3 posts from May 2009

Three "teacher skills" I would like to work on this summer:

1. Not accepting as many excuses from students
   
2. Correcting incorrect grammar
3. Sticking to my rules
   

One thing I do well is building a positive rapport with my students, which in turn motivates and/or encourages them to do well in class and behave like they have at least some kind of sense.

District Plan:   http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=d84z939_82ctjv5nfp

I did several different/innovative things with my district plan.  First, I created a year-round school modeled off of Virginia Beach City Schools.  Second, my district has a 4-day week.  Fridays are reserved for remediation, detention, parent activities, and administrative meetings/activities.  Additionally, 9th grade and SATP teachers have an equal and higher salary.

To be honest I would be happy to have time off, even if it because of an infectious and potentially fatal virus.  I know that may sound crazy, but it would provide a much needed break.  The unfortunate part is that the swine flu is very dangerous and poses a real threat to students, teachers, and staff.  Additionally, it is close to the end of the year and it is state-testing time, which means that many of the schools that have closed will have to extend the year.

I know that this is a very scary situation for many.  I don't think that it's unreasonable for schools to close if there have been infections in the area.

Interesting update: As I was writing this blog, the school secretary came in and handed me a letter to give the kids about how to prevent contracting the swine flu and symptoms to look for.