After An Educator's Journey
Out of the classroom & into the universe
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Once upon a time, I taught 2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders. Now I’m retired and working on new ventures.
Tag: public education
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If you have been reading the postings of the Massachusetts DESE, you may have noticed their new campaign for “Amazing Teachers”. This appears to be a recruitment program to entice teachers to work in the Tier 4 Schools — those who are being carefully scrutinized because test scores haven’t moved out of the sub-basement. So,…
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Teaching third grade is just about as good as it gets in my humble opinion. Over the span of my teaching career I’ve taught every level from pre-school through 12th grade. There are inherent challenges at each level – and rewards as well. Last Friday, my students begged and begged and we finally convinced my…
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There are days when teaching energetic 8- and 9-year old students is a challenge; there are times when it is most definitely enjoyable. On Tuesdays, our Morning Meeting is somewhat abbreviated. The students begin the day with a 10-minute grab and go breakfast followed by Art Class while I am meeting with my grade level…
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This week concluded our adventures into the world of the Third Grade MCAS Reading Test. And yes, our third graders took their last test on April Fools Day – better known as March 32 in Room 207. I’ve been administering these tests during each of the four years I’ve been teaching third grade. Before that,…
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Does it seem odd to you that all year long, we tell our students to use the word wall or whatever else we have available for students to use in a classroom, but when it comes time to do standardized testing we effectively tell them “just kidding” ? Yesterday, I was giving my students a…
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Personally, I’d give most Ed Reform a failing grade. I’m certain that someone reading this is thinking that’s a no-brainer because I’m a teacher (and a union member). But that is not why I think reform is failing students. That’s right, I said Ed Reform is failing students – not taxpayers, although taxpayers hold a…
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Monday was our first day back from Winter Break — I suspect this is only a New England school vacation as I never experienced it growing up in northern Ohio. A week-long escape is a welcome respite from the stresses of teaching – and yes, I am aware that I chose this profession – but…
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School vacation week in Massachusetts started for me as of 2:50 yesterday afternoon. I know there are some in the private sector who will read that statement and disparage me. But here is why I not only need this vacation, I deserve it. 1. I am not paid for the days off. Contrary to popular…
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Yesterday, we reached the 100th day of school — triple digits. From this point on the year will whiz by at the speed of light… 80 school days from now we will be all done. For kids, that seems like an eternity, but for me Day 100 is the point at which panic sets in.…
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and the poor keep getting poorer. Today’s rant comes courtesy of Scholastic, that megaconglomerate of student book publishing. Having just submitted a book order for my class (a rarity), I am struck by the advantages of working in a more middle-class socio economic school district. Yes, it is true no one is holding a gun…
After An Educator's Journey 