bed pretty late last night. However, our bus is leaving later now, so I intend to sleep in until 6am.
I had morning duty today. My role, along with 5 of my fellow corps members, took place at the
middle school medal detectors. As students walked in, we searched their purses or small backpacks and patted them down. We were the ones feeling uncomfortable since they were all quite used to this daily treatment, almost laughing at the beginning because of our tentativeness.
The woman who instructed us in our duty relayed that she "lets the pregnant ones walk to the side of the medal detector." I thought to myself, "Makes sense. Wouldn't want them getting any unnecessary radiation." Five minutes later, however, I wasn't sure whether I should have been more shocked at this so plainly stated advice, or at myself for not thinking anything of it at the time I heard it.
After patting down 300 girls, it was time for morning class. We began with a grand total of 1 student in the classroom. However, by the time it was time for my first lesson we had 4, ending the day with 5 or 6 I believe (other teachers take the later lessons). In the morning we went around and discussed the classroom expectations and how each student would perform with them; one student mentioned that he had an anger management problem. A slight worry trickled into my headm, strongly led by images of me ducking to escape flying chairs. However, he proved himself to be quite the eager participant and active learner.
My lesson on scientific notation went well. I evidently missed the memo on providing students an assessment at the end, but I will be sure to get on this tomorrow.
My greatest pleasure of the day: finding some folders in the "grab pile" in which I organized the tons of paper given to us and which we must give to others everyday. Boy they were a sweet find.
Going to bed too late again. Yes, a recurring theme.
Despite my hard work over the weekend, I ended up getting to bed pretty late last night. However, our bus is leaving later now, so I intend to sleep in until 6am.
I had morning duty today. My role, along with 5 of my fellow corps members, took place at the
middle school medal detectors. As students walked in, we searched their purses or small backpacks and patted them down. We were the ones feeling uncomfortable since they were all quite used to this daily treatment, almost laughing at the beginning because of our tentativeness.The woman who instructed us in our duty relayed that she "lets the pregnant ones walk to the side of the medal detector." I thought to myself, "Makes sense. Wouldn't want them getting any unnecessary radiation." Five minutes later, however, I wasn't sure whether I should have been more shocked at this so plainly stated advice, or at myself for not thinking anything of it at the time I heard it.
After patting down 300 girls, it was time for morning class. We began with a grand total of 1 student in the classroom. However, by the time it was time for my first lesson we had 4, ending the day with 5 or 6 I believe (other teachers take the later lessons). In the morning we went around and discussed the classroom expectations and how each student would perform with them; one student mentioned that he had an anger management problem. A slight worry trickled into my headm, strongly led by images of me ducking to escape flying chairs. However, he proved himself to be quite the eager participant and active learner.
My lesson on scientific notation went well. I evidently missed the memo on providing students an assessment at the end, but I will be sure to get on this tomorrow.
My greatest pleasure of the day: finding some folders in the "grab pile" in which I organized the tons of paper given to us and which we must give to others everyday. Boy they were a sweet find.
Going to bed too late again. Yes, a recurring theme.
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