Random Tuesday

I'm linking up with Stacy for some random nonsense!

Have you ever left work in a bad mood?  Most of us have.  Last Thursday I left work feeling completely inadequate and unmotivated.  No, not UNmotivated.  DEmotivated.  As though someone took my motivation away from me, not from a bad attitude.

I had an observation from our literacy coach.  It was required, not my choice, because I'm department head.  They want all the department leaders to have open classrooms, so they asked us to work with our coaches and have them come in and give feedback on a specific area of our lesson.  The point was so that we would be able to experience the "coaching cycle" so other teachers would be able to see the benefit of it.

Well... it backfired.  She didn't come in and observe a specific part of the lesson.  She scripted everything I said and everything my students did and didn't do.  And did I mention she observed while I was sick?  I left school directly after this "observation" due to a stomach virus.  And maybe I should also mention she is not my boss.  In fact, our positions are horizontal to each other.

Anyway... I've worked with our previous literacy coach in the same capacity, and I have never left a talk with her feeling the way I did Thursday.  I'm over it now.  Maybe.  Not really.  I just don't know what to do with my frustration.

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Moving on.
Last night my daughter was asking me about the male and female symbols, and I told her I couldn't remember which was which, either.  So I looked it up.  I didn't know they had names!  The "boy" symbol is called Mars because it's supposed to represent a shield and spear.  The "girl symbol is called Venus (Doesn't it make sense now?).  It's supposed to look like a bronze mirror with a handle.  Who knew?

And now...

Me every night!

Cake Fail!

Great pun!


And your daily dose of cute!

Have a great week!

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Time to be Random

Link up with Stacy!

It's state assessment time in Texas.  Oh, joy! (sarcasm)  Do you know who actually writes these tests?  Do you oppose or support letting parents decide whether their child opts out of a state math or reading test?  Did you know the tests are required by federal law?  Do you oppose or support using state testing results as part of a student's graduation plan? And do you have any idea how many of your tax dollars support state assessments?

Link to Purchase This Shirt

Teachers are working harder and harder when it should be the students working harder.  If a student doesn't pass a state test, who works harder to help them pass?  We do! The teachers!  We work our rears off before, during, and after school (all year long) trying to make lessons relevant and fun.  We want our students to succeed. Why aren't the students working harder, too?  Okay.  Rant over.

New topic:  Books.  I just finished reading The Alienist.  It seemed to take forever!  Not because it was bad, but it was long.  And written with a higher-than- normal vocabulary.  But I thoroughly enjoyed it.  I do and I don't want to watch the series now.  I do because I really liked the characters and the story line, and I'm interested in watching what they do.  I don't because I have a vision of the characters in my head, and the show may not live up to that vision.  Oh, the dilemma!

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I've just started watching a series on Netflix called Mindhunter.  I didn't care for the first episode or two because the acting was so bad.  It either grew on me or the actors got better (haha) because it's interesting how the FBI began profiling and catching serial killers.  Macabre? Maybe.  But entertaining, too.

But before I go, let's laugh!

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I don't know why, but this one cracked me up so much!

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Have a great week!

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Said No Teacher Ever

It's almost time for school to be out here.  One of the things you'll hear from our teachers as they try to finish the zillion tasks due by the last day of school is...
"4 1/2 more days!  But who's counting?!"

Here are some things teachers never say, courtesy of Some Ecards.

And a bonus!

Play and link up with Thursday Thirteen!

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Let Me Tell You Something About...

... being a public school teacher.  We are often vilified in the media.  The general public must think that we like the state of public education right now.  Teachers know what's wrong, and we have ideas, but we don't get to make the decisions.

Let me tell you something you might not know... Teachers don't get to make the decisions about how the schools are run. That is all determined by local school boards, state legislatures, and even the Federal government due to laws such as FERPA and IDEA.  As a teacher, I get to decide HOW to run my classroom within limits that are set for us.  I get to decide how to present the curriculum within the limits that are set for us.  Teachers don't just go into the classroom and run it however they wish, at least not in Texas.

I wish parents would realize that it's the NON-Educators who make the decisions regarding the education of our children.  Believe me, if decisions about textbooks, curriculum, discipline, etc., were made by educators, our public school system would run like a charm.  Often, our hands are tied due to local, state, and federal laws and regulations.  There is only so much we can do.

Instead of blaming teachers, do something that could make a change!  Demand that your school board, state legislators, and Federal Department of Education listen to your voice.   Instead of blaming teachers, blame the parents who do not do their jobs which make it difficult, if not impossible, for us to do our jobs.  Instead of blaming teachers, consider that we chose this profession knowing that it is a thankless job because we want what's best for children.  We were trained in pedagogy, curriculum, and child development.  We are required to get continuing education in meeting the needs of our diverse student populations as well as best practices, meeting our children's emotional needs, learning styles, and so much more.  I would love to be able to make decisions that would best meet the needs of students, but, sadly, as a teacher, that is not one of my privileges.

We always hear about the "bad" teachers; the ones that cheat, the ones that commit indiscretions.  I wish the general public would try to remember that most of us are not only professional and knowledgeable, but truly want what's best for the children that you share with us.

Friday Night

Guess how I spent my Friday night? Working. Yes, it's spring break, but there was so much to do to prepare for teaching next week, and I have plans for the rest of the weekend, so Friday night was the only time I had.

I'm really excited about their upcoming lessons. I spent about two hours making plans, creating documents, etc., for my sixth grade language arts students. They will be working in cooperative learning groups using novels appropriate for their individual reading levels. I hope they enjoy it while they learn.

Then, I had to make a 10 PM run to FedEx/Kinko's to make copies, which I paid for out of my own pocket ($40-something - and, no, I won't get reimbursed). The copy machine at school hasn't been working lately. The repair man has been there every day for the last couple of weeks. I wish I could say I was exaggerating, but it's true. I don't know why they don't replace it.

So, that was my exciting Friday night! How did you spend yours?

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First Day Back to Work

What could be more foreboding than starting a school year on a Friday? I'll tell you! Starting the school year on Friday the 13th! I hope that isn't a sign of trouble ahead, because I need to have a GOOD school year!

There are a lot of positive things happening in my school this year. Hopefully, we will maintain our exemplary rating. But more importantly, I hope that we are able to better connect with our students. We are starting an advisory period during which several constructive activities will take place including a school-wide book study. Teachers will volunteer to be video-taped reading a chapter and the video will be streamed to the classrooms so all students are "reading" the same book. The book (can't remember the title) will address real-life situations pertaining to peer pressure and bullying and hopefully lead to meaninful discussions in our classrooms.

And guess what? I get to mentor a scrapbooking group once a week. I'm super excited about that! I don't think I can "teach" them much, but we will hopefully discover some new techniques together and have fun in the process!

So, no, I don't think having the first day back for teachers on Friday the 13th is as foreboding as I first thought it was. I'm going into this year with a good attitude.

Ch, Ch, Ch, Ch, Ch, Ch, Changes

My Thursday 13 is about some of the many things that have changed at the school where I work this year. I only view one of these changes as a positive... not only for me, but for the students. So many changes are bound to affect morale among students and teachers alike.

1. Our faculty meetings were moved up 15 minutes, and when you have children, that 15 minute loss in the morning really makes a big difference.

2. My conference period changed the second week of schedule right along with...

3. My 2nd block of students was dissolved, and I got another whole new block of kids 2 weeks into school.

4. Nine weeks into school, one of my classes is being dissolved again and a whole new class created of lower level and needier students. My third schedule for the year!

5. My "duty" station has changed. I'm now outside, and I don't enjoy it.

6. My lunch period changed, and I miss my friends.

7. We are required to chaperone certain after school events (not just volunteer for them - we MUST do certain events on our own time.)

8. We have an AP who has been there one year, a new-to-our-campus AP, and a Brand New Main Principal who came in the middle of the year last year. It's the main principal's first time ever to be the "main" administrator. As a result, most things are delegated to other people who aren't necessarily qualified to do what they are being asked to do.

9. Teachers may still assign detention, but instead of being after school twice a week with a paid teacher, teachers must hold their own d-halls on their own time in the mornings for no pay.

10. We have a new Zeroes Aren't Permitted program which is a boat-load of paperwork and is not accomplishing its goal.

11. There is a lack of support from the principals as far as classroom discipline is concerned.

12. We have a new system to mark attendance and grades, and it is not user-friendly.

13. This last one, I like. We submit our lesson plans electronically.

Stay tuned next week for my Halloween edition! And don't forget to register for one of my giveaways! Links at the top of the page.

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Thursday 13

I just began my 21st year of teaching middle school English/language arts. It would be my 22nd year, but I had the good fortune to be a stay-at-home-mom for one year, four years ago. I LOVED IT! Here are 13 things I miss from that wonderful year in my life.

1. Being able to walk my children to school for 4th grade or take my step-daughters to school and pick them up.
2. Substitute teaching on days when it was convenient for me so I could still have interaction with students and earn some money, too.
3. Working part time at one of my favorite stores, Bed, Bath, & Beyond, for a few months.
4. Having time to do a thorough house cleaning on a regular basis.
5. Being able to plan family meals on a regular basis because when I'm working full time all day, I don't always feel like making a nice family dinner.
6. Having the flexibility in scheduling appointments of various kinds.
7. Having a candle business on the side with time to do home shows and interact with other adults.
8. Having the mental energy at the end of the day to help with homework.
9. Volunteering at the school store where my children attended.
10. Being able to have lunch at school with my children.
11. Having the occasional lunch with my husband.
12. Being able to volunteer at church.
13. Naps.

I know I could think of so much more (having a little "me" time, for instance)! I cherish my one year as a stay-at-home-mom even though it was probably just as busy, if not more, than I am now. Happy Thursday 13!

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Back to School

School supplies - check!

School clothes - check!

Hair cuts - check!

Schedules and books - check!

Jeans and pants hemmed (we're shorties) - check!

Summer reading complete - check! (Well, almost)

Classroom ready - check!

Lesson Plans Typed, Printed, Uploaded - check!

Lunches ready - check!

Ready for school to start? NOT!

Bye-bye, Summer! I will miss you!

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Testing Week at School

Where I teach in Texas, we are at the end of a grading period which means nine weeks' tests were this week. My twins (7th grade) also had a field trip - yes, a field trip during testing week (whose bright idea was that?), which caused some of their tests to be post-poned.

So, as it turns out, my daughter has to take 5 - five - FIVE! - tests in one day - tomorrow! Her language arts teacher, on a whim, decided to post-pone her test. They're designated a certain day to give tests by subject. She can't just change the test day. But she did. And she missed the science test Thursday due to the science field trip today, so she will have to take that on Friday. And her PE teacher is giving them a test on their tennis unit and health issues. Last, social studies is giving her TWO tests, a nine weeks' test and a chapter test, on the last day of the grading period. It boggles my mind!

It's almost midnight, and my twins finally went to bed. We were slowed down after school by the torrential rain, had errands to run, piano lessons, and dinner - then it was on to crazy-busy review sheets and studying. If they're asleep soon, maybe they'll get 7 hours. It's not enough, in my opinion. Me? I don't know when I will wind down enough to sleep. Could be 30 minutes, could be two hours. I never know. Needless to say, I will be tired tomorrow, but thankful that testing week is over for nine weeks.

You Teach Me Something

I was so happy and honored to get this award from Tammy at Queen-Size Funny Bone and Tamy at 3 Sides of Crazy.

Tammy wrote: [Forgetfulone] shows me how to improve my scrapbooking skills and how to organize my home.

That was so sweet! Thank you, Queenie, for this lovely award. I really would love to see some of your crafts! And right back atcha for teaching me to laugh and not to take things so seriously.

Tamy wrote (of me and some other ladies): These ladies inspire me in sooooooo many ways and help to be clutter free, organized, cozy, on budget, full of crafty ideas and productive.

Thank you, Tamy, for thinking of me. You're very thoughtful. And right back atcha for teaching me new recipes and menu planning ideas.

Here are my awards:

I get my crafting inspiration from many places, and I learn about new techniques, tutorials, challenges, and products from Chrissy at Chrissy's Creative Spot.

I also pass this award to Rachel Anne at Home Sanctuary, Laura at I'm an Organizing Junkie, and Marcia the Organising Queen. They inspire me in many ways and teach me how to keep my home decluttered, organized, and comfortable.

I also want to give this award to Dandelion. I learn about her country and her culture every time I read her blog.

Last, but not least, I give this award to A Frugal Housewife. When I read her blog, I learn tips about saving money without sacrificing quality for my family.

Thanks to all of you, I am smarter! I hope you'll grab your award and pass it on to someone who teaches you a little bit just by reading their blog.

Ode to Teaching

This week's Heads or Tails theme/prompt is:

TAILS - Tell about your job (Or one you've had)

Today feels like Monday since we didn't work yesterday. I almost forgot is was Heads or Tails Tuesday! (See my name?)

I am in my 20th year of teaching intermediate school (middle school, junior high) language arts. Teaching is so different now than it was when I first started. Kids are different now than they were then. Each year we are burdened with more and more non-academic requirements. If I could just TEACH (without dealing with discipline and other issues) things would be great. Anyway, I've written this little poem to give you an ever-so-tiny, generic glimpse of life as a teacher in Texas.

Ode to Teaching

I am a teacher
five days of most weeks

I impart knowledge and skills
we “fondly” call TEKS (rhymes with reeks).

Living by bells, and schedules,
and deadlines,

I don’t do anything that
would cause me to make headlines.

Lesson plans, paperwork,
state requirements galore.

Zillions of dealines that
you can’t ignore.

Grammar, spelling, vocabulary
and more,

Reading and writing,
two things I adore.

My students leave me
knowing more than they had,

They only dislike me when
they are bad.

Accommodations and discipline

are the hardest part.

But unlike my children,
my students think I’m smart.

If only teaching
were as easy as "they" think,

When first starting out,
it’s swim with sharks or sink!

My work doesn’t stop
when I go home,

I see students and parents
wherever I roam.

I do over a year’s work
in ten month’s time,

But the amount I get
paid should be a crime.

I don't like it when a kid

acts like a jerk,

But I'm off work when my

kids are, and that's a perk.

There’s much more to it

than there’s time to tell,

I do my job,

and try to do it well.

(Actually, the pay is not as bad as people think it is.)

You can visit other Heads or Tails posts here. Thanks, Skittles, for hosting this meme!

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen things to do before school starts Monday:
1. decorate my classroom
2. plan lessons for the first week
3. type rules and procedures
4. set up expectation charts
5. fix the podium
6. hang the “butterfly”
7. connect my VCR.
8. pick up my remote control
9. confirm that the presentations are on the F drive.
10. make copies
11. gather materials
12. set up teacher website
13. attend orientation with my own children