What is education...

New School.....New Rules

2008-09-13T18:07:00.002-04:00

Well, I completed my first week at my new school of employment last Monday.

So......I teach in Washington, DC. But, before the reader makes the sighs and OMG's, I need to state for the record that this is the first time in the 16 years I have been an educator that I am feel truly home.

My students genuinely want to learn. At least that is the impression I am left with each and every day. It is refreshing to know that despite the statistics and naysayers of our inner city youth, I have encountered a population of Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors who not just "going" through the motions.

For me it is imperative to note that I strongly believe in "The Secret," and since I infused the Universe with the desire and determination to have an experience as an educator that would be far different than those I have had for the past 16 years; well, naturally I should get that which I seek.

I am BattleStar Galactica

2008-05-14T21:44:00.003-04:00

Which Battlestar Galactica Cylon Are You?

More on Battlestar Galactica. Created by BuddyTV

I LOVE my Birthday....I Love ME!!!

2007-12-26T03:11:00.002-05:00

My Birthdate: December 21
Your Birthdate: December 21

You're a restless rebel with an unpredictable nature.

Bright but unbridled, you tend to seek out wild experiences over new ideas.

People are frustrated by your great potential, but you love your unconventional life.

You're a heartbreaker. People get attached to you, and then you're gone.

Your strength: Your thirst for adventure

Your weakness: Not taking time for slow pleasures

Your power color: Hot pink

Your power symbol: Figure eight

Your power month: March

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

Put UP or SHUT UP!!!!

2006-01-29T09:56:00.000-05:00

This week I realized that there are people on this planet who care for nothing more than their own petty dramas. Not issues mind you, but dramas. At work, a colleague who CONSTANTLY complains about the situations at work was given an opportunity to vent and voice her concerns. Rather than take the opportunity, she back peddled and sat in the room absolutely retracting all of the complaints that she has made over the past 4 months. Let's keep in mind that she has been with the organization for more than 3 years, so she knows how things work. But when a co-worker comes along (read me) and voices some of these concerns during many of our staff meetings, it would only make sense for her to voice some of these issues as well. I mean if a few of your co-workers have the SAME issues, let’s ALL get together and have management address them as a WHOLE; at least that is what I thought.

Well, now it seems she was put-off by my proactive decision, and I am totally flummoxed [my new word for '06]. The manager was very receptive to the concerns I voiced and even requested suggestions to improve the current status. "Ms. Complain-to-Complain" only sat there and mumbled about it wasn’t that bad, or “we just didn’t know.” Totally contrary to what she has been griping, bitching, and moaning about since I have been in the building.

Now, I am seen as some kind of pariah because…let’s see:

I voiced my concerns to a person who could actually initiate some change.
I did NOT sit around having the AFTER meeting after the meeting bitching and griping about the mess at work.
I was proactive enough to voice my colleagues issues as mine.

Well, now I see many of them; especially "Ms. Complain-to-Complain," live to bitch but accept things as they are. I am SOOOOO glad these people were NOT in any civil rights movement from which I benefit.

Well, in the immortal words of Audre Lorde:

I've come to believe.....over and over again, what is most important to me must be spoken, made verbal and shared even at risk of having it bruised or misunderstood. The speaking itself profits me beyond any other effect. The weight of our silence will choke us. So, I speak...as an attempt to break that silence and bridge some of those differences between us...for it is not difference which immobilizes us, but silence. And there are so many silences to be broken.

2005-05-22T05:53:00.000-04:00

a title of a book....

how long?

2005-05-22T05:23:00.001-04:00

this is a thought in progress...

I was reading the NY TIMES today, and it is so amazing the number of articles that discuss the miracles and triumphs that "inner-city" students (read Black, African-American, Latino, take your pick) manage despite their surroundings and conditioning.

Is it me or do these writers pre-suppose that to be of colour means that one is born with a genetic predisposition for a "hard knock life?" What is becoming clearer to me, as I grow wiser with age, is the fact that desegragation did not address the real issues of this country; ECONOMICS. With all of the new (old) forms of racism (environmental, financial, et. al.) being adopted, thanks to the right-wing occupation, many people of colour seem to accept the way things are without much complaint. And, when there is a complaint it seems to be just empty, hot air.

I thrive on being the kind of instructor who teaches the WHOLE student. I believe that what is missing from 21st century educational institutions is a building up the idea of self-reliance and interdependence. What happens in today's public school, and even proprietary school rooms is this concept of "entitlement without self-responsibility." Historically, oppressed or disenfranchised peoples existed in the throw-away areas of society. So, these articles don't report anything new, the fact there are "havens" or places that produce successful, healthy individuals is the testament to the human spirit and the desire to want more than what is expected. This is self-responsibility.

These are the success stories of the oppressed and disenfranchised, to overcome inspite of...

I guess for me it is realizing the more things change...the more they stay the same. Thus, how long are we going to continue to accept 2nd, 3rd, sub-class citizenship?

how long?

which r u?

2005-05-17T01:39:00.000-04:00

I am growing painfully aware that there are 3 types of people (read "learners") in the U.S.: those who will be managers...those who will be managed...and those who want to be left alone by managers.

I am one of those who wants to be LEFT ALONE. I think I would make a bad manager at times, because I hate to see incompetent people employed for long periods of time. SO, if I discovered I had an incompetent working for me...I would get rid of them on-the-spot. But, then that would be grounds for a possible lawsuit, right?

Educator on education

2005-01-27T04:53:00.000-05:00

As an educator, I am often baffled and bewildered by students who feel as though they are owed all of the work of instructors; meaning the instructor should do all of the work, while the student merely sits and absorbs information and knowledge.

As if one could learn by osmosis!

I currently teach adults. And, the funny thing is the adults are no better than the young people I instructed when I was a public school math instructor. Since, they are "customers," they are under the delusion that they are owed something.

Well, in the course I teach, the only thing I will ever owe a student......is a thorough and RIGOROUS educational experience. Like exercise, I believe no pain...No gain!!! Learning is NOT a spectator-sport. Students have to put in the time and the effort. Otherwise, the only thing they will get out of it is wasted time and more WASTED TIME!!!

Learning is I-N-T-E-R-A-C-T-I-V-E!!!!!