Tag Archives: schools

Deconstructing Reconstruction

Posted on February 3, 2012 by

The historical period of Reconstruction reads almost like a Shakespearean tragedy. The players are awash in tragic flaws, the consequences of events are sometimes devastating, even overwhelming, often dramatic. Hopes and dreams are dashed against the rock of reticence, racism, … Continue reading →

Posted in history, school, social justice, Teaching, tolerance | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Even if we all have to slow down

Posted on December 10, 2011 by

My son is teaching in Japan and just sent me a packet of letters from an after-school English Club he is running. He asked me to connect these pen pal letters with my students and maybe we might get a … Continue reading →

Posted in Japan, school, Teaching | Tagged , , , , , | 6 Comments

Quantity is not quality

Posted on November 14, 2011 by

At school, somehow I have the reputation of giving the hardest Constitution test of all the other 8th grade teachers. The only criteria the students have used to make this judgment is how long my test is. Even after a … Continue reading →

Posted in Constitution, school, Teaching | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Still a work in progress and totally pumped for tomorrow

Posted on September 21, 2011 by

Because of schedule changes, I teach the last two periods of the day  (along with the third and fourth). By the later afternoon, the kids are tired, wiped out. They are clearly filled with great ideas, even the best of … Continue reading →

Posted in creativity, education, school, Teaching | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

Who knew?

Posted on June 29, 2011 by

Before settling in and getting going on some artwork, I emptied my briefcase from work—mostly files and miscellaneous papers, much of which got trashed. Then I pulled out a blue-covered compilation that one of my students handed me on the … Continue reading →

Posted in poetry, school, Teaching, words | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Could you describe what a transitive verb is?

Posted on June 15, 2011 by

My son applied to the JET Program this winter and much to his surprise he was accepted. He actually had an excellent interview, lots of laughs and conversation well past the time allotted for it. But at the end he … Continue reading →

Posted in family, grammar, Japan, school | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments

Graduating under sauna conditions

Posted on June 7, 2011 by

It was over 95 degrees today and graduation was held in a non-air-conditioned auditorium. Plastic fans were handed out at the door but all they did was move the hot air around. Plus pumping a hand fan seems to produce … Continue reading →

Posted in school, Teaching | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

The surprising truth about what motivates us: Autonomy, Mastery, Purpose

Posted on March 22, 2011 by

My friend Ms. Chili posted the video below a few days ago. I couldn’t believe how appropriate it was for me in my life right now, not only as it pertains to how we, as teachers, deal with our students, … Continue reading →

Posted in activism, politics, school, Teaching | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments