Tag Archives: teachers

Peonies in December

Posted on December 12, 2013 by

For the past several years, I have served as president of our union. It has not been the easiest of responsibilities. It took enormous amounts of time and energy, and sometimes I found myself beset with issues that presented moral … Continue reading →

Posted in union, work | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

A three mile prom

Posted on May 12, 2012 by

Last night the union at our school sponsored a “prom” in the cafeteria for faculty, staff, and administration. The tongue-in-cheek event encouraged creative attire from Madonna a la “Desperately Seeking Susan” to tuxedoes and prom dresses and lots of jeans … Continue reading →

Posted in dance, music, school | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

Teacher Appreciation Week: How We Can Show Teachers the Love

Posted on May 10, 2012 by

I worked with Bill Ayers for many years in the Golden Apple Scholars Program, working with education majors to become empowered and confident teachers, who advocate for their working conditions and for their students. He and his brother Rick have … Continue reading →

Posted in education, school, Teaching | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 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

“The cap in your mouth can obstruct breathing if swallowed.”

Posted on May 19, 2011 by

Riding home last night I was listening to NPR which had a report on the 14th annual Wacky Warning Labels Contest, started by Bob Dorigo Jones in 1997. The idea behind the contest is that in our litigious society, we are being over-warned … Continue reading →

Posted in education, history, memoir, school, Teaching | Tagged , , , , , , | 7 Comments

You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Posted on April 15, 2011 by

Last night I attended the senior recital of a student of mine whom I taught in the 8th grade. She is graduating from the Chicago Academy for the Arts where I first taught, as an art teacher and then as … Continue reading →

Posted in aging, art, artist, school, Teaching | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

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

Blaming teachers….

Posted on March 15, 2011 by

I am shocked and angry about all the negative, derogatory, uncharitable rhetoric flying about these days concerning teachers. But, lately, I haven’t had the opportunity to write anything down about these feelings. You see, I have been busy with 40 … Continue reading →

Posted in school, Teaching | Tagged , , | 8 Comments