Making Sense Out of Nonsense

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A good friend died last weekend. "It's a Hellava thing" was one of the last catch phrases I heard him say. I was lucky enough to see him a few weeks before he passed. It's sad when someone so young leaves when they have so much good to do. I can't say that I understand it; I can't say that I condone his leaving us. Dave was known for many good lines and good stories. He touched lives beyond mine. His love of family was unwavering. As a Midwestern, I was mostly confused by his priorties. We seem to put order and work before most everything and pride ourselves on these accomplishments. Dave was defined by his family and the things that made him enjoy life. His legacy will long be remembered because he was not confused; he had his priorities straight. Family first. Family above all else. Family was the accomplishment. His actions were better than even his best jokes. He is missed already. ...And in despair I bowed my head...

Seven tips to classroom management tip one: Don't let anyone see you cry As sad as it sounds, Teaching is tough. You got into this for all the right reasons, you wanted to help others, you love kids, you even loved your content area, but come the first month of school, none of that will seem important. It's not that you can't remember WHY you got into teaching, but you WON'T have TIME to remember why you got into teaching. What's a fresh face like you to do? You need to pee on your territory, to use a canine metaphor. You are in charge, this is your world, and you will welcome them to it--when you are good and ready. Lay the ground rules down immediately. Practice that teacher face. It doesn't matter that you look like Lindsay Lohan, you need to get a different kind of game face on. Sometimes children can't help being sweet, personable, or even funny. DO NOT SUCCUMB!!!! Keep that teacher face on Some say to be mean and angry until Thanksgiving. Maybe, but yo...

When you read a book by a guy named Harry Wong, a guy that often makes teachers squeal with delight, and he tells you the most important thing is classroom mgt, you either take him seriously immediately or you find out later that you should have taken him seriously. As my first year and fifth career, teaching seemed like a dream job, good for my ego and a good way to help enrich the next few generations. Little did I know that it would all come down to classroom management. To paraphrase Dr Wong, it doesn't matter how smart, pretty, clever, interesting, or wealthy you are if you don't have classroom mgt. Over the next month, I will impart how I failed in classroom mgt, how I wasn't as bad as I thought I was, and ways to get better. And the most important answer to what is classroom management. It meant something completely different to me 18 mos ago than it does today. peace,

the School year is done. Mom is feeling better. Life is good. It was a really difficult school year. K12 IS vastly different than higher ed. That being said, going through an alt cert program has really opened my eyes and given me a lot of knowledge in a concentrated time. Of course, I don't know everything about pedagogy, but I certaininly know more than before. I really wish I would have an entire year in one subject [ask me...I can go for days abt how I was treated]. It would have helped me immensely (and students) to have actually not been bounced around from dif class to dif class. Frankly, if they didn't need me, they should have allowed me to transfer. NOW, IT'S OVER!!!! Yipee!! I have high hopes for next year. I really hope that I get the same group of kids for an entire year (instead of four dif grps), to TEACH SPEECH!!!! How great would it be to teach your actual subject. It would also be great to teach technology. I know I'm asking too much, but if you don...