Today was the second day of the ECET2MN conference, which was held at the Open World Learning (OWL) school in St. Paul. I love visiting different schools - it's like being invited into someone else's house, in a way. I imagine what it must be like there with tons of kids buzzing around the hallways. … Continue reading March 10: Trauma and Hope
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March 9: Feeling Lost. And Chickens.
Today, Annika shared a picture of her chicken alter-ego. It's a blue chicken with an iron beak that can eat anything and his name is Hozay. It's pronounced Jose, but it's spelled Hozay. When she plays farm at recess with her friends, she becomes Hozay, a legendary chicken. This delights me. It was good to … Continue reading March 9: Feeling Lost. And Chickens.
March 8: MN Legislature Forwards Terrible Legislation
Ok, Minnesota State Legislators: What is going on with SF 2487? It requires schools to adopt a "written academic balance policy" that must "prohibit school employees, in their official capacity, from requiring students or other school employees to express specified social or political viewpoints for the purposes of academic credit, extracurricular participation, or as a … Continue reading March 8: MN Legislature Forwards Terrible Legislation
February 20: Flu and Panic Attacks
The flu has arrived in my household. I feel terrible for Anders and terrified for myself, which is really selfish, but also really appropriate, considering the end of the trimester is next Thursday and I have so many things I have to do before then. I also feel worried for anyone else who we come … Continue reading February 20: Flu and Panic Attacks
February 17: Ready for Action
I spent the day with Annika at her basketball tournament today. This was her first year playing, but she was on a team with a lot of super-talented kids who have obviously been playing basketball for years already, so while she practiced hard, she didn't get much playing time in the tougher games today. She … Continue reading February 17: Ready for Action
February 15: Hopeless
I'm still angry. I didn't want to go to school today. I didn't sleep well last night. I've had a headache almost all day and all I want to do is cry. I still went: I have kids to work with and today I was observed, so I should have been on top of my … Continue reading February 15: Hopeless
February 14: Valentine’s Day Massacre
Warning: this gets sweary. As it should. I am so over the disingenuous arguments made by ammosexuals following a mass murder of CHILDREN. "It's a right... you're never going to get rid of them... we need them for protection... blah blah blah" Seriously go fuck yourselves. I'm pissed. I went and I did what everyone … Continue reading February 14: Valentine’s Day Massacre
Tuesday, February 13: Grading and Love
Today, Dak (my husband) offered to take care of the few things going on at home so I could stay at school and grade essays. In terms of how quickly other teachers get things back, I am not especially behind, but since I have four classes with essays coming in every few weeks, I need … Continue reading Tuesday, February 13: Grading and Love
January 12: Teaching with ADHD
I share my ADHD with the world. I am super-open about it; I'll answer any questions as long as I know the answer. It's a major part of my life story and it effects everything, but no one can see it. Invisible issues, like ADHD, ASD (sometimes), depression, anxiety, and other mental health or brain-based … Continue reading January 12: Teaching with ADHD
February 11: Strike?
My daughter is laying next to me asking questions about the potential teacher strike in St. Paul. "So why are they going to maybe go on strike?" "There are lots of reasons honey. The teachers want to make sure that you and all the other students have an opportunity to get the education you need. … Continue reading February 11: Strike?
Adventures in Distraction 