Monthly Archives: October 2009
Letter From a Korean Classroom: The Case for Classroom Cameras
by CHRIS BACON Working at a private English academy in South Korea consistently highlights the benefits and pitfalls of education as a business. Though such a system has its ups and downs, one particular “up” is that to survive, a … Continue reading
Filed under Classroom Reflections, Uncategorized
Lighting the Fire: A Call to Service
An education student describes her frustration with the reluctance of veteran teachers and her peers to fight for social justice. Continue reading
Filed under Essays
Another Way To Get A Class Discussion Going: Inspire Them
by DAVID PAUL KLEINMAN Spring semester is a semester of contrasts. I teach a “bad class” and a “good class.” In bad class, students stroll in fifteen minutes late with veiny red eyes, reeking of cheap pot. In good class, … Continue reading
Filed under Uncategorized
One Way To Get A Class Discussion Going: Offend Them
by DAVID PAUL KLEINMAN “Do you know why I’m calling?” “No sir, I do not.” “There’s been a complaint.” “A complaint?” “Yes, and while it isn’t a formal complaint, I just need to follow up to make sure our classrooms … Continue reading
Filed under Uncategorized
Why Poetry?
by GABRIELLE LENSCH PLASTRIK I belong to the AP English list serve. Several times a year, teachers write in at their wits end because their students just don’t “get” poetry or because their students seem hesitant, scared, and reluctant. I … Continue reading
Filed under Classroom Reflections, Essays
When You Don’t Have Time to Be a Teacher
by JESSE SCACCIA I don’t have time to be a teacher right now. I’m in grad school. I have a thesis due in less than two months. I have projects on the side I’m passionate about, such as this website. … Continue reading
Filed under Classroom Reflections
The Schoolyard Foodie: Props to the People
Thanks to the hard work of a few ‘fed-up’ teachers, students, community members, and district staff, the I hella love Oakland community is doing something about the malignant federally subsidized food system. And, yes, this post is meant to make Oakland School District homies look good. Continue reading
Filed under Essays, The Schoolyard Foodie
On the Pleasures of Teaching with a Mean Case of Montezuma’s Revenge and Other Adventures in Global Education: Part Five
Part Five of an essay about leading a three week educational trip to Nicaragua with Bay Area teenagers. Continue reading
Filed under Essays
Remembering Eric
by RYAN “BROWN” DALTON I woke up this morning feeling sad. It took me a while to figure out why, and I still don’t know the fullness, but I realized Eric was on my mind. I probably had a dream … Continue reading
Filed under Classroom Reflections
Why I Teach (Even In February)
In the middle of a school year, ’round about February 15th, after winter break, but before spring break, about the time when all energy and creative thought has been mangled by exhaustion, I question why I teach. Continue reading
Filed under Essays
