21st Century Teaching

The school I work at is adopting the idea of becoming a 21st century school, that does not mean one to one computers or anything, but rather just making students aware of what it out there and prepared for what the business world and job market is like after high school. I am a huge fan of 21st century teaching, in fact this blog all started because of it, however I am not a fan of it when the tools for teaching in the 21st century are limited because of policies and political fears. As an avid user of social networking sites, including Twitter and Facebook, I see the benefits and positive things that they have brought to the global market. Some of the people on these sites offer great avenues of getting into and understanding the world outside of what majority of students are used too. Unfortunately, at the same time when these communication devices are not readily available and/or we are asked to not use them as communication devices for students, it becomes frustrating and in my opinion makes the ideas of the 21st century student in the global market null and void. As educators we are taught to be aware of the ethics and values that coincide with the job that we have, being aware of trending topics, global activity, and even what students are dealing with on a daily basis. What I feel is that sometimes the people are at a level so much higher then the students and they have forgotten what it is like to be a high school student. Students are more apt to tell their emotions and fears on a status update than in a journal a teacher reads in class. I know that there should be a level of discretion and some editing that needs to exist, but doesn't that happen in the classroom anyway? I mean if i need to get my lesson's down to 140 characters so my students can comprehend it I will, because I am now on their level and they are more willing to learn outside of the classroom. I guarantee you the students will remember if i tweet a line from the Shakespeare play, rather than if I have the memorize it. There are lines that a teacher needs to be aware of, I understand that, but being asked to teach in the 21st century but then not be allowed to use the necessary tools is frustrating. I guess it is just a new challenge to find another way to make students excited about their education.

How I see my self, through Jason Mraz's lyrics, Nerdy I know, it is kind of like a bad mix tape to myself.

"A Beautiful Mess"

by Jason Mraz

You've got the best of both worlds

You're the kind of girl who can take down a man,

And lift him back up again

You are strong but you're needy,

Humble but you're greedy

And based on your body language,

And shoddy cursive I've been reading

Your style is quite selective,

though your mind is rather reckless

Well I guess it just suggests

that this is just what happiness is

Hey, what a beautiful mess this is

It's like picking up trash in dresses

Well it kind of hurts when the kind of words you write

Kind of turn themselves into knives

And don't mind my nerve you could call it fiction

But I like being submerged in your contradictions dear'

Cause here we are, here we are

Although you were biased I love your advice

Your comebacks they're quick

And probably have to do with your insecurities

There's no shame in being crazy,

Depending on how you take these

Words I'm paraphrasing this relationship we're staging

And what a beautiful mess, yes it is

It's like picking up trash in dresses

Well it kind of hurts when the kind of words you say

Kind of turn themselves into blades

And the kind and courteous is a life I've heard

But it's nice to say that we played in the dirt

Cause here, here we are, Here we are Here we are

We're still here

What a beautiful mess, this is

It's like taking a guess when the only answer is "Yes"

Through, timeless words and priceless pictures

We'll fly like birds not of this earth

And tides they turn and hearts disfigure

But that's no concern when we're wounded together

And we, tore our dresses and stained our shirts

But its nice today.

Oh the way it was so worth it.

Things I learned in one weekend.....

Okay, so it is a fact that the Holiday Season is a very busy time of year, this holiday season kind of kicked my ass. In the course of just under 2 months, I was caught having my dog in my pet free apartment, which left me no choice but to find a new place to live, I put on two high school productions, worked two jobs, and decided after looking at some of the worst rentals in my small town, to buy a house. I closed on December 18th and moved in on the 19th. So my head is just spinning now. Among these small things I have seen more changes in my life in those same two months than I thought possible, and the amazing thing, I learned more about myself that I thought possible.

1. I realized that friends who will clean out your nasty refrigerator are awesome and are better friends than you initially thought.
2. That strangers who surprise you on a Monday, can end up being a friend by Sunday.
3. That when toxicity leaves your life, or in my case when you tell toxicity to leave your life, good things come.
4. That chivalry is not dead and it can surprise you at the most random times.
5. That no matter what age people are, they will still go out of your way to make the people they care about have a better situation.
6. I realized that the holidays get pretty lonely, but at least your alive to experience them.
7. That although family is pretty amazing majority of the time, they still know the exact ways to annoy the crap out of you, but it is always better to shut your mouth than discuss how annoyed you are with them.
8. I also learned that a 7, 8 and 12 year old, can make you feel pretty good about yourself, and yet still cry when the games at the arcade eat their money.
9. The singing/rapping karaoke always makes you laugh as well as other people, no matter how awful you are, it still a good time.
10. That sometimes coffee is the only thing that can make your day better.

It seems a little odd that this is the topic of my blog today, but in an effort to sort out the many thoughts that are circling my brain and the inability to concentrate, I guess putting it all down here, seemed like the best idea.

This holiday season, I hope that all of my wonderful 18 followers and random people who come across this blog, take something away from the mini moments in life to really appreciate what surrounds them. Happy Holidays!

Impatient

I know my mother worked very hard teaching my patience. I am pretty good at teaching other people patience, however I am not very good at being patient myself.

I am in the process of buying a house, so this time of transition and uncertainty is driving my nuts, to the point where motivation is wavering and everything is depending on another thing. For example, I don't want to start packing everything up, because than I live among the boxes, and won't be able to find things, yet I want to get the packing done, because there are family things I need to help with. I need to work the second job, but I never have enough time to finish things I start. I need to work on school stuff, but by the time rehearsal is over my mind is gone and I lack motivation. This internal conflict is driving me batty.

I know, I know about prioritizing and doing things that need immediate attention, but it seems like everything in my world needs immediate attention, or something randomly pops up and my causal ADD kicks in. I am loving my life I just want parts of my life to move a little faster than others. Thus I am impatient...

Happy Wednesday.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZ5DfWN3fWU

Thank you Evan for making my day.....

Gracias....

Today is Thanksgiving, and after living on this earth for 27 years, this is the first time it seems where I honestly FEEL thankful for everything I have been given. There is literally one month left of 2009 and the time line of this year for me is astonishing, the highs the lows, the plateau's but I never sincerely felt the "thanks" in my heart until this one.
Things I am thankful for in no particular order:
My family~ They are truly amazing, and I have taken them for granted so often, but I could not live with out them. My parents, are such awesome role models, humans, examples, they are honest and loving and giving and most of all inspiring. My brother has never not amazed me, three years of my life have been clouded by manipulations and deceit and jealousy that I never realized what a gift he is in my life. My sister and brother-in-law, have given me their support and encouragement and also a nephew, who has changed a small part of me and my entire immediate family. They are my rocks!
My dog, Bradshaw~ Getting him was exactly what I needed. He makes me laugh, he cuddles, he licks my face when I cry, he frustrates me, but he know he is mine. Although the pretends he talks back, he is a pretty good listener.
My friends~ I have many different friend groups, but all of them support and encourage me. They are sincere and honest and loving and it is so nice to know they exist, and no matter what change I choose to make, they will still stand by me and up for me.
My Job and the Students I see everyday~ I never knew the reward I would have being a teacher, seriously! Everyday is a new day, everyday is a challenge, but there are very few days when I wake up and don't want to go to work. The silly things students say, the activities they do, the joy they have when the realized just how human you are, amazes me. My students are more than words can say, and I am so thankful for them.
This undisclosed person: I am thankful to him, because with out him I would not have seen what my life could be like. He has no idea how thankful I am to him, and he may not ever, but if it wasn't for a trip to Omaha, and Grand Island, I could have never found the courage within myself to make the choice I did. He challenges me and supports me and makes me laugh. There is a connection that I hope he feels and will act on, but even if he doesn't he still is a truly genuine person.
DVR~ I know it seems silly, but without it I would not be able to watch my favorite TV shows, that honestly put a spring in my step and reminded me what laughing is. Glee, the office I sincerly thank your producers for allowing you on TV!
Corrine~ She is an inspiration, she listens guides and challenges me, words can not express the joy I have know she is my best friend. She is my sister from another mother!
Music~ Thank you Jason Mraz, John Mayer, Glee soundtrack, Micheal Buble, Jack Johnson, Dave Matthews, Journey, Guster, Idina Menzel, Kristen Chenowith, The Abstract, Dave Merkel, Buddy Guy, Britney Spears, Mat Kearney, Matt Nathanson, OAR, Dispatch, etc etc...
My faith ~ it seems a little odd to thank my faith, but the fact is I found it again, I found and and I feel it. It is not a religion, but rather a strength that was given back to me. I am amazed and glad I feel it again.
Social Networking things ~ I love communication and being able to communicate with people makes me happy! To all you inventors of these brilliant things, Thank you!

This joy of gratitude is what I will carry on in 2010, because without it I would not be the person I am. I sincerely hope all who read this have a wonder Thanksgiving and be grateful for what you have, don't be afraid to tell them it either!

Zicam you need to work harder...

I hate being sick, I become very frustrated and annoyed when I am. Zicam failed at protecting me from the plague that is the common cold/sinus infection or whatever. I can handle the sniffles and runny noses, but the pain in my neck and the sore throat and inability to hear as well as a I normally do really drive me nuts. I get it, it is cold season, but it is also the holiday season, they should not go hand in hand. I really just can't handle being sick during this week, i would take 2 weeks from now and be sick, after things have calmed down in my world. but today of all days....not fun.

The only thing I want right now is a huge dose of antibiotics to take away this annoyance. Sleeping all day wouldn't hurt either.

Maybe Zicam will step up sooner or later....

Little People Big World

WARNING: PLEASE SEE THIS AS HUMOR NOT AS INSENSITIVE...
You know on the Steve and Buster's commercial where the people have a "fun" aka "mini me" I decided I want one. Not in the form of Austin Powers and creepy Vern Troyer, but more like a mini me/personal assistant/counselor/who knows. Here is why, I once saw a television show that was discussing the fact that in some areas it is difficult for Little People to find jobs. I could offer a little person a job. Now it may seem odd that a Teacher would need a personal assistant, beings that I am not a fancy shmancy high powered anything, but the amount of questions, issues, bills, receipts, people, emails, etc that I receive in a day, out rivals any fancy shmancy high powered individual. I am amazed at the end of they day the lack of things I get accomplished. Now granted their job would not be just that, they could grade some of the papers, we could go have drinks together, and technically I would be an equal opportunity employer, it just add in a height requirement. Why, may you ask does it need to be a little person, well it seems like they would be less in the way, and sometimes looked beyond so it is almost like they are less noticeable. {that sounds mean, it is not meant to be} there may be some logic to this craziness. Really you should just blame it on Dave and Buster's if they didn't introduce the "fun" i may have not thought of this.

Again, I apologize if this is offensive, this is just how my mind works.

Trying to find/create my happy continued....

So a month has passed since I last posted and things are on the up and up some could say.

1. My smile is back and I remember what it is like to Belly Laugh {you know laugh so hard your stomach aches}

2. I completed one production, Seven Brides and Seven Brothers and am a week from another.

My brother's football team is heading to the state championship. (not so much my happy bit happy for....seeing him beaming after the game totally works)

3. One of my lovely neighbors, complained about my dog, so I have to leave my apartment...That happened on my 27th birthday...not so happy. BUT it did give me the kick in the pants I needed to start the buying of a house process.....SCARY.

4. I have had the privilege to meet in person my very first Nephew. He is the cutest ever and I miss them everyday.

5. I have developed 2 crushes....neither of which I am going to approach, I will just pine for them in my head and create lovely little stories and scenarios to dream about at night. One may ask why not approach them.....the confidence is not where it needs to be, remember still working on my self first.

6.I am excited about the holidays and am trying to find presents for everyone that keep it economical and personal...Thinking about a book Christmas...logical being that I am an English Teacher.

7. I have remembered what it is like to dance around the kitchen and sing at the top of my lungs to the GLEE Soundtrack, so much fun I am glad the only person who ever sees me it my dog Bradshaw.

8. Bradshaw is almost totally potty trained and so much fun. He still cuddles with me.

9. My best friend has really inspired me to work on creating my happy, instead of trying to find it.

10. Shelfari is awesome.....

11. Twilight's New Moon comes out soon! Way pumped!

It is amazing what a month can do to a person, there has been some negative but more than anything it has been a processing situation and the Big girl pants have been put on....only to be taken off to sing and dance with GLEE!

{PS Thanks Keep It Classy Jen...i needed to do this}

Trying to find my happy.....

Okay just laying this out there for my 16 followers, (Thank you by the way).

I am trying to find my happy! I decided my 3 year relationship should not continue and I broke it off. I felt that the emotions that are needed to move forward were not there for me, so I should no longer continue. In an attempt to be nice about the decision and hope for the best, I realized it is almost better to be mean and awful. Hell, I think it could be even better if I freaking cheated on him. So at this moment he is stealing my happy... I kinda think it is bull shit, because he has already taken parts of my happy for three years why should he continue? I am very angry and hurt and am totally hating text messages!

So any suggestions for trying to find my revised happy?

I am glad it is Friday....

Okay, Never in my life had I thought I could have this crazy of a week, and I did. Crazy is a very subjective term I might add, and it wasn't busy it was random little things that you never think would happen, and has never happened to anybody else I know.

Incident #1. My love, Bradshaw the Yorkie, spends his time home alone while I am at school. He isn't perfectly potty trained, and he is still very much a puppy. Being a puppy he tends to get into things that find their own hiding places. Case and point: I was getting ready for one of my 3 super early mornings this week and must have dropped my pack of YAZ on the ground and was to tired to realize it. Well I come home at lunch, and they are out in the middle of my living room and 2 are missing. Sweet! My male dog now has more estrogen in him that he is going to start crying at movies and getting angry for no reason.

I called the vet, like any concerned parent would...they had no idea what to do! Only my dog would find pills eat them and then go hump his stuffed raccoon.

Incident #2. I start my school day with lower level English. These awesome students just need a little push and organization to ensure English success. One of these interesting creatures has a tendency to get angry and feel the need to storm out of the room and cause a ruckus in the hallways. Mind you I teach high school, so this week Student "Paul Mitchell" [the name has been changed] decided that he didn't want to read of Mice and Men. He starts freaking out around the room running, throwing things, stealing things off my desk etc. He soon realized that the back of his earring is missing, so of course he finds any reason to leave my class. Me knowing better at the time I give him a part of an eraser and send him to the mirror that is in a small storage room of my class room. Not thinking anything of it. He proceeds to take things off my desk and take that in there as well. He is in there for longer than he needs too and decides to shut the door....Not happening. I politely ask him to come out and get ready for class and he picks up the safety scissors and tries to cut the plastic calculator from my desk. Obviously, safety scissors will not do much but maybe the will to his hair... still nothing. So another novel idea comes to him "these scissors aren't working, I will grab the adult ones" So he makes a scary gesture with scissors towards me and then backs up against the wall in the storage room. Meanwhile the rest of the well behaved children are watching and trying not to laugh at him. He takes the orange adult scissors and starts cutting chunks of his hair in school. I reply with, "There are professionals who can do that for you AFTER SCHOOL, Paul Mitchell" Maybe we should leave and go schedule you an appointment. He gets pissed and after a few expletives later he is out my door again. Then for the cherry on top, he pounds on my door, just for funsies, and flips me off! It is rare to see birds in school!

There are no words left....Happy Friday!

2 month hiatus

So yes, I have been on a two month hiatus from blogging, not because I had forgot or anything, more because I lost what little free time I had. In the past two months school has started and my classes has changed dramatically, and not just because I teach theater. (Pun intended).

I am/have been experiencing more things in the world of education, than I ever thought imaginable, or knew existed. Our school is in the year of change and growth as we work toward a new grade configuration, understand, I am all for this, but not all about the changes and constant meetings once a week! It would be nice if as teachers our input went beyond the four walls of the meeting room, and actually trusted to make the right decision.

Enough negative, time for some positive! It is football season, my Fridays are filled with watching my brother's high school football team, and my Saturdays are filled with ESPN, Husker games and CHILI! (Tailgating food is amazing in my world.) Yeah for fall!

My second "positive" is Bradshaw is getting bigger and crazier. He has his little "I want a pretzel too" run...(Stewie from Family Guy) and he is just plain awesome! My loves and cuddle time grows everyday, most mornings I contemplate bringing him to school, yet refrain! Who knows it could be theraputic for my first period class!

Third, GLEE...my new favorite show sheer awesome-ness! Love the sitcom musical and trust me I will not stop believeing!

I am aware that this was not the most insightful post, but more will be coming!

Tune into GLEE on Wednesdays!

Summer '09 Assessment

Okay, so as summer school teachers we are counting down the days when our summer really begins. My summer afternoon naps have started but not my mornings of not waking up at 6 a.m. have not. Since most people believe that the fourth of July means summer is almost I over, I decided I would share my "Summer '09 Assessment".

Positives:

1. Officially completing my masters degree. I had a great last class, the portfolio is done, just waiting for the pay raise.

2. Getting my puppy, Bradshaw. I think I fell in love.

3. Free time. Seriously those afternoon naps are the best ever.

4. Grilling. I can't ever have too much food from the grill, now if only I can learn to make Salmon on it.

5. Finding new items on the Internet and realizing how great blogging, tweeting, etc is.

6. Sparklers and fireworks.

7. Sun, sand, and new sights and sounds.

8. Time with friends and family. I have managed to spend at least one day a week if not more with those people who are in town and who mean the world to me. "Yeah for Concerts"

9. My bike is updated.

Negatives:

1. Not working out or riding my bike. The naps get in the way....

2. Cleaning up after the puppy. And just cleaning in general.

3. Not having a motivated boyfriend who likes to travel.

4. Money and wishing I could make more/have more/win the lottery etc.

5. Not traveling more or at least some place cool!

6. Finding something new to make for lunch and dinner every night.

7. No adventures or challenges

Looking at the list, the positives outweigh the negatives. But than comes the second half...

Future Plans:

1. Trips North with family.

2. A revised schedule that includes working out.

3. The pile of books that just stare at me will be able to get read.

4. The time in the sun!

5. Seeing more family...oh Madison WI how I miss you and your summers!

6. Planning my classes, plays and organizing the variety of activities I now have!

7. Chick Trip to somewhere...

8. Training the puppy!

9. Whatever comes my way!

Looking back first semester of summer 09 would be working on a B average right now. I think second semester will help boost the grade! What is your summer assessment?

Golf...enough said!

So I have been fortunate to be introduced to the game of golf at age 5. I am not good, I do enjoy, but I don't own a set of clubs. (It is me belief that if given time and a couple lessons it would be one sport I am good at, beside swimming) Any way, a friend and I had this random discussion the other day about how golf should be a required course in college. Anyone in the business world needs to know how to play and needs to know you to use it as a networking device. I think I would have taken golf in college if given the opportunity. Yet, over the last week, I was shown how golf goes beyond networking but to the point of inspiration. So I thought I would share this with you! (You might have seen some of this before, but this was my first time...bare with me)

Inspiration number 1: DJ Gregory

....Wow this was amazing to me! I have the privilege of watching golf anytime I am with my seventeen brother, the avid golfer, so when I heard about this story and the fact that he is walking 900 miles on the PGA tour, I thought about how every time I watch golf, this guy just walked the course too and was there. It made me not despise walking in my brother's tournaments as much! The neat thing is that DJ Gregory chronicled his experience, in his blog. and he became a staple in the tournament and an inspiration for so many people including myself! I suggest you check out his video too!

Inspiration number 2: Kyle Lagrasso

This too is another sweet golf story, watch the video from HBO and be amazed. Kyle is a cancer survivor and has the perfected swing of Tiger Woods, and he is only like 7 or 8! Wow! Check out his foundation and story! What a cool kid and family!

Both of these stories goes beyond networking, but more showing that with golf there is unlimited possibilities.

What's your Red Rubber Ball?

Okay so I finished my last class needed for my Master's Degree, it was great! It was taught by a great teacher from Omaha. The class was building communities in your classroom and it was a continuation from a class I had previously taken. Both classes were emotionally and sometimes physically draining ( we played so many different versions of tag it was ridiculous). But our textbook was probably the best part! It was called, "What's your Red Rubber Ball" and it's by Kevin Carroll and I highly recommend it! We had the opportunity to speak to Kevin via a conference call and even on the phone he is inspiring. It is a look at your life through the eyes of sports and goal setting! (I have to admit the whole time I was thinking of 2 people, my brother-in-law, and my little brother) This workbook, of sorts, guides you into deciding your life goal or your "red rubber ball".

Now your probably thinking, why do I need to know this...I hate sports, it is so much more than that! Seriously....check out the above website and you will be floored!

One of the parts in the workbook was the "Magic Box" and I had to present this magic box to my class. I am not anyone who ever has issue talking to people or making presentations, but this was DIFFICULT. In the process of making this box, I realized how selfish it was. And in the presentations I became quite embarrassed and almost angry at myself for being so emotional...I hate crying, and I really hate crying in front of colleagues. Anyway, so this magic box was magical....it opened me up and made me question things that I always put in the back of my mind. Who would have thought that could happen? Like I said this is a selfish box, but after presenting it, though the embarrassment and tears I realized that its okay! Its okay to be selfish, its okay to have no idea what or who your future will be with and look like, its okay to want those things in life that everybody has etc. But at the same time I was still mad, I was mad that I had to find that out, I was mad that I was so selfish, I was mad that my "encourager" was not very encouraging. ( That will make sense when you read it) No matter what this magic box exercise was just that magical and needless to say, that I have started chasing my red rubber ball...which is in one word, Happiness!

My Summer Reading List

Being a teacher, I have been blessed with free time. I have been using that time catch up on the necessary reading I don't always get during the school year. I also have to admit to another geek moment, I went to the public library this week and came across this 5 page list of necessary reads to be a life long learner, I of course went home and highlighted everything I had read on that list. I was mad fun of later!

My current summer reading list:

1. My Sister's Keeper ~ Jodi Piccoult (really didn't think I would enjoy this book that much)

2. Marshmallow's for Breakfast ~ Dorthy Koomson

3. Montana 1949

4. The Scorpion Room

5. A framework for understanding Poverty ~ Ruby Payne

6. Me 2.0

7. The Freedom Writers Diary

8. Yorkshire Terriers for Dummies (I can do much with out proper research)

9. There are no Bad Dogs

10. Teaching with Love and Logic

On top of all of these books I am reading through a collection of plays to pick out the new and exciting acting adventure I will guide my students on next year. Nothing is really tripping my trigger yet...

Any suggestions?

Investing in my happiness

So this weekend I put a deposit down on what maybe the biggest investment I make this year, a dog. Bradshaw Arthur will be coming to live with me in 2 weeks. He will invade my apartment and my pocketbook, and I can't wait. I have been waiting for this for a while and he is a gift from my parents upon the completion of my masters. I am very excited about it all and ready to fill my time with the idea of having some form of responsibility to something other than myself. Bradshaw is an investment for my happiness.

Why do I need this, some may ask, I need to feel responsible for more that what I have on a daily basis, granted I am responsible for my students' lives for eight hours a day... sometimes more than that and yet it is still not my own. I think this dog will be my welcome wagon after a long day, the constant companion that won't talk back and has to listen with out an opinion. He will be some one to cuddle with, laugh at and he will be my investment to my happiness!

What will education look like in the future?

An old colleague of mine asked me to answer 2 questions for one of the classes he is taking this summer, the first question was, "How long have you been teaching?" my response was 3 blissful years. Creative I know. The second question was, "What are you concerns that you have about teaching?" This is where I was stuck...what are these concerns? Well this is what I said,

1. What does the future of education look like through the eyes of technology?

2. How will the school structure look in the future, will it be community based, individually based etc.?
3 Will schools ever be "up to date" or all online? College is??
4. When will school require a parent education class?

5. How will the students change from one year to the next, and what will the needs become?

This in turn prompted a ginormous amount of speculation and discussion in my brain. I received my teaching assignments for the 2009-2010 school year in may, it is filling my brain with what I need to be doing and how I will be getting it all done. I am only teaching 1 class that I taught last year, Creative Writing, which I am very happy about. But to add to it I am teaching Basic or "remedial" English to sophomores. This is where these concerns for the future comes in. So I sit and ponder how to invoke passion into these kids who have low reading comprehension skills and a variety of other issues. Hoping that they can find something exciting about this crazy world of education. Most likely causing them to change what the future of education looks like, I can only hope.

Douchers

Last night, after catching up on my "Bachalorette" show I realized that in some ways I want to be the next bachelorette. I think the show should be Bachalorette ~ Chicago, so at least you show something in the Midwest, and not all of the Hollywood BS. Seriously, climbing down a building in LA...wouldn't it be cooler to climb town the Hancock Tower? (Than you can even had more dirty jokes to that name).

But while watching it, I realized that as much as I want to be the next bachalorette, I am not sure I want to be surrounded by all of these macho and egotistical douchers who don't know how to communicate effectively. Or Crazed eye Dave who honestly has maniac tendencies. He is hot, but still...those eyes are not endearing. And to top it all of, Jillian is from Canada...why not have a nice Midwestern teacher from medium town Nebraska.

Just a thought.

Sad Blog...

Wow....I am almost finished with my third year of teaching and my first at this current school. Since I/we set up the blogs as an outlet and an assignment I am realizing how much I am going to miss this class. Remember that only four of you are still going to be here next year....but the rest will and are missed.

Jaxson: You have impressed me in so many ways and your ability to see the good in most things is refreshing. Please, PLEASE make the most of the talents you have and continue to find joy in the little things.

Matthew: It has been my pleasure to teach you, your helpfulness and jokes are a wonderful addition to this class. If only procrastination wasn't your downfall...yet you are awesome either way.

Samantha: I don't feel as if I know as well, but what you have added to this class, especially with your insight on the blogs and in small groups, is something to be proud of and to continue. You can go far, you just have to believe in yourself.

Zayda: I can see you going far, as long as you have a goal in mind. Keep up the hard work and the good communication skills, don't let anything get in your way!

Emmanuel: You are a great kid! Trust yourself and use the leadership skills that you posses! I have enjoyed teaching you (not yelling) and hope that your futures successes are all that you want them to be.

Bryana:Your patience is amazing and you also have a bright future with whatever you choose to do! Your writing still shows this amazing talent! Best wishes!

Kayla: You are truly gifted in so many ways, learn to accept yourself and so what is best for you...NO ONE ELSE! PS let me know when you want to grade papers! Thanks for your insights 3rd period.

Kristina: Your cellphone will work when you shut it off! :P Best of luck on your medical journey, thanks for the laughs.

Sarah: Your grace and poise are great qualities to have, remember them and work hard to reach your goals. Thanks for taking this class!

Michael: You constantly impress me with your soft heart, remember its okay to stop, think, and reflect, it will get you far....not that I see you having that problem anyway! Thanks for always processing out loud!

Ellie: You are a creative writer....you proved that over and over, remember to take time to smell the roses, and I still think your ketchup idea needs to exist, its just so much better for dipping!

Wright: You were a great addition to this class and were missed once you left! You have amazing gifts and added a spirit like nobody else to 7th period! Keep working hard!

AND........ I expect you all to comeback and finish the book you all never finished! Harry the Fairy demands it!

Best wishes, and thanks for a great semester!

Slacker Teacher...

I am panged with the guilt that I have not been keeping up with blogging, and like anybody who is called a slacker there are reasons. Here are mine:

1. I just completed a 40 page research paper for my masters.

2. I have been working on many new school activities and my current promotions.

3. I have been working job 2 more than I want to.

As Kayla just informed me..."If I was 5 weeks late on my blogs, you would lay the smack down" She is right, (no Wright is right) but than again see above reasons. I apologize for the fact that I bailed on blogging...but be aware....blogs will no be coming like a banshee AND I EXPECT COMMENTS.

Wonder Woman

I have alluded to my "Sex in the City Monologue" that I have, when I write , but I should let you know that it is also a part of my daily life...way to often. Which brings me to the topic of choice...WONDER WOMAN!

Anyway...as my world is being over run by media tendencies and the necessity to repeat, analyze and listen to what is around me...I find my self laughing at "Sturdy Wings" or thinking about playing LAIRE, or even laughing at myself when I order a Veinte drink at Starbucks. "You have ruined three languages"... But it was a trip to target that really helped with me finding parts of me. I purchased many things...1. A Note Pad with the Wicked Witch of the West on it...something I think of my self...or maybe my students to...but the joy I felt when I found it made me think...She is really not that bad...all she wanted was some fabulous red shoes...and really who doesn't want that? Plus, after reading Wicked by Gregory McGuire I truly believe she is misunderstood. Think of the power she has, and she like sugar, melts in water...proving she has a sweet side. (Just like me)

Next tangent....my second purchase was a Wonder Woman note book...now granted I always was a SheRa girl, but they don't make comic book about her, so this was the next best thing. Not only is Wonder Woman another powerful sorceress much like the Wicked Witch, but she too has a killer fashion sense that aides in her wonderful-ness...No Cellulite. I remember when I could rock the leotard, it was when I was five and in dance class..however, the sweet boots, lack of a cape, head and arm bands and the LASSO or Whip....?? (Smirking) really plays into my idea.... what that is I am not sure it just made the notebook a must needed purchase to remind me that everyday I need to look good, and whip (giggle) people in to shape...how....I am not sure, but I do know that I am now on the search for red boots with a white stripe and wonderful accessories....

Motivation

Okay, so there is a lack of motivation among many...including myself. I am totally motivated to complete some things, and not others. I am having a hard time getting off the couch and work out, you would think that my pants not fitting well would be motivation, but not enough.

My students are not motivated to turn in their homework, so the idea of offering them pizza for raising their class average five points...so far they are lowering it. Is it the winter blues, or what?

How do you motivate the non motivated???

Memories..

This blog is pretty ho hum...more of a processing blog than anything...

Okay, so to some people when things end in people's life, be that a relationship, friendship, graduation etc. It is the theory of some to get rid of everything, it over and done with and there is nothing more to hold on to. Yet I ask, (in my sex and the city monologue that is happening in my head) Is it ever good to get rid of what ends? I understand, stinky food = throw it away, dead flowers= toss or cherish...but what about old friends? I still have my year books, I still have my personal accomplishment, but what about the things your accomplished with friends, are your supposed to toss it to the side when you stop being friends? There is something to be said for remembering experiences. Unless I go in to a sever comma and experience amnesia, I really haven't forgot the memories, but do I need the tangible items to relive the memories?

Granted, there is some therapy that results in getting rid of the toxicity, but what if you are not that person who sees the negative or bad in all things, and think that by keeping what is important you maintain that person you were. Just even seeing things for what they are worth.. does that help you remember moments that in some way defined who you are. In my 26 years of living, I feel pretty proud of what I have accomplished, I have a Master's Degree (almost) I have a steady job, I have a stellar family, I have a good boyfriend, random friends etc. But because of situations I got rid of some of those seemingly insignificant things, that were the memories. I am not friends with everybody I once was, but they were still important. I am not dating the same people, but with out some of them, I wouldn't be who I am. I have moved from here and there but miss those almost monthly. What is there to hold onto? Is living in the past really that bad? Is it all about the future, even when the future strikes a bit of fear with in you???

Embarassing moment!

So I was trying to be all prepared this morning since I had a 7:45am meeting, had to take the dog to the groomer, and was hoping to manage all of this with out being late. I get in my car at 7:23am get to the groom at 7:35 am get to school at 7:43am and I start prancing/running to make the meeting on time, mind you, I am in heals and the school is the greatest at getting all of the snow off the parking lot, so while prancing/running to the doorway, I fell. Not just slip, like I caught my balance, but like FALL, seriously if I was an osteoperidic person, probably would have shattered my hip/pelvis and femur style of fall. The first thing i did was to see if anybody saw me....Yep! Luckily someone was more concerned about my well being than I was, I was irritated because I was gonna be late. I am still debating as to check with the security guys to see if they have it on tape!

Needless to say, my thigh, rump, and ego are all a little bruised. But hopefully the image of me falling brightened your day!

What is the appeal?

Students are dropping out of high school left and right, because that seems like the easiest thing to do. It also doesn't help that they see the people who have dropped out living the easy life with all of the money and time that they now have. Thus I ask, what is the appeal of this? Understand that dropping out didn't blatantly occur at my small class C high school, it was smarter to switch school than to drop out all together. That was also 8 years ago, mind you. However, now the school has a drop out rate higher than it has been, and no logical idea, that I have heard, to fix it. Again I ask, what is the appeal? Is breaking the law the appeal? Is spending time in JDC appealing? Is working earlier than you have to and knowing that you will be doing that for the rest of your life appealing? Maybe its the fact that you no longer have to deal with all of those teachers you didn't like. Those teachers who spent their weekends grading your papers, who tried to help you and remind you of things you needed to do, so you didn't fail. Who put up with being called names like bitch, racist, ass hole...just to name a few. Those teachers, must be absolutely horrible. I get that some people don't always mesh with everybody, but are you going to mesh with the people on the street? Or the cop that catches you, or the judge that sentences you?

I am not trying to prove that by dropping out of high school that the life described above is what is going to happen to all people. It is more blanket statements, than actual fact, yet, in a majority of cases, students who don't finish high school and/or go on to get their GED, lean toward ending up in that case. When has it become easier to quit than to conquer?

Geeking Out

I have realized that I have this new/renewed love for reading! I don't know why, nor is it honestly necessary to blog about, but there is something to be said for escaping into your own little world. I think that is why I enjoy teaching creative writing so much. Not only do I spend my free time reading what the future of the world is writing, but the insight that is gained from all types of reading makes me happy. (You are so allowed to make fun of me) I am finding it hard to put books down, and I am currently dreaming of spending my weekends in the Library so that I can catch up on reading.

An example of my nerdiness comes from reading Multiple Blessings by the Gosselin family from the show "Jon and Kate plus 8" after reading I had to check out the website. I just got done looking at the Stephanie Meyer website, because I needed my Twilight fix, and in some cases I can't wait until the movie New Moon comes out. Than there is the Shopaholic series that I read in one summer, and that movie comes out in February as well. I am currently feeling like the quintessential nerd that you see in movies. It seems like a slight obsession, and I know I should spend my time balancing my checkbook, grading papers, working on my homework for my masters, etc. Oh no, I need to geek out and read my books!

Laziness VS Understanding

Practically everyday I wonder if students are understanding what is being taught; especially this time, since my sophomores are studying Julius Caesar. The reason for this contemplation is when asking for discussion or an answer to a question, I get glassy eyes and blank faces. On average 5 students are willing to respond. Thus I ask, is it fear, is it not knowing/comprehending, or is it laziness...someone else will respond.

No matter what it is, this creates an uneasiness for the future. If students can't respond to the questions being asked than how will they respond to a question in an interview? OR When their boss asks them what they want to do in the future? Is the education system making students fear the reactions that they will receive? Or is the ability to respond easier if it is left up to someone else?

For instance, in one of my classes, it got to the point that I had to remind them, if a question ends with a question mark, in most cases it should be followed up by a response, and preferably by all students not just the loud ones. I in turn followed up with, "Are you understanding what is being said?" those who responded said yes, the rest twiddled their thumbs and looked around. As a teacher it is my job to check for understanding, but how can you I complete that task if all I get is the loud kids to respond. I can use questions and worksheets, but that turns into a whole new issue, because on average 1/3 of my classes won't turn their homework in anyway.

What a can of worms I have!

You crazy kids.

Please note, that on most cases I love my job. The list below is just as much positive as it is negative...

Really who wouldn't want to teach kids about a subject that in most cases, majority of students were already burned by; or, how about having a jobs that changes everyday, and requires you to constantly be organized, on your toes, accountable to a large amount of people and for a large amount of people. In this job you get to use your creativity daily, discuss, joke, reprimand, plan, get made fun of, get talked about behind your back, and on top of it all...hope that at least one students learned what you taught today. Unfortunately, it doesn't happen. (most of the time)

I went in to teaching because I felt that my teachers were not as good as they could be, school was boring, and I wasn't prepared for the future. I thought that I would do that, I would help kids be prepared, or at least more prepared than I was. I get the job at my old high school, and I think that some kids were a little more prepared than I was, but when so much is spent reteaching because students seem to forget more than they learn, it becomes a very frustrating battle, that sees no end... understand I am not asking for answers, more insight as to why students become forgetful. Or why/when does the English class become boring? What turns people away from some thing that is used everyday all of the time?

I just spent a lunch discussing with my sister what could be changed and what our future holds...granted she is career minded, is a manager in a non-profit and she too faces a lot of the same struggles that I do...in totally opposite fields. Why is it that making a people think for themselves is creating this situation where I am a dentist, pulling all of their teeth out. Granted, I love the idea of technology as a tool to understand and supplement pieces of education, and what we can gain from technology still amazes me, yet we have lost what it means to talk, to discuss, to show emotion more that :) :( :P. (I am aware I am discussing technology on a blog and it some ways it seems contradictory, but to me this a supplement to my class not my only outlet, I do know how to converse, discuss, and inquire)

Again, I find joy in my job daily...but do students honestly find enjoyment in education anymore?

What's the point???

For those of you who are curious as to what the purpose of Blogging is and to watch for HERES THE LIST.....

Please check it out and tell me your opinion!

http://modite.com/blog/2009/01/05/nine-gen-y-blogs-to-watch-in-2009/

I love teaching creative writing!