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Inspirations

This board is for sharing those funny things that happen during the school day or for those times where you have been inspired by a student, colleague, or individual. Kids say the most surprising things! Let's spend some time uplifting and sharing laughter as we strive towards excellence in Education!

Note: Participation on this board is restricted to Members. For teaching advice, see one of our many other boards.

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	Who Inspired YOU to be a Teacher? by: linds10488, 10-10-2013 I am in my final year of studying to become a teacher. Like all other teachers, one teacher in particular inspired me to become a teacher. For me, that is my Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Pellegrini. I completed 2 years of Kindergarten under suggestion from Mrs. Pellegrini. I was younger than all of the other students, I never paid attention, and I thought it was "play time" instead of "carpet time" 99% of the time. Well, my second year of Kindergarten, Mrs. Pellegrini made it a habit to pull my aside to help me read so I can be on a track with my peers who moved onto 1st grade. The first book she taught me to read was Hop on Pop by Dr. Seuss. I just remember getting the feeling of accomplishment and thankfulness towards Mrs. Pellegrini. She made me feel special and that was something I wanted to be able to do when "I grow up." Ever since then, I played school every chance I got. Who inspired you to become a teacher? 1 Comments
	So sweet... by: Queenie Peavy, 10-07-2013 A former student is now an anchor person for a news station in Tennessee. They were recently doing a segment on teachers that have impacted lives. As part of the segment, she mentioned me and another teacher as impacting her life positively! I was floored!!!! It was so sweet of her and it meant so very, very much to me. I felt validated and loved! It was a fantastic gesture and the fact that it came during such a difficult school year made it all the better! 2 Comments
	Something positive by: rachelmpd, 09-13-2013 In a toxic school, something good happened today. A student that I had in 3rd grade, my very first year of teaching, came back to visit. He is now a senior at the high school. He said he was starting to think of college essays and then something about people who influenced you/ shaped who you are. He said that I along with a couple other of his teachers did that. He thanked me for it. This kid was incredible. He had just arrived in the U.S. from Hong Kong. I would tell him to just do a little of the homework. He would insist on doing it all. He spent a lot of time on it. This is the second time in my ten years this has happened. It helps to remind me that despite all the B.S., that is the reason I went into teaching. 1 Comments
	A Sign by: girly3221, 09-06-2013 I had a rough day at the start of the year. One of my best students brought in a letter from her mom complaining about a situation from the day before. I was stressed and questioning everything. On the way home from work that same day, I got stuck in traffic (about 20 minutes from school) and looked over to see a former student wildly waving at me. I rolled down my window and briefly spoke with him. It was incredibly reassuring to see a student from years past so excited about seeing me. I truly believe it was a sign that the struggles are worth the rewards. 0 Comments
	Great first weeks by: Ms. Katie, 08-30-2013 Just finished the second week back, and I'm still smiling! My 9th grade students are coming in to class quietly, starting their bellwork, laughing, reading, writing, and completing their work! These have been the best two weeks of teaching I've experienced in 4 years as an educator! I have spend a lot of time on the vent board the last couple of years, and I am just so glad to be on this board instead! I just had to share 1 Comments
	Cute response from former student by: kathy, 08-19-2013 Our eighth graders were helping new students find their classrooms. One of my former 3rd graders, who I loved, came to my room with a newbie. He and his friend walked out into the hall and he returned. He said, "Have you lost weight?" (I have- 54 lbs) and I said, "Yes, thanks for noticing." He said, "I thought so....you look better." I thought it was so sweet for him to even ask the question. Still love that kid. 3 Comments
	Too funny by: beachPatty, 08-17-2013 I just discovered this board. I keep a journal of my subbing stories - this was the most recent, so I thought I'd share. 3rd grade boy: I didn't think you would be as nice as you are. Me: Really? Boy: Yeah. Me: Why not? Boy: Because old people are usually mean. 0 Comments
	My heart still feels warm by: TLC, 09-21-2013 At a graduation party I ran into a student who was mine in second grade. He is now this handsome, giant of a marine. The graduate said, "Hey, you remember Mrs. C don't you?" He hugged me, grinned, and said, "You NEVER forget someone who read you wonderful books every single day after recess!" 7 Comments
	Love the Hair by: LUVMY2, 06-04-2013 I was bending down to tie one of my student's shoes when i felt her touching my hair. I asked her what she was doing and she replied, "I just love your 'multi-colored' hair. It's like my grandma's." 1 Comments
	Dear to my heart by: Keltikmom, 07-29-2013 Was dreading teaching today's math lesson. Halfway through it, the lowest kid jumped out of his seat and announced he finally understood multiplication and division and proceeded to explain it succinctly to the class. I LOVE him! 2 Comments
	Something you don't hear in a classroom everyday... by: 2liltexans, 04-30-2013 But if you are in MY prek class you just might! Student: "Mrs. 2liltexans, I can't find the name cards." Me: "Oh! There they are on top of the cockroaches." We are learning about insects this week and I have brought in several hissing cockroaches for them to observe. It's SO great to have science teacher friends!!!! Funny story to go along with the hissing cockroaches. We were sitting in circle and I had JUST gotten them out to show the kids how they hissed. JUST as I touched it, we had a fire drill. Talk about 'perfect' timing! 2 Comments
	Teacher Appreciation by: TeachNut, 04-26-2013 Well, at our school teacher appreciation day was turned in to staff appreciation day because we can't leave out everyone else. Frustrating because the office staff was just treated to a 2 hour off campus luncheon for admin appreciation day ~ hmmm, I felt left out! I digress to the positive. . . I just received an e-mail from a mom whose son has been less than easy this year! Mom has lost her job due to company closing but she's wondering what would make my teacher appreciation day special How nice that she's noticed the struggles I've had with her child and wants to encourage and thank me even through her own financial hard times. Some parents can really make you feel good ~ and it's not about anything she may get me, it's about the thought she wants to do something for me! 0 Comments
	He remembered singing... by: bonnybelle, 04-17-2013 Just now, happenstance reunited me with one of my favorite former students in the middle of the Giants Dugout store. Lupe is a handsome former US Marine, and married father of two. He told me he remembered doing mental math tasks and singing "You Are My Sunshine" at the end of each day. Little do we know such rituals are so meaningful. Have a cuppa coffee with me and tell about such encounters you recall. 2 Comments
	poetry by: Savvy, 04-01-2013 I finally started using the poetry journals today...That only took since November, but hey it is started. 0 Comments
	Continent Song by: Aderynbach, 03-21-2013 I am teaching my firsties about continents and oceans and have taught them the same song to remember continents that my second grader teacher taught me. I told the kids this and they became very serious about learning the song. Some said, "If Miss ___ learned it SOOO long ago and still remembers it, we can too!" I even heard some of my girls practicing it at recess. Love it! 0 Comments
	What a way to start my day. . . by: TeachNut, 04-01-2013 Typical morning of students entering and getting about their business of turning in their homework and starting their morning warm-up. I look up as I'm about to take attendance and lunch count and see a mom coming in. I'm not too worried as this mom has been great all year long! She's here to drop off her child's book which he forgot at home (normally she'd let it go; but, with the week they've had she thought she'd be nice.) As we are chatting about the book I point out where her son is reading and how well he's doing and really talking him up. Next thing you know, I'm being told how great I am! How I've brought out this love of reading in him and I've pushed him exactly where and how he needed it. And now, instead of me boiling eggs for my class, she's going to do it! She's going to supply the kids our craft project needs for Friday and I don't have too ~ I tell her she's done so much and her response is that it's the least she can do because from these hours I'm her child's parent and she needs to support me so I can be there for all my children and be a dad to my kids after school is done! I love this parent!!! 2 Comments
	Teacher Appreciation Week by: mwdouet, 03-06-2013 Teacher Appreciation week is fast approaching and I am wondering what other schools do to show their appreciation for you. We have a different "theme" for dress up days. Do any of you? If so, what are the themes? Lunch and breakfast are provided on two separate days for the faculty. We would like to have a different "activities/games" during the week for teachers. One thing we did last year was a baby photo contest. We are thinking about doing a scavenger hunt for teachers with wacky items. Does anyone do that at their school? Any suggestions or ideas would be great, thank you in advance. 0 Comments
	What a great last day! by: Dutchie's Mom, 12-22-2012 My students were so much fun today. They started singing Christmas Carols when they heard Santa was in the building. They sang Santa is coming to town over and over again until he arrived at our classroom. It was the best. I have never in my 26 years of teaching had a class do that! Had one of my best weeks with them this week! But so happy to have a nice break! 2 Comments
	happy dance by: filehead, 12-15-2012 Yesterday my students got to see my "happy dance" (wild arms flapping, side stepping nmber) because this is the 1st time this year they all scored 100% on their spelling test! So happy, so proud! I little girl has been working so hard to memorize the words and she finally got it! Though I would share something positive on such a sad event weekend. 0 Comments
	8 & 9 year olds are great by: SCS89, 11-16-2012 This week they invented a new word, "fweckle". They can't tell me exactly what it means. Yesterday they asked me if I could order some fweckle for them. I humored them and told them, "sure". Today they asked about it again. I said, "Yes, I asked about it. They said they are out of fweckle until next summer." Oh...did I mention we read "Pippi Longstocking" this fall? There's a chapter where she creates a new word and tries to find out what it means... I'm thinking of finding my copy of "Frindle". I think they'll like that book, too. 1 Comments
	oh sixth graders... by: love2learn, 11-11-2012 One of my sixth graders looked up at me the other day and said "Mrs. L, you're like the teacher I've never had" 0 Comments
	I want to learn how to read when I grow up by: Ms.Gabriella, 09-25-2012 Today I was reading to some of the students in my class and one of they boys said that he wanted to learn how to read one day because I was reading to him. So cute! 0 Comments
	Kindergarteners by: bluebeetle, 09-17-2012 It's the first week of school and Mrs. Smith is walking her kindergarten class back from a special. Half of the line is stopped, looking around and not following the rest of the class. Another teacher stops and says "boys and girls, you have to follow Mrs. Smith". One of the kinders says "Who's Mrs. Smith?" So funny! Gotta love kindergarten! 1 Comments
	Great first week! by: Coopsgrammy, 08-23-2012 I have such a sweet First Grade class this year! It is a small class (22) of very happy kids who are excited to be at school. Today, one boy came back from the rest room, and excitedly asked "Did I miss anything?" Love it! 1 Comments
	Dream job! by: TeachChicago, 08-16-2012 This week was my first full week of school and I am in a new district. I absolutely LOVE it! Everyone has been super nice to me. There is so much support. I have a non classroom position, and even the kids have been friendly. They say hi and good morning to me in the hallway. I have a traveling position, and my "home" school has the best principal in comparison to the others- she is laid back and approachable. My mentor is also wonderful. She always has time for me and answers every question I have. I still can't believe that I got my dream job. I am so happy! 1 Comments
	first day was fabulous despite everything by: missenglish, 08-11-2012 All of our teachers were scared to start this year with common core, value added, new observations, new this, new that, but every teacher I talked to (including me) had a great first day. The kids generally seemed interested and ready to go. I know on the first day that many kids are scared and are only behaving because they don't know you yet, but I am getting good vibes this year. In the past, I could pin point my potentially problematic classes on day 1, but this year all my classes were so good the first day. (this was Friday, btw) I hope the honeymoon continues! Morale has been low at our school with all the changes - our PD days were filled with dread, but everyone seems more hopeful now. 0 Comments
	Bless their hearts by: fish2, 08-29-2012 Today we did our annual "stroll" - instead of having an open house at school to meet our students we go to THEIR house to meet them. We have a 90%ish free/reduced rate. It's an eye-opener to see where some of them live. Every one of them is READY to come back to school. Just bless their hearts. 11 Comments
	What are some things you have done for others that you didn't get anything in return? by: OK4NOW, 10-07-2012 What are some things you have done for others where you didn't get anything in return? I am really struggling with letting go of the need to want to do this for others and looking for some inspiration! Knowing that are people out there who still things for others and wanting nothing in return would be inspirational. Thanks! 7 Comments
	Waiting for the Big moments by: OK4NOW, 08-28-2012 As a little girl, I loved playing with my friends-we would play dolls, barbies, stuffed animals, school plays, recess, dress up, go swimming in swimming pools, kitchen, watch cartoons & movies, have slumber parties, ride bikes, skating parties, play games such as hide in seek and kick ball...and dream of our big girl lives Then I couldn't wait for that first dance, first kiss, first date, first boyfriend, Got to go to trips to Washington D.C., St. Louis, Cincy, ball games, family vacations, amusement parks, fairs, concerts, church trips to Florida, etc.. Couldn't wait for middle school, turn 16, get to drive, high school, senior ring, ring dance, prom, graduation, college, college graduation that 1st job, that 1st house, marriage, Couldn't wait to take a nice vacation Had fun being in friends weddings, going to baby showers, etc... Then one day I discovered life is about those little moments. Got to remember those little moments...I think I will be okay for now on. 3 Comments
	Personal Inspiration by: trasie, 08-09-2012 I opened the newspaper this morning and saw two lovely faces from my not-too-distant past. Two former students just graduated from medical school and will be beginning their internships. One will be interning in surgery, the other in anesthesiology. I taught them science and health in both fifth and sixth grades. Maybe, just maybe, I had a small part in their success. I've been feeling so low about education and my job lately. Motivation and affirmation came just when I needed it. Cute thing is...they're married... to each other! Congratulations Ryan and Megan! 2 Comments
	My much-needed "Aha!" moment for the end of this school year... by: Squirl, 06-18-2012 Yesterday, I went to the water park on post with the fam. While I was there, a girl walked up to me. She was in my class last year, and was in fourth grade the year before that as well. She failed her first year in fourth (obviously), and she managed Ds and Fs in my class as well. It was a struggle to get her help, and she was struggling in class with all of the help that I could provide alone. Finally, I was able to get her the Sp.Ed. help that she needed. (Just to put it into perspective, getting a kid into Sp.Ed. in my district is like trying to rob the Federal Reserve...) She came up to me yesterday, soaking wet (water park, remember), and wanted to hug me because she was so proud of what she has been doing in 5th grade this year. Straight As!!! And part of all kinds of extracurricular activities (band and 4-H are the ones that she was most excited about)!!! Before I let her hug me (despite the fact that I was dry and had intended to stay that way haha... I was there so my niece and nephew could play, not me. Lol) and then sent her off to play, she said "Ms. Dawley, I don't think I could have done it without you. Thank you." Her mom thanked me as well, even though she HATED me last year because I "wouldn't do anything for [insert girl's name here]" and "refused to help" her child. Now, she apparently sees what I did do, and I'm glad. Even though she hated me last year. However, she accepted my outlook when I told her yesterday that I don't do it for the parents and I don't care how many parents hate me. I do it for the kids. I will fight for my kids until I can't anymore, even if the parents (and/or administration, for that matter) get mad. Anyway. With all of that said... I suppose what they say is true. Through all of the B.S., through the times that you think you just want to change careers, through the moments that you wonder why on Earth you chose to do something that doesn't bring in the 'big bucks'... It really only takes one. One moment that matters. One child that makes the difference. I don't teach because it's going to make my signature famous one day. I don't do it because I'll change the world. I teach because I can change one (maybe thirty, if I'm lucky) child's world forever. She'll appreciate my signature in her yearbook. That's all that matters. 6 Comments
	what is a teepee? this is cute! by: Memsy49, 07-28-2012 In our third grade reading center, we were reading about Native Americans. We were discussing special dress, dances, tools, and "housing". I reminded the students that we have Native American culture days here at the vocational school out on the highway. I said that when they drive by they can see the teepees from the highway. The students looked slightly confused and had a "blank" face, so I said, "You know what a teepee is, don't you?" Finally one student raised her hand and declared, " I don't know what a t.p. is but mom always has it on her grocery list!" 3 Comments
	Finally made a breakthrough by: ESDTeacher98, 05-11-2012 I finally made a breakthrough with a student I've been working with all year. He has finally come around and made friends, and been trying in his work and started talking with me. I saw him smile!! I'm sad that it is so close to the end, but I'm glad I finally have helped him and that he's finally let me help! What a great day. 1 Comments
	is this New York by: agolfer, 03-29-2012 Went on a field trip today. Drove from a rural school, along the beach to our destination about 30 miles away, still on the beach. Kids started asking, "Is this New York City?" Is that the White House?" (casinos and beach homes) GOTTA LOVE IT!! 0 Comments
	DD is engaged! by: twinsister, 06-29-2012 We are very excited and happy that our DD will be getting married next year. She wants a traditional wedding. All of us want a nice wedding but are becoming overwhelmed with the potential costs. We have no idea of the normal costs and are wondering what others have done to make their day special without going overboard. She is helping with expenses too. 2 Comments
	Don't you just love kids? by: QueenBee2011, 05-23-2012 I loved this! My students were doing a creative writing project. I told them to choose adjectives that were not used "all the time". So one little boy came to me to show me the beginnings of his essay. He wrote, "The trees and plants were very foxy". I looked at him and said, "I'm not sure I understand. What do you mean by Foxy?" He said, "You know Foxy, another word for pretty". It took everything in my power not to laugh. The trees and plants were very foxy. I just love kids, don't you? 2 Comments
	I thought this was cute.. by: missenglish, 03-09-2012 So I was in the store the other day and I overheard a boy (maybe about 10) ask him mom, "Why is John so mean to you mom?" The mother replies, "Well, I guess because he is a teenager." The kid says, "Well, when I am a teenager, I won't talk to you like that or be mean like him. It isn't right." At this point, I smiled at the kid and walked away... Maybe there is some hope yet. I teach high school and rarely do I ever get a truly polite kid. So many kids are so rude/disrespectful/defiant/etc. (Please don't get me wrong - I love what I do, but not the nasty attitudes) Anyway, it was just so great to see such a nice kid.. made my day. 1 Comments
	showing appreciating by: talewis08, 03-04-2012 What kinds of things does your administration do to show you that they value your efforts and appreciate you? 3 Comments
	Thank you by: lumiere, 03-12-2012 I have been having a really rough year. Today, one of my parents came in just to tell me thank you. She said that her child has hated going to school the last few years. She said that this year he loves going to school and when he comes home he can't wait to tell her all of the things he did that day. I told her this was the best compliment she could have given me. It made all of the hard days/ nights worth it. 2 Comments
	Breakthrough! by: cruxian, 03-03-2012 My class started out evenly matched between boys and girls but go figure the girls are the ones who have moved away and the new students are all boys. My two naughtiest boys get all upset over where they are in line and all my old tricks to deal with the situation haven't helped. Today they were literally pushing each other because they were so upset. So I sat with the one who had started it and said I just didn't understand what was up with this. We're all going to the same place and the difference between first and last in line is probably a minutel, we don't start stuff until everyone's inside the room, and acting that way just means he has to wait until the end anyway. I told him that I was going to have to spend the next few minutes deciding whether to call his parents or the office since this wasn't our first discussion and someone was eventually going to get hurt. I waited 30 seconds and he turned to the boy he pushed and genuinely said, "I'm really sorry I pushed you. I guess it was kinda stupid to be that upset about it. I don't want to fight about it anymore." He's 8...and I do believe he meant it becuase of the tone of voice and the fact that it was completely unsoliticited. He's never apologized on his own! 1 Comments
	Kids say the funniest things by: Carolyn, 03-11-2012 One of my second graders looked at the rings on both of my hands and asked me if I was married to two men! 4 Comments
	Love the Lightbulb Moment! by: ESDTeacher98, 03-02-2012 I love the lightbulb moment when a kid says Oh, I get it--that's so easy now! I saw it today when a kid came to me for help and I just let him talk himself into understanding the fractions and his face lit up and it was wonderful. He had it right all along and finally found the right perspective to look at. What a good Friday! Share your lightbulb moments! 3 Comments
	Praises! by: iTeach314, 12-26-2011 Just graded this week's math quiz...it was over Multiplication x2 and x3 (up to ten) and word problems. 12 out of 13 of my kids scored 90% or above! I'm so happy. Maybe I am doing something right! These kids just earned back their Mad Minutes Ice Cream Party that they lost due to excessive behavior issues. Seriously. I teach second grade btw. 1 Comments
	The story of a brave girl. by: Dilia, 11-30-2011 This little girl gives us a great lesson. Never give up in life. She is a fighter. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0M3mFiHq6k 1 Comments
	Failures by: Dilia, 03-14-2012 I don't know if it has been posted before but I saw it and thought of posting it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6hz_s2XIAU 3 Comments
	Touched by generosity by: Tessa_Rue, 11-19-2011 I work in a extremely economically strapped district (aren't most of us, sadly). Our fellow teachers across the state heard about our situation and did a drive. As a result, all of the teachers in our district were able to pick out much needed supplies. I was so touched by the kindness and generosity shown by others, when I know it is tough all over. 1 Comments
	Relief at last by: ESDTeacher98, 11-14-2011 I had posted last on the vent II message board about feeling burned out and bummed about my students not being the best listeners and too loud. I'm feeling better about them today. Over the weekend (it was a 3 day weekend), I was invited on a trip for the weekend. I decided I deserved a trip and would not take any school work to do. I had a great time and did not feel even the slightest bit guilty for not lugging my school bag with stuff to grade with me. As a result, I did not have as much corrected work as usual to hand back. I explained to the class that I do not give them weekend homework b/c I expect them to work hard all week, and for me, even though I work hard for them all week and I still work hard every single weekend and I decided to take a trip this weekend (as I'm sure some of them did as well) and I did not grade as much as usual, so their returned work folder was a little thin today. Several chimed in at that point and said, "Good for you--you deserve it!" I was so touched--these are elementary kids and they realized how how I am working for them and could think outside of themselves and care about me, which is one of the life skills that I always try to foster each year. I went on to explain that I knew they were interested in the results of their test last week and I did grade that. They thanked me and they were excited about that. I did apologize for the spelling test not being ready to one student and she said, no worries. I think I'm finally starting to get some relief for my burnout misery! Thanks for reading and thank you to all who posted advice on these boards for teachers to take care of themselves and that the work will be there for you when you are able to do it after taking care of yourself. What a good day! 2 Comments
	She passed! by: Mr Sensai, 12-03-2011 the 9yr old orphan girl I tutor for free passed the 1st level of her EIKEN test! (a very important test here for English) EIKEN is backed by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology and all 47 prefectural boards of education. Test results are accepted for admissions and course credit at approximately 2,200 high schools, colleges, and universities. Outside Japan, a growing number of institutions recognize EIKEN test results for international admissions. She pretty much tackled me upon seeing me tonight and was the happiest I have ever seen her! She said her parents would have been proud of her! She also said she wants to get to the top level of the test! I felt awful I did not bring a cake or gift but I said I we will celebrate next time! She said she wanted a chocolate cake and green tea ice cream! I feel so great that I was able to help her with the free tutoring and it's very rewarding to see success! 3 Comments
	1st grader made me laugh by: mhugs, 11-13-2011 Towards the end of the day, one of my little boys was coughing the dry hacking cough. In all seriousness he said, Mrs..... I have a fur ball. Maybe it was just the moment, but it sounded so funny. 2 Comments
	kid story by: 3rdgradequeen, 02-02-2012 I think it's ok to post this here... So today one of my 3rd graders was chewing gum during book buddies (which she wasn't supposed to be doing). After a while we noticed that her book buddy was chewing gum, but the 3rd grader wasn't. We found out that the 3rd grader gave her buddy HER chewed gum. YUCK! At first I started talking to her in a stern, "teacher" voice, but I quickly realized that she had no idea that what she did was wrong. I believe she was trying to be nice and share. In the end I told her she couldn't share anything that was already in her mouth. This was another first for me. 1 Comments
	Boost today by: teachininfl, 11-08-2011 At my school, they decided to move all classes up as they were. So that means that my entire class went to one particular teacher. I was first year last year so this made me EXTREMELY nervous. She would see ALL of my shortcomings and my class was ROUGH. I had a bunch of tough kids and I felt bad for her that they didn't break them up. Well...we have our first report cards next week for the year. She told me today that ALL of my babies (that what she calls them...I guess they are still mine) are on or above grade level in reading. She said that she would be extremely happy to take my class again next year if I do with them what I did with this one. That really made my day!! I'll take any little bits of positivity where I can get them! 2 Comments
	I'm free!!! by: ILoveMyCello, 11-03-2011 If you read my earlier posts, I had a horrendous last year after being kicked out of a school district when I was hired to LTS for my Mom during cancer surgery. Well, I am so glad this happened this way. I was hired in four other school districts and offered a LTS position in kindergarten which I graciously turned down because I'm not the most confident with the little ones. I am much happier being away from drama. While Im not in my own classroom yet, I'm happier and doing much better. 0 Comments
	chickens: laugh for the day by: sbmom, 10-13-2011 When visiting with a young man about why he had rated all our subjects/activities with a smiley face except 'I like school' he said, "I do like school but I'd rather be home petting my chickens." 0 Comments
	Cute kid... by: twin2, 10-04-2011 We were doing Science experiments with paper, straws and paper clips relating to our motions unit. A child, new to our school this year raised his hand and said, "We didn't get toys in my old school." 2 Comments
	Glee Tonight! by: ladybug12, 09-20-2011 I'm so sorry, wrong board!!! 0 Comments
	Can't believe it :) My job well done. by: starrysky, 10-25-2011 I've never posted on this board before Anyways, our school got a site visit by our school district's Program Improvement Intervention team person. They basically come by and critique schools in PI, etc. We got a very short notice, etc. They pick classrooms at random and basically grade you with a monitoring tool, everything from teaching methods, your wall decorations, your materials, your lesson plans, a writing proficiency center, and ask the kids what they are learning(objective) etc. The teachers' attitude is that "nothing good comes from their mouths" and that they are basically full of a lot of criticism. Well, a side note is that I am teaching the below grade level kids with a replacement core curriculum. It is basically a remedial intervention and they are not even exposed to on grade level standards at all, and it's supposed to fill their holes with standards from previous grades, etc. It has a lot of reading, spelling, phonics, high frequency words etc. I am teaching it for the first time, and just figuring out the program. I started it the other day! A few of my students didn't have any textbook or workbook yet and were sharing. A few of my kids are pulled out for resource, and join us 45 mins into the program. I also haven't had time with just getting the materials, and all my meetings after school, to even up a reading focus wall or anything, so my room isn't as decorated as other people. It's hard to get this group of kids, because they are very low, unmotivated(and no role models), and even some behavior problems and you have them altogether in 1 room for the whole 2.5 hours of LA. The other poor teachers end up with the ongradelevel kids, but with 40 kids in the room for 2.5 hours. So it is very contraversial using the program in the district. It counts as a form of differentiation, yet it feels like tracking. Anyways, the district compliance person came into my room with the principal. I felt myself shake a little when they entered. The principal being with her made me feel more comfortable(I am close to her). Anyways, although I had never used the program before I was using the leveled theme book for the week, and pleasantly finding my students highly engaged. It then had a cause and effect lesson that went with it, which you would think would be way beyond their comprehension, but I was also surprisingly finding them very pleasantly engaged with it! They stayed 20 minutes or so. I was told today, one day later, by the resource teacher, that the PI person was upset that the resource kids were pulled from my classroom, and that the special ed teacher needs to do inclusion everyday and be in my room supporting them and modifying the curriculum. So we got dinged for that. But then the resource teacher told me that the PI person really liked my room and what I was doing. She said I had a model classroom and an ideal classroom! I was so suprised to hear that. Then, later today the principal caught me alone in the office, and also mentioned to me that the PI person was just "blown away" by me. And that everything was superb and great, including my lesson plans. I can't remember all the positive things she said. Anyways, I am so happy! This gave me some motivation because for one thing, often I feel like I want to quit lately(burntout feeling). I was moved grades and I like it, but sometimes I find the discipline to be a problem, plus I was a little disappointed that I got stuck with the remedial intervention curriculum instead of teaching my grade level standards. Anyways, I feel so good about myself that the school district official people approved of my room. It's very scary when the people come here, because then they announce to the whole staff what is positive or negative in each grade, and what needs to be improved. Sometimes it's just a whole list of what needs to be changed. This was just a pleasant surprised that they really liked my room! Just proud of myself. I also feel a little bit better about teaching the lower kids with this weird curriculum too So anyways, I will hug myself for a job well done 6 Comments
	Comfort & HOPE is these difficult times we are facing! by: Combow, 09-18-2011 A Businessman Learns a Lesson by Jamie Robert Vollmer "If I ran my business the way you people operate your schools, I wouldn't be in business very long!" I stood before an auditorium filled with outraged teachers who were becoming angrier by the minute. My speech had entirely consumed their precious 90 minutes of in-service. Their initial icy glares had turned to restless agitation. You could cut the hostility with a knife. I represented a group of business people dedicated to improving public schools. I was an executive at an ice cream company that became famous in the middle 1980s when People Magazine chose our blueberry as the "Best Ice Cream in America." I was convinced of two things. First, public schools needed to change; they were archaic selecting and sorting mechanisms designed for the industrial age and out of step with the needs of our emerging "knowledge society." Second, educators were a major part of the problem: they resisted change, hunkered down in their feathered nests, protected by tenure and shielded by a bureaucratic monopoly. They needed to look to business. We knew how to produce quality. Zero defects! TQM! Continuous improvement! In retrospect, the speech was perfectly balanced equal parts ignorance and arrogance. As soon as I finished, a woman's hand shot up. She appeared polite, pleasant - she was, in fact, a razor-edged, veteran, high school English teacher who had been waiting to unload. She began quietly, "We are told, sir, that you manage a company that makes good ice cream." I smugly replied, "Best ice cream in America, Ma'am." "How nice," she said. "Is it rich and smooth?" "Sixteen percent butterfat," I crowed. "Premium ingredients?" she inquired. "Super-premium! Nothing but triple A." I was on a roll. I never saw the next line coming. "Mr. Vollmer," she said, leaning forward with a wicked eyebrow raised to the sky, "when you are standing on your receiving dock and you see an inferior shipment of blueberries arrive, what do you do?" In the silence of that room, I could hear the trap snap. I was dead meat, but I wasn't going to lie. "I send them back." "That's right!" she barked, "and we can never send back our blueberries. We take them big, small, rich, poor, gifted, exceptional, abused, frightened, confident, homeless, rude, and brilliant. We take them all: GT, ADHD, ADD, SLD, EI, MMR, OHI, TBI, DD, Autistic, junior rheumatoid arthritis, English as their second language, etc. We take them all! Everyone! And that, Mr. Vollmer, is why it's not a business. It's school!" In an explosion, all 290 teachers, principals, bus drivers, aides, custodians and secretaries jumped to their feet and yelled, "Yeah! Blueberries! Blueberries!" And so began my long transformation. Since then, I have visited hundreds of schools. I have learned that a school is not a business. Schools are unable to control the quality of their raw material, they are dependent upon the vagaries of politics for a reliable revenue stream, and they are constantly mauled by a howling horde of disparate, competing customer group s that would send the best CEO screaming into the night. None of this negates the need for change. We must change what, when, and how we teach to give all children maximum opportunity to thrive in a post-industrial society. But educators cannot do this alone; these changes can occur only with the understanding, trust, permission and active support of the surrounding community. For the most important thing I have learned is that schools reflect the attitudes, beliefs and health of the communities they serve, and therefore, to improve public education means more than changing our schools, it means changing America. Please forward THE BLUEBERRY STORY to teachers, parents, politicians and everyone interested in education. 1 Comments
	had to share =) by: Susan Teacher, 10-24-2011 Yesterday, I must have run over something (with the new tires I just got on FRIDAY!!!). I was picking up my MIL in a town about 35 minutes away from home. When I arrived at my destination, my TIRE light came on. I got out and saw my back driver's side tire was almost flat. UGH!!! Now I didn't have the slightest idea what I was going to do. I went in the Burger King where I was meeing my SIL. I must have looked very frustrated because this man came over and asked what was wrong. I told him about the tire issue and asked if there was a place nearby to pump it up. He told me not to worry about a thing, there was a station right next door that had an air pump. He told me to meet him over there. I did and he pumped it up. Then he told me to back up a little so he could try to find the problem. He found where the air was quickly coming out. He said, "You wait right here and I'm going to go next door to the auto place and get you a plug." I tried to offer to go and pay and he said no. He was back in a flash with a plug kit. He preceeded to lay down on the HOT HOT HOT and dirty cement and plugged my tire. Then he put more air in it and it wasn't leaking anymore. I tried to offer him money to pay for the plug, air, and his time but he'd have no part in taking the money. He told me he would never think of doing that and I gave him a hug and thanked him over and over! I asked him his name and he told me if I was ever in that town again and had a problem to ask anyone for the man named John Cooper with the bald head. () I was then on my way, and the tire is fine today and I am just thankful that he was in the right place at the right time and I was at a place that had a shell station with air and an auto place that had tire plugs! Isn't this just how it should be?? People helping people just because they want to!! Now, it's my turn to pay it forward! 10 Comments
	I feel very loved by: missenglish, 09-02-2011 Last year I taught a group of really low kids (Remedial English). Since I did well with them I asked to have them again. (For English I) I got a couple of them, but most went to the teacher next door. When the teacher saw me, she said "Your babies really miss you. They keep talking about you and asking why they can't go next door with you." I also had various students I taught last year come in my room today, give me a hug and tell me they missed me. Even two girls I swore hated me. I asked them "oh, you like me now that you don't have me.? They said "we always liked you." Aww. It's so nice to have kids actually remember me. I was new last year year so this is new to me. I am surprised by their actions because I have a reputation for being a harda$$. I rode their behinds last year, but finally they see why I did it. 2 Comments
	Teacher of the Year Speech by: goodwork, 08-05-2011 Wanted to share this motivational kindergarten teacher with a beautiful message. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxJipw8KgMY 2 Comments

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