United as One

It is
hard to believe that 10 years has gone by since the terrorist attacks of 9/11. I will always remember exactly where I was when I found out we had been attacked and I will also never forget the principal who told the teachers to turn off the televisions and focus on school. If those attacks weren't education then I'm not sure what is. What I remember most though, and I think the one thing we all have forgotten now, is how this country came together during the weeks and months that followed. The Tenth anniversary of this grave day comes at a time when our country is severely divided on many issues and refuse to compromise on any level. For those few moments after 9/11 we truly were One Nation, One People. I get so frustrated with politics and the way many politicians act and carry themselves. It is hard to know if any of them understand the point of their jobs and why we elect them. I definitely have my opinions and ways I would do things but I also know when it is time to compromise and meet halfway in order to get something accomplished. While many Americans would disagree with how President Bush handled some of the situation, Acts and Bills that passed then were passed with such a majority it was hard to see any division. While debate is good and disagreement is good, so is compromise and resolution. 9/11 brought the country together in a way that has never happened before. We should never forget those who braved the fire and unknown dangers, but we should also never forget how we all felt that day and how we all came together. It should not take such a terrible act of evil to make people realize that we work better as a country united instead of a country divided. I hope that today we all took time to reflect on how lucky and blessed we are to be alive and have individuals who would risk everything to save someone else. I will always be a proud American and I hope that the future sees a country come together rather than fall apart.

The Last 4 Years

I really thought after 2 months removed from student teaching I'd have some kind of job. This was probably naive of me, but it does not make it any less frustrating. Furthermore, it feels like with the trouble I'm having finding a job and the lack of response I get from any employer, the teaching flame is fizzling. I enjoyed my student teaching alright and I think with a better prospective future in education the idea of going into the field would be more exciting. I hear patience is key when dealing with these things, but hearing nothing not only hurts, but it feels like my efforts to send stuff, or submit stuff is not respected. I understand the mass amounts of applicants that they probably come across, but sending out a mass e-mail would take maybe 5 minutes. I paid for postage darnit! It is even more aggravating when I know how good I could be for that school. I think experience is almost always taken over anything else, unless you have some connection.

In teaching, experience can mean everything or mean nothing at all. It's overrated and I think first year teachers are a scary prospect for some corporations. Yet, we'll work for cheap, we'll do all the extra-curriculars you want, and we'll be the most fired up and most willing to learn. I would think these would be attractive qualities for an employer, but none of my education friends have heard anything either. Lately I have been feeling like I have a great potential for anything I want to do and there's no reason I need to be held captive waiting for some Principal to take a chance with me. As a result, I shall look elsewhere!

My whole life I have always known two things I absolutely love: food and sports. I really should have gone to culinary school to begin with and worn the awesome white hats that go along with it, but I didn't. I chose the safe route at IU and became a teacher. I'll just keep my options open and see what happens. Some of what life is supposed to be about following dreams and enjoying what you do, so whatever that is for me, I hope I find it soon.

Bulldog Haters

Tonight kicks off the 3rd round of the NCAA tourney. Well, I guess technically it is the 4th round, but those play-in games should not count as a whole round. Anyway, I have beef with analysts, pickers, and overall haters. How many people had Butler getting out of the first round? Be honest! Many had Old Dominion pegged as being a cinderella team this year, well how'd that work out? And even fewer I'm sure had them beating Pitt. So of course everyone would pick Wisconsin to beat Butler this round right? WRONG! Everyone has now jumped on the Bulldog bandwagon, but only after that have won two games in the tourney. Please get off the wagon and hate on them like you were before the tourney. Another team that many hated on was VCU and now everyone LOVES VCU. C'mon! I'll admit, did I see them beating Georgetown? Nope. And I have not said oh man, VCU is awesome and they are one of the better teams in the tourney either. If these people really want to get some respect, stop going with the trendy picks for a champ. All I hear is Ohio State, Kansas, Duke... blah blah blah. Who have those teams played? Duke barely beat Michigan and Ohio State and Kansas have yet to encounter a tough opponent. Kansas is an easy pick because their road to the Final Four will not even include a team ranked under 10. Wow, how great the Jayhawks are if they win games they are supposed to. I like Coach K and I will give him major kudos for having such a great program for so many years with no NCAA violations or controversy, but it's Duke. How hard is it to take a program that every kid dreams of playing for to the tourney year after year? Yep, I'm a Duke hater and love every second of it. My ideal Championship game this year? Butler versus Duke and Butler winning the championship that is rightfully theirs. And who doesn't love Brad Stevens? That guy is so calm and collected all the time no matter the outcome or situation in a game. He is also building a successful program that was definitely in the dumps when it first started. These are the stories that people should love and not root against. Duke has had their turn, Kansas has had their turn, all the big boys have had their turn, it's time for new blood to have their turn as well.

Reaching the Summit

I just wrapped up week 7? 8? I lost track after all the snow days. All I know is that I have to do student teaching for 6 days longer than originally scheduled. Since my last post quite a bit has gone down. I encountered a tempermental student, had my mid-term eval, and have begun feeling like a real teacher. Starting out was a big adjustment and the days felt longer and more stressful than what they are now. I have grown as a person in a very short time. If you do not make adjustments quickly in this profession, you will not last long. The most difficult part about teaching is not the teaching part, it is controlling and engaging 30+ students. I feel sad for those who have a clouded understanding of the public education system. It is not the demon institution that many politicians make it out to be. Right here in Indiana, one more pass in the Senate and Charter schools will begin to get even more funding. Which most likely means less for true to form public schools. Is the system flawed? Absolutely. But what systems in the United States are flawless?
People need to realize that education starts in the home with parents and guardians. If students and children are instilled with attitudes that are negative towards education, it is likely they will hold them with them for a long time. Many teachers do their hardest to reach those students with little response. And yet it is their fault if they fail. How are we supposed to make sure kids do their homework at night? Or take thier book home to study? Or pass them when they never turn any work? We can't. It is almost impossible. In the classroom, yes we have some control and the responsibility over the children, but for 50 minutes! Now, I feel like in the short time I have been in the classroom I have been able to make a difference with many of the students. Yet, there are some students who want nothing to do with school, want nothing to do with me, and wanting nothing to do with authority. Did I instill that in them? Nope. But I know who did. Teachers are quickly becomming Public Enemy #1 and I think that is unfair. I'm not saying that every teacher is a good one, but a good number do it because they love kids and want to make a difference. I have been getting good feedback and really feel like most days I have a good status with the kids. It is not always easy or glamorous, but jobs that aren't, usually make the biggest differences. No matter what happens, I will always be trying to better education at some level. I ask you to believe in the system, to believe that it can be changed, and understand that every child's future is a responsility that is shared.

Stueacher

I'm in the 4th week of my student teaching and snow days are even better now than they were when I was a student. I've also realized how underappreciated teachers are with all they do. It is hard work! I thought waking up at 6AM everyday, but that really has not been an issue. Making the transition to being a real teacher has been the toughest. It was a pretty tough go of it at the beginning, but I think my students and I have found a pretty good groove. I let the little things get to me at first, but after awhile you learn it is not worth it. There will be those that will always give you problems, and those that you can always count on to be excellent. I'm tough. Probably tougher than some of the students like, but I am also fair and I feel like that balances the scales. Lesson plans suck. And I say "um" a lot when I talk. I think it is because I am not real familiar with the material yet so I am trying to slow down my speaking and think before I talk. Otherwise, it will be a lot of word vomit. I had a girl kindly tell me that I said "um" 72 times when I was giving the information. Oops. I have made some pretty good relationships with a few students already and I have also been told by one that she likes their regular teacher better than me. You can't win 'em all! But I have many others to keep me encouraged. There are days that are a constant struggle and others when everything seems to go really well. I am trying some different things this week so hopefully they all go well. I'll report back soon!

Looking Back, Moving Forward

2010, what a year! Okay, it was almost like every other year really. Ups and downs, new experiences, new friends, losing friends, ending school, beginning school. And all of it have made me better and stronger. The most exciting part of 2010 had to be wrapping up my career at IU. While a pretty good 3 and a half years, I was ready to relinquish that experience to some other soul who would enjoy it more than me. However, ending that school career has led me to begin my second school career. The one that will now on be my life.
I would not say that I did an awesome job with my blog last year, but I didn't do too horribly either. So this year, until April at least, I will be documenting my experiences with student teaching. Ideally I would update once a week like on Friday and relay what I encountered during the school week. This week's update would not be that eventful, but I am in the classroom and that excites me quite a bit. I know that this is what I was meant to be doing. I have already had some good encounters with students and this is encouraging as I take over the classroom in the coming days. Right now, I'm enjoying the stressless nights before it ends. 2011 looks to be a year in which I plan to take many steps that shape my life forever. Happy New Year!

You Poor Little Rich People

Most people work during the holidays. Some even work on Christmas and New Year's. While it may not be fun, these are the lives we choose for ourselves. If we do not show up we will most likely get fired for not doing our job. Most individuals who report during the holidays have really important jobs. Doctors, firemen, policemen, politicians. Wait, what? Politicians? But they are too good to have to work up until Christmas. I mean, c'mon! It's one of the two most holiest holidays according to Sen. Kyl a Republican from Arizona. Hey, Mr. Kyl did you know that the 300 million Americans that live here are not all Christian? Crazy, I know. Nevertheless, even if we were all Christian would it matter? NO. Here's why: One, you are an elected official who serves the people. Right now there is a large legislative agenda on the table including the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell and you're worried about Christmas?? I love Christmas, but even I know when some things are a little more important than that. I'm sure your families will all be there before, during, and after Christmas.
Before you complain about working up until Christmas do me a favor. I want you to think about those individuals who will not be home for the holidays, most notably those soldiers who are still off fighting for our freedom. Some of those soldiers are no doubt waiting on the Senate to change a dumb policy that should never have existed in the first place. Also think about those who don't even have a home and may be spending Christmas on the streets. Or those kids who won't get any presents, or those who will be in a soup kitchen, or those who are in prison. Do you get the picture yet? NO ONE, and I do mean no one, will feel one bit sorry for your work schedule. Last time I checked the Senate is in session roughly half a year? Hmmm. Public officials should be working for their people, not enraging them, please stop being babies. While not all Senators have been complaining, there should be none! You know, a lot of people do not like politicians, this definitely does not help your cause.