So, I’ve been talking to teachers and administrators about where our school is going lately. The discussions have led me to spiral in on two primary questions1: 1. Given the inability to offer financial incentives, how else do you attract and retain superior teachers? 2. What immediate evidence should be apparent to show that your […]
Tagged Politics, Reflection, TeachingMy school year is pretty much over. The eighth graders are going to be practicing for graduation – those that didn’t make it are going to get an hour of monotonous lecture on the consequences of failure (in this case, enduring monotonous lectures from me). Today we had a school wide survey, and when I […]
Tagged Teaching, Technology
Today we had a school wide survey. Teachers took one. The kids took it twice – for two different teachers. Then they took home one for their parents to fill out as well. As I’ve discussed, I have the low performing kids. They, in large part, lack motivation. One of the explicit instructions on the […]
Tagged Reflection, TeachingDina talks about wanting a report card. It’s a thinly disguised list of goals for next year. But, I like the idea. My review this year was an unending row of “Meets Expectations” checkboxes. I want something more. So here’s what I plan on grading myself on 12 months from now: General Goals: Engage students. […]
Tagged Reflection, TeachingIt looks to be a busy year next year. On top of being a math department chair and Pearson process facilitator, I am also looking at two completely new preps (or at least completely new since I’ve become a competent teacher): Algebra and Geometry. Those two new preps come with trade offs of their own: […]
Tagged Reflection, TeachingLast Friday was our 8th grade picnic: during 5th & 6th periods all the eligible 8th graders who bought tickets were allowed to go to the sports field where they had a couple of jumpers, a sumo wrestling setup, pizza and a stand for bottled water. 8th graders being what they are, a few of […]
Tagged Huh?, Management, Teaching
Some days I’m not sure where the kids learn some of this stuff. I am quite sure that I have never mentioned a left triangle in my life.
Tagged Teaching
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