power

Can a classroom exist without a power dynamic? Is hierarchy an inherent norm of the learning environment? What do you think?

teacher bag

Obsessively checking LL Bean for the tracking info on my teacher bag. Carrying and ruining reusable bags on a weekly basis is demoralizing. This is my life.

on teaching salaries

A quick article on why teachers in predominantly minority schools typically make about $2,500 less than teachers in predominately white schools.

1. They are typically new teachers because of the turnover rate
2. There is no room in the budget for bonuses

"...Closing the achievement gap requires some serious investment banker-style hours." Um, yeah it does. 

this is what I look like

courtesy of mr. peden

phases of teaching

This article outlines the different phases a new teacher goes through.

Anticipation - July, August

Survival - September

Disillusionment - October, November, December

Rejuvenation - January, February, March

Reflection - April, May, June

Needless to say, I'm looking forward to the next few months...

A combination of stress, exhaustion, illness, and overwhelming responsibilities can throw a new teacher into a "pit of despair." Your tendency may be to focus on what hasn't been accomplished and what has gone wrong over the past several months. Report cards, parent-teacher conferences, and your first teacher evaluation are looming. Classroom management issues can be discouraging. Self-esteem may be at an all-time low. Many new teachers consider leaving the profession during this stage. 

sundays

I always feel like I'm at the top of the biggest roller coaster hill, in that moment before the cars slip from the tracks and your belly goes flying.

Last night I had a dream that I accidentally overslept until 9am. It took me all day to get to work. Then I got fired. I woke up at 8:30 and panicked because I thought it was Monday.

Hello, Week 6. Bring it on.