Designated Doodler

I teach high school English and I also tutor elementary and middle school students. No matter what the age group, I see a common and alarming trend among children. They can't focus! These kids, our kids, are being affected by two pervasive things: instant gratification and constant stimulation. They get what they want, when they want. So when they come to school, they expect to run the show, which just isn't how it works - at school or in life. They talk back to teachers, question why they have to do assignments, argue about their grades, turn in assignments late and detest having to focus. It's no wonder that teachers are jumping ship right and left. Believe it or not, there once was a day when kids were respectful, did not question their assignments or grades, did not badger their teachers to grade faster, did not bring weapons to school or start fights, did not wage an electronics war or refuse to work. As teachers we receive absurd amounts of training on be...

I can remember sitting in my living room as a ten year old, thrilled to hear the theme song to JAG emanate from my TV. I was a die-hard fan of Harmon Rabb Jr. and Sarah McKenzie who kicked ass, took names and dragged their audience through the ups and downs of a complicated ten year relationship. It was the tension between Harm and Mac that kept JAG alive and made the show the most popular military themed program since M*A*S*H* So when JAG ended in 2005 I was beyond sad, but the way that the show ended was (in my opinion) perfect. The audience finally got to see Harm and Mac become a couple and share their wedding news with their best friends/coworkers. The love story in JAG was handled great (although there could have been more Harm/Mac moments) and it now contrasts starkly with how how NCIS' love story was handled. JAG went off the air and NCIS (same creator) came on the scene. It was pretty much an instant hit and it provided audiences with more suspensef...

I am drowning in work. Drowning doesn't even begin to cover it. You can ask any teacher, their first year teaching is undoubtedly the worst. The upside is that this isn't my first year teaching. I was a long term sub before finding my spot at my school, so I have a year's worth of experience in coming up with assignments, handling grades, communicating with parents, grading essays, going to meetings, etc. But since I am "real" now thanks to Geppetto, there is a whole slew of new things to trudge through. Teacher inservice week(s) was perhaps the longest experience of my life. I got to go to new teacher training for three days and then do in-service. That's long off the list of things to do, but it wasn't exactly a blast. Now for the things that remain… I need 50 hours of professional development THIS YEAR because of my alternative certification program (regular teachers need 25 or 75 in three years). I also get three in class visitors that review...

You are a poem that breathes Words living in lungs that heave Hot breath across your lips The bows of which comprise a sonnet Your tongue a crimson harp With never-ending verse upon it Your skin is alight with a fever Burning bright from the meter That dances along Every word and phrase  Composing the song that sings in your brown eyes You are a poem and I a paradox You a ballad and I blank verse It is only through you that I keep time In the rhythm of your heart There is hope I'll find my rhyme