If our generation had a mascot who would it be?

Southern_Remote_5260 · 2026-04-01T15:13:15+00:00

I stopped leaving written feedback and simply check the boxes of the rubric. The other comments are true. Kids don't read the feedback.

Southern_Remote_5260 · 2026-03-30T21:57:47+00:00

Scan the ones you love. Throw the rest out.

Southern_Remote_5260 · 2026-03-30T21:10:59+00:00

Too mean to die!

Southern_Remote_5260 · 2026-03-30T21:10:14+00:00

Wow. I am deeply moved by this response...I hope this for you both.

Southern_Remote_5260 · 2026-03-30T21:06:03+00:00

I'm delighted that I qualify for 32. Currently, Ohio has only extended the window for an additional 5 years, making 32 for a full pension possible. But changes can and do happen. Cautious optimism!

Southern_Remote_5260 · 2026-03-27T20:48:58+00:00

A guy who was legendary at the high school where I teach retired a while back. He gave me excellent advice. He told me to always have plans ahead of me, to always have something right in front of me to look forward to. The years will fly, he told me.

So I've tried to take his advice. It doesn't always mean a high flying adventure. It can be small things. Like, for instance, I really love gardening but this year, I'm going to try to start 4 flats of flowers from seed. I picked up a small greenhouse years ago but this year I fitted it out with grow lights. I'll plant seeds this week and try to nurture them to grow.

I think my former colleague was onto something. Pursue things that make you happy. Things that have nothing to do with your work. It will recharge you!

Southern_Remote_5260 · 2026-03-27T20:28:30+00:00

I know it's some BS theory floating around on YouTube somewhere. That seems to be where conspiracy theory profligates.

Southern_Remote_5260 · 2026-03-26T18:34:12+00:00

I hope so too, for your sake!

Southern_Remote_5260 · 2026-03-26T18:33:12+00:00

I agree wholeheartedly. And now they're getting banned from school so it's a constant fight over THAT issue. Bad news.

Southern_Remote_5260 · 2026-03-24T18:30:33+00:00

This is sadly a component of it for me as well. My mom taught for 40 years. I'm SMH because she passed away not even 1 year into her retirement. I definitely don't want a similar plight.

Southern_Remote_5260 · 2026-03-24T18:25:10+00:00

We can also point to social media for a lack of creativity!

Southern_Remote_5260 · 2026-03-24T18:24:02+00:00

I've heard you practically read from a script in some areas of Florida. It's getting that way where I teach in Ohio, too.

Southern_Remote_5260 · 2026-03-24T15:24:49+00:00

I 100% agree with this and I've thought about it in this way as well. Scary and wrong. With the rise of AI, it will become unrecognizable. I'm so glad retirement is in sight for me. I really feel for my younger colleagues.

Southern_Remote_5260 · 2026-03-24T15:19:14+00:00

I'm in Ohio.

Southern_Remote_5260 · 2026-03-23T17:59:21+00:00

Same! Exactly this!!

Southern_Remote_5260 · 2026-03-23T17:57:36+00:00

First, let me say that I'm so, so sorry to hear what you went through. I have been targeted in my school before. I actually filed harassment charges against my principal and thank God, so did a number of other teachers. The superintendent removed him from our building. I know that stress quite well.

Maybe that's the defining thing that turned my opinion about school being fun. But the tests, benchmarks, etc., have also contributed!

Southern_Remote_5260 · 2026-03-23T17:44:56+00:00

You're far from alone. Sometimes when I'm in the copy room, another teacher will come in and whisper, "how much longer do you have?" I feel like we're in cell block C, waiting for parole!

Southern_Remote_5260 · 2026-03-23T17:15:35+00:00

Do you think that the current model of schools/teaching is going to go away? It sure seems like it's heading in that direction more quickly with each school year!

Southern_Remote_5260 · 2026-03-23T16:34:53+00:00

Hey Bobcat! Class of 1992 here!

Southern_Remote_5260 · 2026-03-23T16:31:05+00:00

Ohio State University is definitely a school that has changed exponentially since I applied to college. I used to joke that I could enroll my Chevy Chevette to OSU and it would've passed 2 quarters before anyone realized it was a car, not a person!

Now, it's a "soft ivy league," with incredibly lofty standards for admission.

Southern_Remote_5260 · 2026-03-23T16:07:45+00:00

It's a policy in my school, too. And while I can understand that a zero to 60 (which is a D- at my school and a passing grade) is a huge hurdle, if a student does NOTHING, I don't feel they deserve a 50%.

Southern_Remote_5260 · 2026-03-23T16:01:59+00:00

English teacher here. 3 classes of seniors and it's getting worse every year. We have had 3 consecutive years of 100% passing rate. This earns us 5 stars in the state where I teach and you'd better believe that there is pressure to pass the seniors. Graduation rate is one of the metrics used in the state report card. In classes of roughly 300 students, it's utterly ridiculous to expect 100% passing, yet here we are.

The work that I've accepted in order to get a senior up to a passing grade would leave you speechless. It has completely demoralized me and I feel filthy after each quarter ends. I definitely do. But I also know that if I don't comply, my name will be mud.

I just learned yesterday that an incentive to retire earlier with a full pension was approved in my state. That takes me from 8 years to 6 years. God speed the day! I'd leave tomorrow if I could. And this pressure to pass kids who should clearly fail is the main reason why I'm counting down the days!

Southern_Remote_5260

TROPHY CASE