mzzzteacher

Currently, I'm working one day a week at one of my school sites. The job I'm supposed to do is to provide reading interventions to struggling readers. That I've enjoyed immensely. However, the last two times that I've been at my school site, I've been told that I need to sub. (We have a hard time finding enough people wanting to sub in my district - I suspect it has to do with the low pay, tough working conditions, lack of respect, and lack of support.) I've enjoyed both days back in the... Read Full Story

I postponed it until the last possible date because of the anxiety I feel about this stupid test. The program that I'm applying for have said that the test is only a very small part of the total application package. This should have been encouraging, but instead I've found it more worrisome. I think that's because if I knew a target score of what they were looking for, I could at least shoot (& prepare for that). After 4:30 today, I will move on. Read Full Story

The previous post had some quotes from a well-known national African American education reform leader. As a white educator who has chosen to teach in a community that is predominately of color, there have been numerous times over the past decade that I've been accused of racism. Too often, I'm judged by the color of my skin and not by the content of my character. The students that I have taught over the years who have been the most successful have parental supports in place that do not... Read Full Story

From this day forward let's all commit to calling every person a racist who uses race to explain teacher failure, every time, everywhere. Using race, family & poverty as excuses for your limitations is, among other things, racist. If you can't get results get a new job. I'm tired of teachers who deflect responsibility & make themselves victims. If you can't get results it's not parents' fault it's yours. The above are all quotes from a well-known African American educator... Read Full Story

Artist Girl got her first piercing when she was in 8th grade. Guitar Teen, I believe, was probably around the same age when he wanted his first earring. Last week, Wrestling Fan, asked if he could get his ear pierced. He is going to be sixteen in a few months & I'm quite surprised that he hadn't asked before now. Wrestling Fan has been working really hard in school and is proving to be a very responsible teen. When he first texted me his request, I told him that we would need to have a... Read Full Story

Tonight, my husband, my parents and I are going to go see a band play. We are then going to spend the night at my parents house. The laptop is staying here. I'm not going to check my work and/or union e-mail until Monday. The thought alone puts me in my happy place. Read Full Story

if I felt like I had more support from the leadership group for my union. We have twenty people on this leadership team. Of those, I can count on maybe five or six (if I'm being generous) to do anything for the organization. Granted, they are volunteers with full-time teaching positions. I know they are overworked & stressed out. However in order to become part of the leadership team, you have to be elected for a position. This means that you should realize that once you decide to put... Read Full Story

I'm supposed to go speak today on behalf of my new superintendent. If I truly believed in the vision, this would be a no brainer. However, because this new superintendent is clearly making things personal & I don't believe that this superintendent likes or trusts teachers, I am sitting here writing a blog post instead of getting ready. This superintendent is expecting me to speak about what a wonderful job he is doing & how I trust in his vision for my district in order to prevent funding... Read Full Story

I very rarely use profanity. My frustration level is pretty high right now at the people I have been elected to represent.  I was at a meeting today & this teacher started to ask me questions. She was very friendly - almost too friendly, kind of the sickly sweet friendliness that should have made me question her friendliness. After the meeting was over, I was asked to stay to discuss a major development in our district. After the discussion was over, the super friendly teacher came to talk... Read Full Story

and expect its workers to give up more of their hard earned benefits. This story matters to me. I'm battling with Kaiser to provide coverage for my daughter who is currently living out of state. Here's the twist to our story. If Artist Girl were to stay at home or live anywere in Northern California, she would be covered under my plan through Kaiser. This is regardless of whether or not she is a student, works full time or if she were to get married. However, because she doesn't... Read Full Story