Teaching

I have been teaching at a wonderful school, in a safe neighborhood. Most of the students are middle-class. I have had to wonderful opportunity to work with honor's students and others who are capable, and for the most part motivated to learn. In other words, they would "get it" even from a teacher who lacks conviction and passion. No offense to any teachers out there feeling burned out. It is a major hazard in the teaching profession!

I want to work with kids who would NOT get it without the support of a dynamic school environment and/or a dynamic teacher. My passion for doing this work is a driving force for me to constantly improve my practice as a teacher.

I may be leaving the standard public school arena and moving to a charter school. This will require to up my game and put my money where my mouth is. My sister is a principal at a charter middle school in Southern CA. She requires her teachers to submit, for approval, lesson plans a week in advance. Although I have reservations about this, including, but not limited to - "What do you do if you can't finish your lesson, and what if you need to reteach? I haven't spoken with her about this. She is very busy, so I don't call too often. Besides, to keep peace in the family, I would not got work for my sister. I love her, we are very different, and often have trouble communicating.

Truly though, If I want to be a "kick ass" teacher, wouldn't I want to make it a practice to plan well ahead so that I could be more successful? By that I mean, planning ahead with the caveat that I would need to be flexible!

Any and all comments are welcome!

Students

I let it slip a few days ago to my students that I have a blog. They are now on a quest to try to find me! It is only a matter of time. They are students in a technology magnet program at a public school. They know their way around computers.

So, for when they find me, this is what I have to say to them...

Welcome to my blog. I almost slipped and used my name. That would have made it too easy!! :) I want you all to know that it is an honor to spend my days with you. Yes even those of you who sometimes make me shake my head (you know who you are!!) I love being a teacher! I love helping you understand why we have to learn from the past to be better in the present. I love learning from you about what is "tight", and what is a"whack"! I love when you make me laugh with you, and even at myself! When I see or hear one of you make a discovery about history or life, it makes my heart soar. When you laugh at me for tripping or bumping into furniture, you make me take life less seriously. I learn more from you than you do from me.

Yes, I realize this is a very dorky blog. I am a giant dork. That is one of the reasons you love me, and tried to find me. :) You know it is true.

Be well, work hard, laugh out loud and keep your eyes on the prize.

Peace out!