I’ve worked in a number of high schools, both public and private. I also went to high school myself (obviously). In every school, there were always a handful of teachers or staff members who were obsessed with punishing (or at least commenting incessantly about) violations of the student dress code. I don’t think it’s appropriate… Continue reading Dress code enforcement obsession
Category: Education
Obama won’t fix education in this country
Even though some people have accused me of being a blind Obama follower, I’m actually not that big a fan. I like him. He’s okay… for a politician. I really voted for Kucinich in the primaries, and if Clinton had won the primaries, I’d have voted for her for president. The truth is, with all… Continue reading Obama won’t fix education in this country
The woman who dropped out of MATC after mistakenly buying a Ubuntu laptop from Dell
I know I’m probably the millionth person to comment on this (is millionth even a word?), but I have only two things to say. 1. To the anti-Linux folks and tech “journalists” who blame this on Linux not being “friendly” enough for new users or being for only those who want to tinker with their… Continue reading The woman who dropped out of MATC after mistakenly buying a Ubuntu laptop from Dell
I’m an enabler
Last night, my wife called me an enabler. I guess I am. But I can’t help it. (Yes, I know—that’s what all enablers say!) Here’s the deal (and this is not specific to the school I’m currently working at—this has happened at other schools I’ve worked at as well): When I see people doing something… Continue reading I’m an enabler
Why schools play “the game” with students
If you’ve ever worked as a teacher in a high school, you’ve probably had to play “the game” with your students. You become acutely aware of how awkward “the game” is when you start talking about school events with adult friends of yours who do not work in education. Here’s how such an exchange between… Continue reading Why schools play “the game” with students
Are graduation speeches just pretty?
I’ve been to a lot of graduation ceremonies. As a matter of fact, when I was in high school, I attended other people’s high school commencements for fun (and to support my friends, of course). Kids and parents alike are happy to be there, to celebrate the end of something, the beginning of something, or… Continue reading Are graduation speeches just pretty?
The Tracking Problem
Usually when it comes to educational issues… or any issue, really, I have strong opinions, but tracking in schools is an issue I have mixed feelings about. I’ve worked in five different high schools, and have seen tracked curriculum and untracked curriculum in action in various subjects, and I have to say it’s hard to… Continue reading The Tracking Problem
Public speaking jitters
I used to be an English teacher. Back in those days, I would get nervous for the first day of classes; but on a day-to-day basis, I didn’t think too much about speaking in front of a group of people. If you have to do it that often, you don’t have time or emotional energy… Continue reading Public speaking jitters
Efficient communication is a worthy goal
There are two instances in which I have had this jumbled-word paragraph brought to my attention: Aoccdrnig to rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn’t mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a… Continue reading Efficient communication is a worthy goal
Running with the track team again
I recently have had the opportunity to help assistant-coach my school’s track team, and it has been a wonderful experience. A wave of nolstagia has swept over me as I’m constantly reminded of the pain and fun of my own training in high school. All the workouts these students are grumbling about as they sweat… Continue reading Running with the track team again