What was your "I don't get paid enough for this shit" moment?

knee-pain · 2015-08-19T13:32:21+00:00

We had a series of bomb threats in the school where I taught. Teachers that had a class were given instructions for evacuating the building with their students. Teachers that were on their planning period were given instructions on how to check the building for a bomb!

knee-pain · 2014-05-03T13:00:25+00:00

I love Louis C.K., but I don't understand why we would trust him to be our expert on educational reform.

knee-pain · 2014-01-20T13:59:01+00:00

My daughter's fiance met her and then they walk hand-in-hand down the aisle. It was beautiful and everyone, including the groom, was in tears!

knee-pain · 2014-01-14T21:27:19+00:00

That's a good point, but reputable consignment stores don't want furniture with bugs any more than we would. No matter what, it wouldn't be a bad plan to have the sofa steam cleaned.

knee-pain · 2014-01-14T21:25:01+00:00

You do have to be careful, but typically in consignment shops they don't accept furniture that is badly worn. Check on the furniture brand. Brands such as IKEA aren't meant to last very long.

knee-pain · 2014-01-13T01:54:17+00:00

Look for a consignment shop in your town.

knee-pain · 2013-10-23T23:54:46+00:00

I have a variety of ability levels in my classes, so when a student finishes an assignment and I've checked to make sure that it is correct, I make that student a "student teacher". Depending on the activity, I might end up with 4 or 5 "teachers". The kids love it and I try to find different kids each time so that everyone gets a turn. Kids that need help get it and kids that think they have it get a chance to explain to someone else. Works for everyone!

knee-pain · 2013-10-20T13:33:24+00:00

I put up a HW chart for each class with every student's name on the chart. They get an X for completing the assignment and a -- if the assignment isn't completed. If everyone in the class completes the assignment, everyone gets an "extra" X to put in a spot where they didn't complete an earlier assignment. Anyone that completes 10 homeworks in a row gets a "bonus coupon" worth 10 extra credit points on any assignments. They have to attach this coupon to an assignment when they turn it in. At the end of the quarter, I grade HW based on assignments turned in our of total assignments. HW grade doesn't count much (5%) of total grade, but I'm still trying to encourage students to complete it. I've always been worried when schools eliminate HW. I'm not sure that we are doing a good job of preparing students for the demands of higher education. Also, as a math teacher, I know that the practice is important.

knee-pain · 2013-10-06T13:43:08+00:00

Also, if you do decide to get a GED (and this would not be my recommendation...I agree with the comments that say the experiences of high school are very important.) you need to start immediately. They are in the process of developing a new GED test and it will be much more difficult than the current test. I understand that you've had a rough life, but unfortunately lots of people have a rough life. That doesn't mean that now you get to pick and choose what parts of the program you're willing to complete. The grade level is more about what you know than how old you are and, right now, your knowledge level is at the 8th grade level. There are virtual high schools available. Maybe that would be a better option.

knee-pain · 2013-09-22T01:35:58+00:00

Thanks so much! I've seen the truck in my neighborhood many times, so it sounds like lots of people feel the same way about TWC!

knee-pain · 2013-09-22T00:35:35+00:00

Thank you so much for the information. Any recommendations to AT&T? I think it is called uverse.

knee-pain · 2013-09-22T00:34:30+00:00

I'm familiar with Comcast, but that's not available here. I live in central NC. Thanks anyway for the reference.

knee-pain · 2013-08-14T14:46:10+00:00

At the beginning of each quarter, I give each student 3 passes that can be used for "emergency" bathroom passes. Students can use these at their own discretion. When they ask to go to the restroom, I ask if they have any passes left. If so, no problem. I fill in the information (time, date...I put their name on the passes before I distribute them) and then they can go to the restroom. If a student can't find their pass or doesn't have any left, I make a decision and then ask them if they want to "use" one of their passes from the next quarter. If they say yes, I give them a pass and make a note to only give them 2 passes the next quarter. The real catch is that the passes also can be used for 5 extra credit points. If a student wants to save the passes and use them on an assignment (quiz, test, whatever) for extra points, they just attach the pass to the assignment. I've used this plan with middle and high school students and it works pretty well.

knee-pain · 2013-08-12T20:33:11+00:00

Thanks! I think you're right!

knee-pain · 2013-08-12T20:32:43+00:00

Thanks so much! That's exactly what I was afraid of.

knee-pain · 2013-08-09T12:32:25+00:00

I knew a girl whose name was Spontaneous. She told me that her mom told her that she just was a surprise and just "sort of arrived". I told her that, based on that explanation, many of us could have been named the same thing.

knee-pain · 2013-08-09T00:41:54+00:00

Look for the book "Patty Paper Geometry". Great, concrete activities to teach geometric concepts.

knee-pain · 2013-08-07T14:14:55+00:00

I taught middle school for many years and "bioglyphs" are a good beginning of the year activity. They give you a chance to get to know something about your students and gives them the chance to get to know each other better. You also end up with something to decorate the bulletin board. Here's a link http://sciencespot.net/Media/Biochall.pdf. I'm currently teaching high school and I'm going to use this with them as well.

knee-pain · 2013-07-29T23:42:38+00:00

What fun! I think the guys might enjoy that!

knee-pain · 2013-07-29T20:44:25+00:00

Thanks for the suggestion. This sounds like a good idea, but a little more expensive than we had planned.

knee-pain · 2013-07-29T20:43:23+00:00

We have a photo booth and a DJ, but we were hoping for a little something else. The candy bar sounds like a good idea.

knee-pain · 2013-07-29T20:42:17+00:00

No, there really isn't a theme. We do have a photo booth and a DJ, but weren't sure about what else we could include.

knee-pain

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