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Confessions from the Couch

My adventures as a young urban teacher

February 2008 - Posts

Positivity
My mother is constantly encouraging me to speak positively about all things. Today, she reminded me that negativity makes more bad things happen. It sounds a little like “The Secret” mumbo jumbo, but I’m going to buy into it today. Organization Read More...
It’s my fault
Last night, the girls basketball team went to the district championship. Do you know how many cheerleaders showed up? 1. ONE! Uno!!! Apparently, its my fault. After to speaking with the captain these are the reasons no one showed. They didn’t know Read More...
The funk continues. . .
Okay, I’ve been in a funk for a few days now. I appreciate all of the kind words so many of you have said to me. I am so disheartened, disappointed and disenchanted right now. I know I sound like I really hate being a teacher, but it is exactly Read More...
Down in the Dumps
It’s Saturday night and I am down in the dumps. Here is why: I still don’t have a church home. . . this is depressing b/c I’ve been visiting the same church since December and I’m still not sure that it is the place for me. I like Read More...
Protected: Coming Clean
There is no excerpt because this is a protected post. Read More...
Monkey See, Monkey Do pt 2
A commenter wrote the following: I would never put up ‘monkey’ decor. I’m white, teaching in a southern district with a large percentage of African-American students, and I have unfortunately, heard that stereotype used many times (TV, Read More...
Protected: Whose fault is it?
There is no excerpt because this is a protected post. Read More...
Reflection: A renew sense of purpose
I’ve been lesson planning for the week today. I’ve been working on video clips that I could integrate into my classroom this weeek to honor Black History Month. I’ve still got to teach the Middle Ages and I’m planning to do that. Read More...
Race: Monkey See, Monkey Do
My friend and I were having a discussion about decorating her classroom with monkey decor. Her rationale is that the students wear monkey t-shirts and back packs, the monkeys are cute and another teacher has already done it. She say’s “It’s Read More...
Passing Notes
So, I took up a note and read it to the class. It was so funny, I’ve got to post it on my blog. I feel really bad that embarrased one of the students, but the “A” student get’s the point of why I read it. The entire class laughed Read More...
Homecoming Followup
Collaborating teacher and I got big compliments on the homecoming week festivities from most of the faculty and a large percentage of the students. Once again, I didn’t hear compliments from the the administration. I wish I had. Now, principal may Read More...
Bonus Questions
So, I was at a basketball game last week. I was grading papers. I was sitting next to an AP and in my fustration, I asked why aren’t my kids answering the bonus question on this quiz. The question was: What is your dream? How does it relate to Dr. Read More...
A political post
Disclaimer: Warning, this is VERY much a political post and if you don’t want to read about it go ahead and CLOSE your window. I couldn’t help writing this after I got off the phone with her. Sometimes I ask myself: Why am I friends with Miss Read More...
SuperTuesday
I voted in early voting. Everytime I vote I tell my students about it–mainly b/c I believe it is a teachable moment and citizenship in action. I encourage them to vote, again and again. If they are of age, when they show me a voter registration Read More...
Protected: It’s unnatural
There is no excerpt because this is a protected post. Read More...
Update: Cheer Situation
My union rep called me back and is prepared to go with me to the principal about everything. She said that it was good that I’ve documented everything in writing. In our phone conversation about it all, we decided that I should have all of my documents Read More...
Bellwork Motivator
I have found a motivator for bellwork. I’ve struggled again and again with my afternoon classes to complete bellwork. It appears that the doesn’t matter that much. So, now I have started acknowledging students who are on task when the bellrings. Read More...
Good News–I’m a Professional
I had to save my good news for today b/c I had to get everything off my chest about the cheerleaders. I received my final evaluation on Friday. This evaluation determined whether or not I could receive tenure status and a profession license–I live Read More...
Cheerleading update
My union rep called me back and is prepared to stay after school on Monday to go with me to the principal about everything. In our phone conversation about it all, we decided that I should have all of my documents prepared for me to give up the responsibility Read More...
The stuff hit the fan
This a really long post about cheer–brace yourself. Yesterday was a really good day for me (I’ll talk about that in another post) until the basketball game last night. I may suffer disciplinary action as a result, we’ll see, but we ALL Read More...