Musings from a teacher, who works at an alternative school.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Travelling Hard
I like to travel alot. I like going to see American History items . . . not to mention going to Historical sites and museums. This may mean packing the old luggage sets up and heading to Chicago this summer. I have wanted to visit the museums there.
Of coruse with one of the kids getting a new computer, I may have to bring that. Remember to always combine history with a trip. After all you are teaching
One of the funny things about teaching is that you see many things that would make like a little bit better for students.
One of the most important things I see is for students to read more. When students have problems reading, it really makes my blood pressure go up. Only because I am frustrated with prior teachers letting kids pass without learning. The more students read, the better off the students are. Despite working with students who have had difficulty reading. Since the library has been opened many have started reading like crazy.
The more they read the better they work together and do school work better.
The Accredation people for the state are coming through. The good old vacuum cleaners are running like crazy. The janitors are cleaning like crazy. I went in on this weekend to do some extra clean and straighting.
I have to confess this really reminds me of IG inspections when I was in the army, Much Ado About Nothing.
ONE OF THE THINGS THAT AMAZE ME IS the amount OF business performance management made for schools. These things are popping up like weeds.
I look at them and are rather amazed. Most of these rograms that I saw do not operate with the smothness that one would expect. In Jan, when I was talking with someone, they hated the new software. I mean they hated the software. It was really weird.
One of the odd things about history is that I see the past differently from most people. Looking at the past allows me to see the future. I know that is odd and we all make, all kinds of odd and bizzare claims on the future. I am not prophet nor the son of a prophet. I make no claims of anything, other then direct observations.
I have been looking at this bizarre and horrid commercial done by Alltel. This commercial encourages and promotes gang activitiy. It shows that the good Santa elves, are just street thugs.
Alltel should be ashamed of this commercial. Yet rather then showing something redeeming about Christmas or the holiday season. They choose the basest form of people.
People try to have good thoughts and ideas at this time of year. We often talk about being good to others. Even the darkest portraits of Christmas, such as Nightmare Before Christmas, are redeeming.
This commerical where the marketing department must have been on a three day bender in a lasvegas hotel should be fired.
When learning you to teach and where is always a hard thing. Not only do you have to worry about Wilmington NC real estate. But you also have to be concerned about PRAXIS scores and how to be ceritifed in other areas.
As an example in MN you have to have a four year major degree in your subject.
Another example, TN and SD allows you to take a Praxis test to be certified in another area.
IL allows to take the state made test to be certified in another area.
I know going through school is hard. We often never get enough slepp on the good ole' adjustable beds. I would suggest that if you are going though school to learn how to teach . . . get your sleep.
I really enjoy going to school and learning something new. However, taking extra classes can just be killing you.
As teachers we often have to deal with items such as addiction treatment for students.
I am always amazed at how many other items there are for teachers to do besides teach. There are IEPs, ITPs, and shows and games and everything. Many items are required and some are just expected.
Teachers do lots and lots of extras. I actually like many of these extras.
Teaching is hard enough. Today we had a meeting after school for all staff. Not long. However, I had an appt with my real estate agent to go see a house. So I show up at the meeting with my brief case, gloves, hat, jacket. Oh the jokes. Grrrr.
Kinda made me mad.
Still I mmanged to get out 'on time' and make the appt.
When learning to teach is one thing. Finding the job is another that in many ways requires some serious market research on your part.
You need to meet as many people as you can. Do some internet research on the school and the location you are moving to. You also need to research the principal and other heads of the school and district.