Teachers are Targets

I do feel like I am wearing a target on my back.  Read this article suggesting that Gov. Walker should take the bull's-eyes off our backs.

Happy Memorial Day

It's Friday again.  I know; every week gets a little longer.  It seems as though I have reverted to the "don't smile till Thanksgiving" teacher I was the first few weeks of the year.  There are constant challenges throughout the day.  I don't know why.  Is it because I'm expecting middle-schoolers to learn about the surface area of cylinders on the Friday before Memorial Day? 

Have a restful weekend.  Enjoy that extra day.

Supporting Teachers

You'll want to read this article in supprt of teachers.  Who thought there would be something supportive on Fox News?  Thanks, Sally Kohn.  Your teachers are proud of you.

WI Budget Proposals

If you are interested on what is happening with the latest budget proposals and budget meetings, a good source of information is the Wisconsin Budget Project.  It includes links to the non-partisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau and lists topics to be discussed at upcoming meetings.

Almost June

We have made it to another Friday.  Every day gets a little tougher.  It is a struggle to keep students on track and still learning.  I hate to see students regress in the last few weeks.  It tends to negate progress they have made during the year.  Hang in there, everyone.  Don't take it personally.  Maybe they're just staying up late because the weather is warmer and they're outside.  Maybe it's some kind of subconscious breaking away from you before they move to the next grade.  Whatever it is, keep on doing the great stuff you did every day all year.  Before you know it, you'll be waving to them as they get on the bus on the last day.

Teacher Evaluation

Here is the latest on using student test scores to evaluate teachers.  This brings me back to my earlier post on recalling Republicans.

Homework Completion

Sharing a great idea used by another teacher in my building.  She has a spot on the board for each class period.  On the days when every member of the class has his/her homework done, a letter, which spells out a reward, such as C O O K I E S, is added to the board.   Her hardest working class is now spelling  P I Z Z A.

I've used a simpler version.  I put the reward in a clear jar and put strips of colored electrical tape on the side.  When the tape is gone, the class gets the treat.

What works in your class?  Who remembers the days when parents made sure homework was done?

Bumper Stickers

Followed a car the other day.  One bumper sticker said, "Honor Teachers."  A second bumper sticker said, "Recall Republicans."  Are these dependent or independent events?  What's the probability that recalling Republicans will result in increased honoring of teachers?

Honor Teachers

I went to a benefit concert at a local college last week.  I was watching a young man schmoozing the crowd while I waited for the concert to start;  I assumed he worked for one of the businesses sponsoring the concert.  Eventually the young man approached the row of seats I was in and stopped in front of me.  He asked, "Do you recognize me?"  Of course, one of my former students.  We had a nice chat, and then he said he wanted to introduce me to the person behind me, who was the dean of the college.  The young man put his arm around me, turned to the dean, and said, "This is Mrs. ____, my sixth grade math teacher."   He said it as if I were the most important person in the room.   I went home feeling honored and appreciated.  Every teacher needs and deserves a moment like that.  There are students walking through your doors every day who feel the same way about you; they're kids, and they don't know how to tell you.  So, on behalf of all the students for whom you work so hard,thank you.  Keep up the good work.

Let the Games Begin

As part of a class assignment, I started a blog.  That blog was to be related to technology.  It gave me the idea of starting a blog on which teachers could communicate, just like the teachers' lounge.  My time spent in the teachers' lounge is what helps get me through the day.  So, teachers, here is a spot to talk about your job, your day, your worries about the future of education, or even great teaching ideas.  Communicate, share, laugh, and support each other. 

By the way, happy Friday.