You know some people at my age and stage would not think kindly of having a teaching “coach”, but I am lucky in that I know I am floundering and am seeking wisdom and guidance from those who possess it. As part of my “prof dev plan” I have requested that someone, anyone, step in [...]
Archive for February, 2009
26 Feb
Why I think most meetings are very BORING!!!
As a person who has to attend certain types of meetings in my profession on a regualr basis, I try my best to avoid all other meetings as much as possible. Recently, I received an e-mail ALERT to attend a Very Important Meeting concerning the school budget for 2009-2010. I heeded the call and got [...]
23 Feb
25 Lessons for Life by Marion Wright Edelman
In honor of Black History Month, I would like to share an inspirational set of ideals I learned about from the founder of The Child Welfare League.
There is no free lunch. Don’t feel entitled to anything you don’t sweat and struggle for.
Set goals and work quietly and systematically toward them.
Assign yourself.
Never work for just money [...]
23 Feb
Important Things by Demetri Martin
There is a new hilarious show on Comedy Central called “Important Things“. We met Demetri Martin through his short interactions on The Daily Show. Very funny!
21 Feb
The House at Sugar Beach by Helene Cooper
Book lovers unite! I am finally getting back to book talk and encouragement on reading. I just finished reading a memoir that was so eye-opening and fascinating. How could it be that I had no idea Liberia was a home for freed slaves? When did Africa slip off my radar screen? Africa was probably never in [...]
19 Feb
Did you FART on her desk?
Here is one of my new classic school lines: ( These are true.)
“Did you FART on her desk?” (gr 5) Feb 2009- admin to student after a cafeteria fight
text message intercepted in elem. school ..”Ms _____ is such a BUTT.” (gr 5) Jan 2009 student to student
My new book about the Teaching Machine has some great [...]
19 Feb
Behavior management
The Teaching Machine is wondering about the mood of the school and the ‘hood in general. Last Thursday it was numerous suspensions in an upper grade. One child hit a substitute. He’s out until next week. We won’t miss him. Yesterday it was an early morning fight as the buses were unloading. ( upper grades) [...]
16 Feb
Mobsta
I have recently gotten too busy to write down amusing license plates that I see around town- except for this one. It was a black PT Cruiser. MOBSTA just tickled me.
BKB was deerswiped last week. Very lucky to be OK. His white “Barbie” car is not too happy- but- it CUDBEWURS. Thankfully BKB is OK; [...]
13 Feb
Worst Migraine ever
As you may or may not know the teaching machine has been burning the candle at both ends this week. I woke up in the middle of the night with the worst headache ever. It was scary. Well, it was a sign. “You must not go to school today. You must lie around in your [...]
7 Feb
Shadows of a carousel horse
There is a house at the entrance to our neighborhood that has had the same residents for at least 23 years. They have a carousel horse displayed in a big front window behind a shade and bright lamp. Every night the shadow invites a curiosity as I drive by. It is a constant in my [...]
