Friday, August 5, 2011
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Teaching
The Save Our Schools rally on Saturday was about sending a message that teachers do more than "just" teach and that there is a fundamental misunderstanding about what exactly teachers do. People who view teachers as just "babysitters," or "get the summers off," have no idea what it means to want to teach children and young adults.
From the Save Our Schools Website:
We, a collection of people from all walks of life and every corner of this nation, embody a mixture of ideas and opinions regarding how we can improve educational opportunities for all children. We stand united by one belief – it’s time for teachers and parents to organize and reclaim control of our schools.
As concerned citizens, we demand an end to the destructive policies and rhetoric that have eroded confidence in our public schools, demoralized teachers, and reduced the education of too many of our children to nothing more than test preparation.
A well-educated society is essential to the future of the United States of America. Our students must have access to a fully funded, world-class public education system, and it is our responsibility to hold our government accountable for providing the means to achieve it. Please join us!
I want anyone who thinks they can just step right in and become a teacher to try it. Yes, I dare you. It takes a person who truly cares about their subject, and most importantly, their students. It's not for everyone. I work incrediblely long hours during the school year. I am at school at 7:30 and don't leave until 5:30 or 6:00 every night. During the day, I am constantly "ON" - in front of a classroom of students - being held accountable for the lesson I am presenting everyday. When I am not in class, I am still available. Available for spur of the moment student meetings, study sessions, sometimes crying sessions and kleenex are involved. I then take work home with me, grading, lesson planning, committee work - all the other "stuff" I need to do and didn't get time to do because I have an "open door policy" for my students. If they need me, I'm there - that's how I roll. :-)
Being a teacher is like no other job. There is no other job that allows you to influence so many people. It just so happens that teachers inspire and kindle a love of learning. Isn't that what makes an "enlightened citizenry?" Citizens who are global thinkers, who care about their community, have empathy for others, and in turn when they become lawyers, or doctors, or stay-at-home-moms, they think critically about issues in their community and make change for the better.
Sure, doctors, and lawyers, and police officers are all important for society. Absolutely. But TEACHERS. Teachers can motivate, empower, build self-confidence, make students think, and all of this is for a better FUTURE. Because after all, it's the kids that will be running the world, right?
Here is an article written in the Washington Post about the Save Our School rally last Saturday. Please read Matt Damon's Speech.
Those nay-sayers need to think back to their favorite teacher. What did that teacher do for you? How did that teacher change your life? Lawrence O'Donnel tries to make a point about why teachers have become targets instead of other public servants. I think he gets a little off track, but I see his point. What do you think?
From the Save Our Schools Website:
We, a collection of people from all walks of life and every corner of this nation, embody a mixture of ideas and opinions regarding how we can improve educational opportunities for all children. We stand united by one belief – it’s time for teachers and parents to organize and reclaim control of our schools.
As concerned citizens, we demand an end to the destructive policies and rhetoric that have eroded confidence in our public schools, demoralized teachers, and reduced the education of too many of our children to nothing more than test preparation.
A well-educated society is essential to the future of the United States of America. Our students must have access to a fully funded, world-class public education system, and it is our responsibility to hold our government accountable for providing the means to achieve it. Please join us!
I want anyone who thinks they can just step right in and become a teacher to try it. Yes, I dare you. It takes a person who truly cares about their subject, and most importantly, their students. It's not for everyone. I work incrediblely long hours during the school year. I am at school at 7:30 and don't leave until 5:30 or 6:00 every night. During the day, I am constantly "ON" - in front of a classroom of students - being held accountable for the lesson I am presenting everyday. When I am not in class, I am still available. Available for spur of the moment student meetings, study sessions, sometimes crying sessions and kleenex are involved. I then take work home with me, grading, lesson planning, committee work - all the other "stuff" I need to do and didn't get time to do because I have an "open door policy" for my students. If they need me, I'm there - that's how I roll. :-)
Being a teacher is like no other job. There is no other job that allows you to influence so many people. It just so happens that teachers inspire and kindle a love of learning. Isn't that what makes an "enlightened citizenry?" Citizens who are global thinkers, who care about their community, have empathy for others, and in turn when they become lawyers, or doctors, or stay-at-home-moms, they think critically about issues in their community and make change for the better.
Sure, doctors, and lawyers, and police officers are all important for society. Absolutely. But TEACHERS. Teachers can motivate, empower, build self-confidence, make students think, and all of this is for a better FUTURE. Because after all, it's the kids that will be running the world, right?
Here is an article written in the Washington Post about the Save Our School rally last Saturday. Please read Matt Damon's Speech.
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Those nay-sayers need to think back to their favorite teacher. What did that teacher do for you? How did that teacher change your life? Lawrence O'Donnel tries to make a point about why teachers have become targets instead of other public servants. I think he gets a little off track, but I see his point. What do you think?
Monday, August 1, 2011
Squirrels, termites, and bats, oh my!
Well, if one more person tells me that "these are the joys of home-ownership" I will slap them. How many of them have to deal with Squirrels, termites and bats in the span of 4 months. I didn't think so, now shut up.
 |
| Bat hanging outside my bathroom. |
At 3:30am on Friday night/Sat. morning I woke up to Cooper barking ferociously. I panicked a bit because my phone was downstairs and if I needed to call 911 I was out of luck (good lesson). Anyway, I listened (really only hearing Coop), and when I got out of bed, that was Cooper's cue to go running out of my bedroom, down the stairs and into the living room. I waited, thinking that if there was an intruder, I would hear other noise, and since I did not, I peaked my head around over the railing and saw Cooper standing in the middle of the living room barking at a flying object circling the room. I could tell right away this was not a bird, that it was probably a bat. Oh joy.
So I called Cooper up into the bedroom, shut my door and hoped the bat would disappear. Did I need to mention I didn't get to bed until 2am because I was at a concert? So I was tired and not about to deal with it at that moment. (Besides the fact that I was a little freaked out)
So to make a long story short, this bat, after several attempts each evening to get it out of my house, remained in the basement in some nook or cranny until last night when I left the basement door open for 3.5 hours. I had some bat guys come this morning and they couldn't find him.....honestly, it doesn't mean he's gone, I guess I'll know tonight.
Bats are so good for us - benefit the environment, cut down on the bugs, I'm happy there are bats in Baltimore, but I am not happy I couldn't get this one out of my house for 3 days, and I was even less happy when he/she swooped and flew around my head. Be gone with ya!
That's been the adventure of the last several days. Oh the joys of home-ownership.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Monday, July 25, 2011
I am so angry
I am so mad about this debt ceiling debate that I feel like fire is coming out of my ears. I can't believe the selfishness of republicans in Congress - that they would sign a pledge saying they would highjack the American economy by not raising the debt ceiling unless their "needs" or "demands" are met. It sounds to me like they are treasonous - that they care more about their own necks than the average American. That they don't understand the word "compromise" nor do they understand that that is what politicians DO. HELLO- that is your JOB. Get a friggin grip! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE let's put the country before your conservative "Principles." Their terrible two year old behavior is what makes Americans so disappointed in their government. I tell you what - if this doesn't get done, it will be the first time I truly in my heart will think my government has failed.
So who is working for America? Nice attitude John. This really helps.
If you want your brain to explode check out the ridiculousness on this website. It makes my blood boil.
http://www.cutcapandbalanceact.com/index.php
Now - listen to this:
So who is working for America? Nice attitude John. This really helps.
If you want your brain to explode check out the ridiculousness on this website. It makes my blood boil.
http://www.cutcapandbalanceact.com/index.php
Now - listen to this:
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Summer time
This is a video from Dirty Gold - California Sunrise - I love this song! So old school - done by 18 year olds. Listen!
Updates
Hi all, sorry for the lack of posts! Let's start off with Pile of Craft. :-)
My mom and I had a wonderful day. We drove down to the Charles Village to St. John's Church. Inside there were rooms and rooms of crafters - everything from jewelry to stuffed toys - glass works to knitted works. Here are few pictures:
This was Cooper's response as I was working yesterday:
Third Update: I also just finished teaching for CTY - Center for Talented Youth - for three weeks. I taught 3rd and 4th graders a class called Through the Microscope for three weeks. It was awesome, but I got hired the day before it started - it sort of dropped in my lap - which I was grateful for, but that meant a LOT of day-to-day prep and work. I've never taught this class before, so I had to figure it out as I went. I ended up getting great feedback, and the kids had lots of fun, I hope I can do it again next year!
So that is what I've been up to. Having a great summer so far. My tomatoes are growing, the heat is ridiculous, but Coop and I are staying cool. I hope everyone out there is braving the heat as well!
My mom and I had a wonderful day. We drove down to the Charles Village to St. John's Church. Inside there were rooms and rooms of crafters - everything from jewelry to stuffed toys - glass works to knitted works. Here are few pictures:
I picked up a few cards of crafters I really liked:
Check them out! After the craft extravaganza, we went to lunch at Ms. Shirley's in Baltimore. I love Ms. Shirley's. Wonderful brunch/lunch joint - really good sandwiches and above all, the sweet potato fries. Oh man. I took a picture so you could see. :-)
Second update: the Weekend Warrior in me
So I've been very busy doing stuff around the house. I finally got the kitchen, living room, and dining room walls painted - the beige is gone. I've also been working on minor repairs and just finishing the unpacking process! I set up my craft room, which I LOVE LOVE! Anyhoo, it's been busy around here, and there is a big list of things to do (as I am sure there always will be), but I am enjoying my inner handy-woman!
Here are some BEFORE pictures - I had to scrape three layers of paint off of the stairs - I really didn't want to paint a 4th layer on! So I sanded and scraped, primed, and then painted.
AFTER:
Here is a pic of my craft room - ready for action! PS- I made that sewing machine cover :-)
Third Update: I also just finished teaching for CTY - Center for Talented Youth - for three weeks. I taught 3rd and 4th graders a class called Through the Microscope for three weeks. It was awesome, but I got hired the day before it started - it sort of dropped in my lap - which I was grateful for, but that meant a LOT of day-to-day prep and work. I've never taught this class before, so I had to figure it out as I went. I ended up getting great feedback, and the kids had lots of fun, I hope I can do it again next year!
So that is what I've been up to. Having a great summer so far. My tomatoes are growing, the heat is ridiculous, but Coop and I are staying cool. I hope everyone out there is braving the heat as well!
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