Once upon a time before NCLB, I actually taught government. Then I was told I didn't.  Just that simple(in a related twist Turner was told he did).  The details of why are sealed among the corners of my mind but I was  reassigned and not because of anything I did.  It was a result of NCLB language.   As a younger teacher it takes time to build a ...

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In reading a recent TU post one might presume that we support or encourage protests and similar anti-authoritarian behaviors. While free thinkers, the TU is rather conformist most of the time and color in between the lines more often than not, especially professionally. We do enjoy a good youtube riot video as much as anyone and there's plenty ...

Tim exits his mom's car and flips open his phone to begin textting. His Ipod blaring as he weaves his way through the halls barely avoid collisions with others whose eyes are also glued to tiny screens. He rounds the corner and enters my room. He puts his phone away and removes his ear buds and plops into his seat. He takes out his Netbook and ...

This story takes place over a period of  years. The politician represents all politicians(any party) and the teacher represents all teachers (those who are affected by these ridiculous ideas our politicians and CEOs’ come up with.) Politician: (Talking to a teacher) I have this great idea. It’s called NCLB, No Child Left Behind, sounds good right? ...

This story takes place over a period of  years. The politician represents all politicians(any party) and the teacher represents all teachers (those who are affected by these ridiculous ideas our politicians and CEOs’ come up with.) Politician: (Talking to a teacher) I have this great idea. It’s called NCLB, No Child Left Behind, sounds good right? ...

At some point, I might interview Joel and post it as a podcast.  The conversations about school can be hilarious. Joel is in kindergarten. He has a great teacher who uses some excellent strategies on a daily basis. When asked why he likes kindergarten, he mentions his teacher. Lesson #1: The teacher matters. No matter what technology one ...

The politician blames the districts and the principals and the teachers for failing to educate the low-income students. The teachers blame the politicians and the districts for the constant interference. If that doesn't work, they blame one another. Timmy can't graduate, because his middle school teachers were so lousy and his middle school ...

While sitting in a PLC Audit meeting, a teacher sits their quietly for forty minutes.  It's common in a group of mostly white males to unintentionally censor and African-American woman.  Call it white noise.  Sometimes a screaming injustice just sounds like a hum when you're in the power culture. Finally, though, she ventures out and offers ...

My left-wing progressive friends feel disenchanted with Obama.  The slogans of hope and change have run dry and they're confused by a president who has failed to pass health care reform, continues to pursue war and has bailed-out large corporations rather than helping individuals.  Add NCLB 2.0 and they have no faith in their leader.  In their ...