Teacher Observations

February 6, 2019 1. A/C Update: The fan is busted. It is from 1995. I was in kindergarten. The district is trying to find the company and manufacturer to replace parts. They are currently diverting air from the other fan to our hallway. If that doesn't work we will be out of our classrooms for a week. 1a. The first time I'm glad my room has no windows. Luckily it will be cooler then freezing for the rest of the week. I hope it doesn't affect the heat...although I do enjoy a  good room temperature building instead of HELL degrees. 2. Two fights in the morning. One at breakfast. The other in 1st period. Who wakes up wanting to fight? 2a. I was luckily not a witness to either of these altercations. I would have kept on brand and not broken it up. Just screamed for help. 2b. It was boys fighting and it is easier to get them to stop than girls...I probably still wouldn't but it's the thought that counts right? 3. I love my nerd class. They let me play Blue ...

1. Ya'll the A/C is out in my entire hallway. Texas is not experiencing the polar vertex and it is particularly balmy. Pray that we all make it during this trying time. 1a. I always tell the kids to tell their parents about these issues so they can complain. Do they? NOPE! But as soon as they take something out of context here comes mom with with all the emails and phone calls. 1b. Hell, I should get my mama to call! 2. My students have an odd issue with attention and personal space. When I was in school I left my teachers alone. Beyond the general curiosity, gossip and the fact that people lived next to my teachers, had siblings that could tell you stories AND we would go as groups to our teachers houses....anywho...I really didn't care enough but these kids? Parents love on your children! 2a. They have to say hi, every time you see them. If you tell them to leave you alone, the more they try to get in your space. 2b. You tell them not to touch you. They try to hug...

1. First of all...Happy Black History Month! 2. So a follow-up from my special guest visit was a handwritten note from the Superintendents Office. Personalized. Which is kinda cool and nice to be acknowledged in that manner. 3.No matter where you are there will come a day where...all the teachers take a day off and it is sub-city and all hell breaks loose. Today was one such day... 3a. I also had a sub...but I was on campus doing school business and baby...it was stupid. 4. Girl drama is the worst...still not messier than boys...but they will instigate the shit out of something! Screenshots, showing other people, confronting each other all the while pulling others into it, NOBODY having any self-esteem to MIND THEIR OWN BUSINESS rather than get pumped up by the hype women who would never fight a day in their lives.... 4a. Boys instigate just as much... 4b. Ok so fine no abstinence only but can we at least do some sexual harassment lessons. 4c. What kids do in middle sch...

Today was...a wild one... 1. Kids were caught vaping and a young drug dealer was almost apprehended. I swear they are like Carmen San Diego. You have them and then you don't. 2. The Superintendent came into my classroom during the last period...last 20 minutes. I had been forewarned about this but still... 2a. My kids were doing what they were supposed to...for the most part. 2b. Of course he spoke with the worst possible student...BUT THEY HELD IT DOWN THOUGH! 2c. He was pleased and that is really all that matters. 3. Education is real wasteful if you think about it. We never truly stay with any one thing long enough to get what we need from it. It's like 'oh you're not using it, so we're (THE MAN) is going to take it away." When really it takes time to incorporate a new system into your curriculum. I understand wanting results but make a pilot program before you get to throwing things away. 4. I strongly dislike when people send me emails abou...

1. I see all those snow days happening in the North while Texas just got a cold front. 1a. I don't think we need a weather day this early BUT I may very well need one at some point. Just one since that wouldn't require a make-up day. 1b. February should be the month for one... 2. Speaking of cold weather...why does maintenance do the absolute most with the thermostat? It's cold outside, they crank it up to hell on the inside. It's hot outside, they send you to Antarctica. Just give me a well ventilated 75 and I could make it. 2a. I have a work jacket that I change into like Mr. Rogers just to stay warm. 2b. Then I'm sweating during the winter wearing just a T-shirt... 3. There were visitors on campus today. I don't really get all paranoid about visitors like I did when I first started teaching and it was like you'll be fired if some strangers see some thing they don't like. Now I'm like you're going to get this authentic teaching and ...

1. Mondays are trash. So much so that I have figured out the plan to a four day work week that alternates between Mondays and Fridays off. Don't worry those days when teachers are "off" the kids can come in for extra duty pay and watch your kids do extracurriculars or study hall. This is just a fantasy, but the more I think education is done so wrong in K-12. 1a. "When you grow up you have to work five days, so schools should be five days a week." Completely negating college, community college or vocational training where your schedule is how you make it, totally disregarding a five day work week. 1b. Again fantasy but any education reform should consider these things. 2. The fact that I have the freedom to create my own pacing guide and moved the "easy" things to the second semester has made my life so much easier in regards to teaching and planning lessons. 2a. The fact that spring semester is a clusterfuck of shit however is not helping my z...

1. So the Friday this-is-the-weekend energy came and went today after 10 minutes in the building. It be like that sometimes. 2. Parents, y'all kids are telling on y'all at school again... Dry Snitchin' Children: Mrs. Washington, what is that alcoholic drink for breakfast? Me: Idk. I don't drink. DSC: Well my mama be drinkin' them every morning.... Me: Please stop.New topic. DSC: This one time I had Patro... Me: *staring in please don't say anything that requires me to anything other than teach* DSC: A Patronus. Harry Potter. Me: I love Harry Potter. Thank you for that. 3. A student had a crab leg in my class. ( from passing period) Smelled like a crab legs and musty boys. I was pissed. I had to let them know that although 'tis the season, cut the shit or else I would throw away the whole bag no matter how much it cost. 4. My students are doing their course selections and I am enjoying getting to impart knowledge of high school, college and thin...

1. Two weeks ago I was totally on the Spring Semester is waaayyyy better than Fall Semester train because it's basically like a countdown to summer...duh! This was after I had been a Fall Semester trooper for life. Now, I see I should stick to my guns because Spring Semester is t.rash! I've had three meetings that have overwhelmed and overworked me just by highlighting future events. Fall Semester is all about getting acclimated, fun sporting events, coloring, holidays, food, decorating and getting ready for Winter Break. Spring is testing, observations, getting things ready for testing, interventions, etc. Basically a bunch of stuff holding you hostage until Summer. Fall will forever be my favorite semester. I'm sorry I ever turned my back on you. 1a. Not to harp on things but OMG Spring is the worst. You hate all the kids, even the ones you like. The ones that hate you really extra hate you and the ones that like you cling to you like lint. A terrible time. 1b. Then, ...

My life has gotten back busy again and here I am...adding more to my plate. 1. So funny when a parent sends a message meant for their spouse about you, to you and it is a very negative comment. Then they have to retract and apologize. 1a. Even more funny when their child is bad as hell as they feel this is the gotcha moment. 2. Overheard conversations "My daddy in jail because...well he just gets so angry sometimes and then one time he got mad and hurt somebody. It's ok. He wrote me a letter and when he get out, he said I can stay with him." Child, what? Do you not care for your safety? *He might be a lovely man and learned from his mistake...but from the conversation this seemed more like a character trait than a one time mistake. 3. Houston is so big that your whole world can literally be the part of the city that you grew up. So it is very funny when a new kid comes from a distance in the greater Houston area and the kids are eating up every word they say. ...

So my wife did a thing. As an early Christmas present she gifted me with the domain for Teacher Observations so I was not limited to using my personal Facebook. ( I know that was a disaster waiting to happen lol, which is the reason for the switch) I have spent the past few weeks archiving my previous posts here and am finally complete! So everything will now be housed here. I have planned out some things and ideas for the direction of where I want to go and what I want to do. However, just like education... things are subject to change, so be flexible lol.  But welcome to the madhouse!

...clearly I've been busy lol 1. Everyone has reached break and nobody cares about anything educational anymore so short and sweet.. 2a. I got some dope gifts this year so I'm happy. Just three mugs this year! 2b. These kids are trash for cheating on finals (not my class), not bringing me tamales like I asked and bringing these trash ass cookies to the party. These are the nastiest cookies with this wannabe fondant icing.

1. The wisdom that comes with experience as a teacher is priceless. The Thanksgiving break made me realize that a potential burn out was coming and rather than trying to push through. I have relaxed and let the children be children, join in on the fun, give them "work days" and minimize my lessons so I can facilitate and come home relaxed.  2. I teach a majority of the "iss ue" kids because I just work well with them so I often get kids that are suffering from some emotional disturbances/mental health issues. It is always disheartening how parents push for their child to be normal rather than getting them the help they need. I'm not a parent so I can't understand the helplessness you feel towards your child but pushing them to be in as stressful environment as school, especially middle school, when they are mentally not right is not beneficial to anyone. You can learn at any age but your mind has to be right. 3. I am all about kids transferring for the best ...

Important announcement...if you are or know anybody that is certified in ELAR, don't mind middle school punks, like to work and would like to contribute to my teacher observation fodder at my campus...come holla at your girl. If you are trash or know some trash...leave them where they are at. I don't want to have to talk about anybody. 1. I feel much better today...Mondays  are hard...coming back from breaks are hard. But I'm good now. 2. When a parent emails me and mentions behavior first....they already know the answer is their bad ass child...leave me alone. You sent them this way. They are moody and cantankerous because of puberty. I know you wish they were better, I do too...they just need time. I'm cool. 2a. However, this mutual understanding does NOT mean I will freely call you at anytime because first, I have a job and can't call 80 parents all damn day and no....I would rather us not talk so you can underhandedly blame me for some nonsense. 2b. No I don...

1. Whew Chilay...I can't stand coming back from break. Kids come back hooting and hollering and always asking.. "Mrs....did you miss us?!?!" Me: HELL TO THE NO! 1a. I always say that...but this time I meant it. I did not think about work, a lesson plan, planning ahead, not a child. I felt good about my kids having shelter, food and clothes so no worries about that. I only ca red about myself and that felt amazing! 2. Keeping with the theme why whY wHY WHY...were parents emailing me over the break?!?!?! Parents have hemed and hawed about us not assigning work over the break because they have to vacation and spend time with their families...yet here they are with this new found free time emailing me about this work these kids are doing wrong. Next year I will have my out of office reply ready! 3. I'm so tired and want to rest by myself that I can't even finish this today...but know that theses raggedy ungrateful kids asked me...an adult...to stay after an addition...

*I'm on vacation but that doesn't mean we can't have some fun! 1. Teacher pay sucks, let's be honest. We are underpaid severely however living in Houston compared to the cost of living my salary isn't TERRIBLE considering teachers in Austin are starting at like 46K and it is expensive as hell there. Also, I get taxed out the wazoo and the state keeps borrowing money from my p ension plan and I can't get social security no matter how much I paid....I still need a raise don't get it twisted...anyways... 1a. My district has this DUMB rule to make payday the 10th and 25th...everybody else is on an every other week thing or the 1st and 15th like normal but nah we always have to be different for the wrong reasons. The 10th never poses a problem....you know what does the 25th...because of the holidays that fall during that time. Thanksgiving and Christmas. That means I get paid early. Wow! A blessing....WRONG. 1b. I got paid on the 9th(because the 10th fell on a we...

1. This has been one hell of a time. So be prepared for this long summation... 2. *Deep Breath* In the past two weeks the following has occurred a. Teacher has a stroke at school...is in the hospital for two days and then back at work...Teachers are Super Heros don't tell me anything different b. Kid have been hospitalized for an emergency appendectomy, kidney stones (kid almost waited too late to say anything), and a student broke their leg by just walking (her story) and everybody has tendonitis in their knees...that Taki and Hot Cheeto diet is not good on the body. c. Kids are vaping B12...in school and in class...WHHHHHYYYY? d. Some girls threw another students clothes in the toilet during gym...again WHHHHYYY??? Let me clarify MULTIPLE toilets 3. A full on brawl occurred after school yesterday. High school and middle school kids fighting each. Should have been 3 people max involved but these suburban kids want a little bit of action and everybody starting jumping in and gettin...

Keeping it short and sweet....this is the word problem that gets me in an awkward situation every year. This question is good fodder because no one wants to pay for anybody at their wedding and the kids realizing it's they would have to pay for their wedding is a hilarious reality check. Anywho...I make it to the last class of the day...which is my "urban" class ( we know wha t that code word means 😉 ). Then I hear "you want me to ask her?" Aww hell...I know what's coming. * cue the young Cardi B meme* "Miss, are you married to a boy or a girl?" Anytime I tell this story everyone has an opinion about what I should do....write the student up. When that happens an administrator has to call the parent. Then maybe a meeting with these parents and when they see me..a gay...it may get real ugly from there. I'm not closeted at my school but I don't want things to be an issue when they don't have to be. Also, representation matters so it ...

1. I'm not sure why kids feel that we should have Halloween off...it's literally never been off as a holiday your entire educational career. So no need to start now.  2. Having a tornado warning immediately after dismissal was a blessing and a curse. Blessing I dismissed my kids and got them out of there! Curse...any kids left had to be shoved into a class to shelter in plac e. I directed kids to every room but mine...sounds like a team player to me. 3. If anybody wants to be a substitute so you too can write your own set of sub observations PLEASE let me know. If I have to cover or get materials for another class I'm going to scream! 4. I have amended this observation because it was personally mean rather than an observation so... the abridged version 4a. You can't be behind in your curriculum and suddenly ahead in your curriculum in a span of two weeks...by ahead I mean two weeks ahead. 4b. Using the curriculum from another district rather than the one I wrote and spe...

1. Man talk about a case of the Mondays...6 teachers out. Some teachers were out because a certain HBCU's homecoming was this weekend but that ain't none of my business. Rock star lifestyle might don't make it....to work on Monday 1a. Low on subs so we had to play that crazy coverage game. Lost a good, consistent sub this year too because of kids crying wolf because they  were being bad... 1b. These kids are wild on Mondays...easily the worst day of the week. 2. Minority parents....the school-to-prison pipeline is real! BUT when your child does something that warrants legal action i.e. weapons, drugs, assault that is not the "man" out to get them. Luckily most offenses are punished via probation so a student can grow out of a bad mistake. 3. I like being an ear for my students but when your student tells you how their parents are prominent drug lords, with long rap sheets, and multiple police chases and assaults, AND how their parents are running the prison......I...

1. I'm so glad, professionally, that October is almost over. This month is always a cluster fuck for a teacher.  2. Parent-Employees are CRAZY! They don't care about their jobs I'm convinced. Using company time to abuse other people...a mess! 3. Regular parents....I don't understand why they refuse to reprimand or assist their child. Your child is bad, they not that cute, t heir hair is uneven and they look dusty! I believe that children should be uplifted and supported HOWEVER if somebody tells them that they look dusty with uneven hair there comes a time when you need to let them figure it out.Kids are fearless at school because they know all they need to do is call up their parents and everybody gets in trouble but them. They are fearless but fragile and will be broken when Mama can't yell at anybody for them anymore. 3a. I think people don't understand that public school is FREE. Minimal federal and state funding and some property taxes mixed in. If I pulled...