I think the most important thing I have learned is the differences in what defines an issue, between me and my students...for example...When one says..."God you're old..." I'm looking around my shoulder for ANYONE. But alas, they speak of me. When I explained that I was 10 years older than my wife, a smart...ugh..er...aleck senior who was the starting linebacker for our football team (still rebuilding) asks..."Why do women go for older men?" Before I could ruin this guy's day by commenting that his face look like it blocked a punt, or that his belly looked like it went out for a career of it's own...a Sophomore from Sunny Brook Farm said..."Cause his (that's me) generation has all the money and property! I like it when a woman does my fighting for me!
Then there's what defines "Bullying". The popular thought is that it's just a natural part of high school life; that some Senator who was pushed into the girl's restroom too many times legislated against; what should be a fun time for all. I countered left...broke right, fell ,then got up and retorted..." If you're a Bully, then you are a Tyrant to the Weak, and a Coward to the Strong!" (OK...Got that one out of some fortune cookie).
We then debated on one of the three subjects you should never argue.... that's right... Student Character. I asked..."If you heard your best friend say... "Something big is going to happen tomorrow..I wouldn't be around if I were you..." would you turn him in? The answer was in four part harmony with a little hog callin in there some where..."No!". I then asked..."if you saw this same best friend kissing your girlfriend, would you interrupt?"...again, and just as loud..."Yes!". I then asked...if you found a $20 bill on the floor of the restroom, would you bring it to me to turn in? I ducked and heard..."NO!". Just as it was beginning to be my belief that if honor and character were wrapped in a Pop-Tart" and tossed to my second period it would hit the floor for some mangy Dalmation to eat...little Dominique W. signaled a fair catch, stepped forward and caught it! Small, obviously poor, and very quietly and after everyone had left for lunch, she handed me money she had found on her way to class. Add now, a 5th time I always cry has been added ..."Waking up with a woman who really loves me!"Old Yeller", "Brian's Song", "Hoosiers" and now..."Little Dominique".
We are having an Honors night May 1st. I have submitted her as the student with the Most Outstanding Character. Kinda teary- eyed right now so I'll just leave with my nomination of JuJuan as.." Aw sucks...forget it...I can't clean it up enough... See you guys soon.
This site is a class blog space for new Career and Technical Specializations and Heathcare Science teachers enrolled in the New Teacher Institute (NTI) at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia.
Rules For Posting To This Blog and Weekly Blog Question
1. Only use your first name (no last names, addresses, IM screen names, etc.)
2. Show respect and consideration of others when posting and commenting. This includes individuals, students, organizations, political parties, colleagues, etc.
3. Check all posts for spelling and grammar errors before posting.
4. Protect the privacy of others. Gain permission from other people before you write about them. Avoid sharing someone else's last name. Use job titles or pseudonyms when writing about experiences with your co-workers or students.
5. Watch your language. Use politically correct and non-offensive language.
6. Make sure you write about things that are factual.
7. Keep your postings education-oriented. Avoid discussing plans for the weekend, etc.
2. Show respect and consideration of others when posting and commenting. This includes individuals, students, organizations, political parties, colleagues, etc.
3. Check all posts for spelling and grammar errors before posting.
4. Protect the privacy of others. Gain permission from other people before you write about them. Avoid sharing someone else's last name. Use job titles or pseudonyms when writing about experiences with your co-workers or students.
5. Watch your language. Use politically correct and non-offensive language.
6. Make sure you write about things that are factual.
7. Keep your postings education-oriented. Avoid discussing plans for the weekend, etc.
FINAL BLOG POST - OUR "DAILY TRIPLE" (DUE 12/1).
This week I would like you to use your imagination. You have just won the lottery and will leave your teaching post immediately to travel around the world. As you leave your keys you meet your replacement. You are asked to give this new teacher just ONE piece of advice. What would that be, and why? Enjoy your world expedition!
Blog Post - Week 7
This past week in my own teaching I felt a little disconnected which prompts my question to you, "What was the moment (or moments) when I felt most disconnected or disengaged as a teacher - the moment(s) I said to myself, I'm just going through the motions here?"
Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 6
For the past couple of weeks you have experienced asynchronous online learning (doing modules by yourself). Previously this semester you have experienced synchronous online learning (all together in the Collaborate room). Which do you think is more effective and why do you think that? Which do you like better, and why?
Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 5
This week we have what we call "open mic." You can write a post about anything related to your teaching that you would like responses from your classmates.
Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 4
Here is this week's question: "What was the event that most took me surprise this week - and event that shook me up, caught me off guard, gave me a jolt, or made me unexpectedly happy?"
Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 3
Please write a post about the following question, "In thinking about my past week teaching what is one thing I would do differently, and why?"
Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 2
Please write a post about the following question, " In thinking about my teaching activities this past week, of what do I feel most proud? Why?"
Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 1
Describe something you used in your program in the first weeks of school that you learned in the summer NTI program. How did it work? Did it get you off to a stronger start than last year?
3 comments:
I love your blogs!
Friday, I was at a McDonald's and went to the restroon. At the baby changing station, there were three $1 bills. I brought the $3 to the girl behind the counter and asked her if she saw anyone with a baby go to the ladies restroom. She said she would ask two ladies that were in the play area if the money belonged to them. It didn't. So we gave the money to the manager. The manager could not believe that I was turning in the $3 to him. I told him that money was very hard to come by and that if I had left $3 behind I would greatly appreciate it if someone turned it in and it was returned to me. I could imagine a busy mom with little ones hurrying to change a diaper and inadvertently leaving her money there on the changing table. (I was a busy mom with little ones a one time too and I know how that is!)
Anyway, the manager just looked at me and shook his head. He said he could not believe that there were still people like me left in the world.
Would any of my students have done the same thing? I do believe that I have a handful of students who would have. But, sadly, I have to say that I believe the majority of my students would have put the money in their pockets and never had another thought about it. That lady's loss would have been their gain. That's the way they would see it.
I still believe in those old values of do unto others as you would have them do unto you. The Golden Rule. I don't know if our young people have those same values.
You're a nut!
This was phenomenal! Blog of the year! :)
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