Well, I have been silent since August. Not a lot going on in my world--just about done with my classes for the semester. For all those that even read my blog, I was very upset about the tide that education has taken in Texas.
There is however, hope for us yet. We are getting some support for a minimum tax increase. That means the school districts in Texas will get a little help.
And yes, folks I stand corrected. Charter schools do work. I took a class in the Mesquite Metroplex Center that renewed my faith in the system.
I didn't complete the class. That will be next semester. But I did get my eyes opened to how the other "half" live.
East Texas Schools should be very proud of the fact that their schools are not crowded like those of the Metroplex. Greenville has even had a major restructuring because of the TAKS business. I hope deep down in my heart that Pittsburg I. S. D. will have a similar thing happen to them.
Onward and upward folks!
2007-11-19
2007-08-19
Where have all the cowboys gone?
I have just been flipping through the newspaper here lately. I hear a whole lot about dress codes, accountiblity, and TAKs scores. I basically have gotten where I just shrug and turn the page.
I understand they are going to do away with TAKs. Whatever...All the state is going to do is replace it with something else. There is still a move toward accountibility. I read so in the Sulphur Springs News Telegram.
Who cares really? This damn tax-free weekend is another bunch of bullshit. I read the stuff you are allowed to buy and the things you aren't allowed to buy. They don't make anything worthwhile tax-free, like school supplies. Supposedly our local representative, Mark Homer, made a move to have other items included on the tax-free list. It was never even made a motion on the House floor. Who does Mark Homer think he is kidding?
Well, if you all have read the fine print, tax-free only counts on items under $100. Since when have a pair of sneakers cost under $75, at least decent running shoes that kids won't outgrow? And Wal-Mart in Mt. Pleasant, Texas only lets you buy up to $100 dollars. My kids' backpacks cost more than that.
And dress codes--my pastor is all for them. As if dress code is a distraction. In Sulphur Springs, if you fail to comply, you aren't sent home--you are given an orange jumpsuit to wear. You know what--I love orange suits...Sign me up!
Testing...discipline...You know what I call for? I think we ought to allow for state vouchers. I really do. Then the state legislature can find out how bad the charter schools, magnet programs, and home-schooling suck. Hell the private schools that they so desperately want the state to pay for suck too. Just look at the national average.
And it serves Texans right. They don't want to pay for their children's education. That's right folks. The school system is based on property tax. Compared to California, we have one of the lowest tax rates in the country. We don't even have a state income tax, and yet, people still complain about their taxes.
Well, folks, you get what you pay for. Next time you order from your favorite restaurant, just ask the high school dropout behind the counter to make out change in their heads. They can't do it half the time! They are usually so tired of dealing with sick kids, sick parents, or so fried on drugs that they can't even remember how to spell "French fry."
Texas can kiss my ass. After everything I went through my first year of teaching, I'll never teach in the public schools again. And don't think I'm alone in this feeling....
So where have all the cowboys gone?
I understand they are going to do away with TAKs. Whatever...All the state is going to do is replace it with something else. There is still a move toward accountibility. I read so in the Sulphur Springs News Telegram.
Who cares really? This damn tax-free weekend is another bunch of bullshit. I read the stuff you are allowed to buy and the things you aren't allowed to buy. They don't make anything worthwhile tax-free, like school supplies. Supposedly our local representative, Mark Homer, made a move to have other items included on the tax-free list. It was never even made a motion on the House floor. Who does Mark Homer think he is kidding?
Well, if you all have read the fine print, tax-free only counts on items under $100. Since when have a pair of sneakers cost under $75, at least decent running shoes that kids won't outgrow? And Wal-Mart in Mt. Pleasant, Texas only lets you buy up to $100 dollars. My kids' backpacks cost more than that.
And dress codes--my pastor is all for them. As if dress code is a distraction. In Sulphur Springs, if you fail to comply, you aren't sent home--you are given an orange jumpsuit to wear. You know what--I love orange suits...Sign me up!
Testing...discipline...You know what I call for? I think we ought to allow for state vouchers. I really do. Then the state legislature can find out how bad the charter schools, magnet programs, and home-schooling suck. Hell the private schools that they so desperately want the state to pay for suck too. Just look at the national average.
And it serves Texans right. They don't want to pay for their children's education. That's right folks. The school system is based on property tax. Compared to California, we have one of the lowest tax rates in the country. We don't even have a state income tax, and yet, people still complain about their taxes.
Well, folks, you get what you pay for. Next time you order from your favorite restaurant, just ask the high school dropout behind the counter to make out change in their heads. They can't do it half the time! They are usually so tired of dealing with sick kids, sick parents, or so fried on drugs that they can't even remember how to spell "French fry."
Texas can kiss my ass. After everything I went through my first year of teaching, I'll never teach in the public schools again. And don't think I'm alone in this feeling....
So where have all the cowboys gone?
2007-07-18
In memory of...
I decided to write a blog in memory of one of my students who died about two weeks ago. It was a heart-wrenching experience and I feel like a part of me is gone.
I didn't get to attend the funeral. I hadn't read the Mt. Pleasant newspaper in months, so I never heard about his passing.
I remember this student well. He was always laughing and full of joy. He giggled and would always make you smile, no matter what the situation.
I tried really hard to get this particular student to be more fully included in classes with his non-disabled peers. Many times people focused on what this sweet child couldn't do. I wanted to focus on what he could do.
I came from an aspect that tried to get those kids moved more into the mainstream. Mt. Pleasant I. S. D. is moving back into the stoneage, where students with special needs are seen and not heard.
There are two events that will be of interest to me in the coming months: One of them is Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October and the other is Autism Awareness Month in January. Consult any of your search engines or contact the ARC of the greater Northeast Texas area for more information.
I didn't get to attend the funeral. I hadn't read the Mt. Pleasant newspaper in months, so I never heard about his passing.
I remember this student well. He was always laughing and full of joy. He giggled and would always make you smile, no matter what the situation.
I tried really hard to get this particular student to be more fully included in classes with his non-disabled peers. Many times people focused on what this sweet child couldn't do. I wanted to focus on what he could do.
I came from an aspect that tried to get those kids moved more into the mainstream. Mt. Pleasant I. S. D. is moving back into the stoneage, where students with special needs are seen and not heard.
There are two events that will be of interest to me in the coming months: One of them is Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October and the other is Autism Awareness Month in January. Consult any of your search engines or contact the ARC of the greater Northeast Texas area for more information.
2007-07-06
Books! Lulu's lists....
What are you reading?
Here is my current (07/05/07) booklist:
Ada, A. F. 2003 A Magical Encounter: Latino Children's Literature in the Classroom. CLL
American Psychiatric Association 2000 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders:
Text Revised LD
Berk, L. E. 2004 Development through the Lifespan Third Edition ECE
Evanovich, J. 2005 Eleven on Top ZZZ
Ford, A., Schnorr, R., Meyer, L., Davern, A., Black, J., & Dempsey, P. 1989 The Syracuse Community-Referenced Curriculum Guide for Students with Moderate and Severe Disabilities. SPED
Hillerman, T. 2006 The Shape Shifter ZZZ
L’Engle, M. 1962 A Wrinkle in Time D
Lewis, J. 1995 The Dream Encyclopedia D
Nieto, S. 2004 Affirming Diversity: The Sociopolitical context of Multicultural Education Fourth Edition T
Oelwein, P. L. 1995 Topics in Down Syndrome: Teaching Reading to Children with Down Syndrome-A Guide for Parents and Teachers SPED
Pavlak, S. 1985 Classroom Activities For Correcting Specific Reading Problems LL
Pereguoy, S. F., and Boyle, O. F. 2005 Reading, Writing and Learning in ESL, 4th Edition. Boston, LP
Reutzel, D. R. & Cooter, R. B. 2004 Teaching Children to Read: Putting the Pieces Together Fourth Edition LL
Texas Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance 2005 Adapted Physical Education Manual of Best Practices: Administrative Guidelines and Policies SPED
Warren, R. 2002 The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For? D
? 2007 Sigmund Freud; Carl Gustof Jung; http://www.iep.utm.edu/http://www.iep.utm.edu/
LD
a Key:
cl = Child Language Studies & Research
cll = content literacy learning
d = devotional
ece = Early Childhood Education
ld = leadership development
lp = language and pedagogy
ll = literacy and learning
sped = special education
t=teaching
zzz = easy reading go to sleep
Here is my current (07/05/07) booklist:
Ada, A. F. 2003 A Magical Encounter: Latino Children's Literature in the Classroom. CLL
American Psychiatric Association 2000 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders:
Text Revised LD
Berk, L. E. 2004 Development through the Lifespan Third Edition ECE
Evanovich, J. 2005 Eleven on Top ZZZ
Ford, A., Schnorr, R., Meyer, L., Davern, A., Black, J., & Dempsey, P. 1989 The Syracuse Community-Referenced Curriculum Guide for Students with Moderate and Severe Disabilities. SPED
Hillerman, T. 2006 The Shape Shifter ZZZ
L’Engle, M. 1962 A Wrinkle in Time D
Lewis, J. 1995 The Dream Encyclopedia D
Nieto, S. 2004 Affirming Diversity: The Sociopolitical context of Multicultural Education Fourth Edition T
Oelwein, P. L. 1995 Topics in Down Syndrome: Teaching Reading to Children with Down Syndrome-A Guide for Parents and Teachers SPED
Pavlak, S. 1985 Classroom Activities For Correcting Specific Reading Problems LL
Pereguoy, S. F., and Boyle, O. F. 2005 Reading, Writing and Learning in ESL, 4th Edition. Boston, LP
Reutzel, D. R. & Cooter, R. B. 2004 Teaching Children to Read: Putting the Pieces Together Fourth Edition LL
Texas Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance 2005 Adapted Physical Education Manual of Best Practices: Administrative Guidelines and Policies SPED
Warren, R. 2002 The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For? D
? 2007 Sigmund Freud; Carl Gustof Jung; http://www.iep.utm.edu/http://www.iep.utm.edu/
LD
a Key:
cl = Child Language Studies & Research
cll = content literacy learning
d = devotional
ece = Early Childhood Education
ld = leadership development
lp = language and pedagogy
ll = literacy and learning
sped = special education
t=teaching
zzz = easy reading go to sleep
2007-07-05
Published Poem--Immortal Verses--poetry.com--Go vote for it please!
Arron…growing up
Like a beanstalk
Much like the myth
You have the beauty of
A mermaid
Aquamarine
Beyond a princess
Or a bratz doll
Those beautiful eyes will observe the world when She falls
And you will see me grown old
Your hand will one day wipe sweat from
My brow
And drop water on my chapped lips
And will soothe the furrow in my face
And will one day remember better days
When my mind was clear
Like a forbidden lake
And you watch the light in my
Green eyes
Go out
What will you think? I was wild when you were
Growing up
Like a wild stallion that
Couldn’t be bridled or tames
Like trying to capture a typhoon in
A bottle
You will watch me become meek
And old and watch my hair go from
Black as jet to
White
And watch my eyesight fade…as my glasses get a little thicker and
My body
Gets a little weaker
Please have mercy on me for not
Remembering every birthday…and not loving your Momma like I was supposed to
When my candle goes out say a prayer for me
And scoop the earth over my face
And weep in happiness and in celebration of my life…not my parting
Like a beanstalk
Much like the myth
You have the beauty of
A mermaid
Aquamarine
Beyond a princess
Or a bratz doll
Those beautiful eyes will observe the world when She falls
And you will see me grown old
Your hand will one day wipe sweat from
My brow
And drop water on my chapped lips
And will soothe the furrow in my face
And will one day remember better days
When my mind was clear
Like a forbidden lake
And you watch the light in my
Green eyes
Go out
What will you think? I was wild when you were
Growing up
Like a wild stallion that
Couldn’t be bridled or tames
Like trying to capture a typhoon in
A bottle
You will watch me become meek
And old and watch my hair go from
Black as jet to
White
And watch my eyesight fade…as my glasses get a little thicker and
My body
Gets a little weaker
Please have mercy on me for not
Remembering every birthday…and not loving your Momma like I was supposed to
When my candle goes out say a prayer for me
And scoop the earth over my face
And weep in happiness and in celebration of my life…not my parting
My Resume
LAURA KAY HUME
1039 CR NW 1080
SULPHUR BLUFF, TEXAS 75481
(903)632-0072 OR (903)632-1720
dd68@hotmail.com, lhume@leo.tamu-commerce.edu
Skills
Have extensive background in abnormal psychology
Can speak some Spanish
Have computer experience as well as record keeping
Good with children of any age
Qualifications
Discipline style is firm but fair
Enjoy challenging situations
Can work as a team player, but especially behind the scenes
Effective as an advocate for students and parents
Work Experience
2006-2007 Sulphur Springs Independent School District
Position: Substitute Teaching
Description: Worked in a variety of classroom situations, including behavior and special education
2005-2006 Pittsburg Independent School District
Position: Life Skills Teacher/Homebound Teacher
Description: Taught and supervised children with low incidence disabilities, adjusting instruction to meet each child’s individual needs, designed Local District Alternative Assessments (LDAA) for students who were required to be tested in reading, math, and writing activities, created lesson plans geared according to each student’s Individualized Education Programs (IEP), designed behavior programs for students with low incidence disabilities, Performed routine record keeping of both student progress and SHARS (School and Health Related Services) related activities, directed activities of the in-class aid and/ or nurses, provided assistive technology services, and adapted physical education instruction ; as homebound teacher, made sure students who were unable to attend school completed in-school assignments as well as adjusting instruction to meet each child’s individual needs
2003-2004; Spring of 2005 Mount Pleasant Independent School District
Position: Long-term substitute, student teacher
Description: Performed instruction in the absence of
Regular instructor or assistant; became familiar with
Behavior and discipline policies of larger school
District; came to campuses prepared for any and all
Instructional situations; Student taught in Life Skills
Classroom in functional academics, content mastery,
Severe and profound
2002-2003 At Home Healthcare
Position: Provider
Description: Performed personal care tasks for elderly and people with disabilities, included cleaning, laundry, meal preparation and assistance with personal care, also provided personal companionship
2001-2002 Hospitality House
Position: PRN/Mental health technician
Description: Worked in many capacities in the facility, including nurse’s assisting (mental health technician), teaching and social services (rehabilitation technician); had experience with a behavior program; assisted clients with activities of daily living (ADLs), wrote some personal care plans and did routine record keeping
2001-2002 Citadel Security
Position: Non-commissioned Security Officer
Description: Monitored the gate of the Winfield South Mine (TXU), greeted visitors at front gate, kept watch for fires and accidents, monitored rainfall and number of trains going and leaving the facility; also measure temperature with a thermometer
1995-1996 Northeast Texas Community College newspaper The Eagle
Position: Student reporter
Description: Reported and wrote news and feature
Stories concerning college and surrounding community;
Took photographs; did proofreading and paste-up
Volunteer Experience
Safe-T Crisis Center- Battered Women’s Shelter and Sexual Assault Program
Cypress Basin Hospice
Fairview Cemetery Association
I AM SPECIAL Too,-organization for students with special needs
Licenses, Certifications
State Board of Educator Certification
Generalist (EC-4) Expires (09/10/2010)
Special Education (EC-12) Expires (09/10/2010)
Texas Commission on Private Security
Licensed Non-commissioned Security Officer 2001-2004
Professional Development
Attended training on PDAS evaluation system at Region 8
Attended T. R. I. P. I Academy for teachers of students with low-incidence disabilities
Received training on adapted physical education
Received training on Autism
Sat on Student Intervention Team at Pittsburg Primary for students at-risk of being referred for special education because of academic failure, low performance or behavior
Collaborated on a study with a teacher from Greenville Independent School District on therapy animals and their use with children; Tentatively scheduled for publication
Education
Texas A & M University-Commerce
Master’s of Science
Major: Reading Minor: split minor in English as a Second Language and Psychology
Scheduled graduation date: May 2010
Texas A & M University-Commerce
Master’s of Education
Major: Elementary Education Minor: Special Education
Scheduled graduation date: May 2008
Texas A & M University-Commerce
Bachelor’s of Science in Criminal Justice
Major: Criminal Justice
Graduated: May 2001
Texas A & M University-Commerce
Bachelor’s of Science
Major: Psychology Minor: Sociology
Graduated: May 1998
Northeast Texas Community College
Associate of Science
Major: Social Work Minor: Applied Psychology
Graduated May 1996
Sulphur Bluff Independent School District
High School Diploma
Graduated: May 1995
Future Plans
To teach Discipline Classroom
To design a good discipline program per the campus administration
To teach at least five years in a public school
To become certified in all-level ESL
To become certified in 4-8 English Language Arts and Reading
To become an all-level Reading Specialist
To obtain doctorate in Higher Education with a minor in criminology and educational psychology
To open a not-for-profit ministry mentoring program for youth at-risk both academically and personally in my community
References
Available on request
1039 CR NW 1080
SULPHUR BLUFF, TEXAS 75481
(903)632-0072 OR (903)632-1720
dd68@hotmail.com, lhume@leo.tamu-commerce.edu
Skills
Have extensive background in abnormal psychology
Can speak some Spanish
Have computer experience as well as record keeping
Good with children of any age
Qualifications
Discipline style is firm but fair
Enjoy challenging situations
Can work as a team player, but especially behind the scenes
Effective as an advocate for students and parents
Work Experience
2006-2007 Sulphur Springs Independent School District
Position: Substitute Teaching
Description: Worked in a variety of classroom situations, including behavior and special education
2005-2006 Pittsburg Independent School District
Position: Life Skills Teacher/Homebound Teacher
Description: Taught and supervised children with low incidence disabilities, adjusting instruction to meet each child’s individual needs, designed Local District Alternative Assessments (LDAA) for students who were required to be tested in reading, math, and writing activities, created lesson plans geared according to each student’s Individualized Education Programs (IEP), designed behavior programs for students with low incidence disabilities, Performed routine record keeping of both student progress and SHARS (School and Health Related Services) related activities, directed activities of the in-class aid and/ or nurses, provided assistive technology services, and adapted physical education instruction ; as homebound teacher, made sure students who were unable to attend school completed in-school assignments as well as adjusting instruction to meet each child’s individual needs
2003-2004; Spring of 2005 Mount Pleasant Independent School District
Position: Long-term substitute, student teacher
Description: Performed instruction in the absence of
Regular instructor or assistant; became familiar with
Behavior and discipline policies of larger school
District; came to campuses prepared for any and all
Instructional situations; Student taught in Life Skills
Classroom in functional academics, content mastery,
Severe and profound
2002-2003 At Home Healthcare
Position: Provider
Description: Performed personal care tasks for elderly and people with disabilities, included cleaning, laundry, meal preparation and assistance with personal care, also provided personal companionship
2001-2002 Hospitality House
Position: PRN/Mental health technician
Description: Worked in many capacities in the facility, including nurse’s assisting (mental health technician), teaching and social services (rehabilitation technician); had experience with a behavior program; assisted clients with activities of daily living (ADLs), wrote some personal care plans and did routine record keeping
2001-2002 Citadel Security
Position: Non-commissioned Security Officer
Description: Monitored the gate of the Winfield South Mine (TXU), greeted visitors at front gate, kept watch for fires and accidents, monitored rainfall and number of trains going and leaving the facility; also measure temperature with a thermometer
1995-1996 Northeast Texas Community College newspaper The Eagle
Position: Student reporter
Description: Reported and wrote news and feature
Stories concerning college and surrounding community;
Took photographs; did proofreading and paste-up
Volunteer Experience
Safe-T Crisis Center- Battered Women’s Shelter and Sexual Assault Program
Cypress Basin Hospice
Fairview Cemetery Association
I AM SPECIAL Too,-organization for students with special needs
Licenses, Certifications
State Board of Educator Certification
Generalist (EC-4) Expires (09/10/2010)
Special Education (EC-12) Expires (09/10/2010)
Texas Commission on Private Security
Licensed Non-commissioned Security Officer 2001-2004
Professional Development
Attended training on PDAS evaluation system at Region 8
Attended T. R. I. P. I Academy for teachers of students with low-incidence disabilities
Received training on adapted physical education
Received training on Autism
Sat on Student Intervention Team at Pittsburg Primary for students at-risk of being referred for special education because of academic failure, low performance or behavior
Collaborated on a study with a teacher from Greenville Independent School District on therapy animals and their use with children; Tentatively scheduled for publication
Education
Texas A & M University-Commerce
Master’s of Science
Major: Reading Minor: split minor in English as a Second Language and Psychology
Scheduled graduation date: May 2010
Texas A & M University-Commerce
Master’s of Education
Major: Elementary Education Minor: Special Education
Scheduled graduation date: May 2008
Texas A & M University-Commerce
Bachelor’s of Science in Criminal Justice
Major: Criminal Justice
Graduated: May 2001
Texas A & M University-Commerce
Bachelor’s of Science
Major: Psychology Minor: Sociology
Graduated: May 1998
Northeast Texas Community College
Associate of Science
Major: Social Work Minor: Applied Psychology
Graduated May 1996
Sulphur Bluff Independent School District
High School Diploma
Graduated: May 1995
Future Plans
To teach Discipline Classroom
To design a good discipline program per the campus administration
To teach at least five years in a public school
To become certified in all-level ESL
To become certified in 4-8 English Language Arts and Reading
To become an all-level Reading Specialist
To obtain doctorate in Higher Education with a minor in criminology and educational psychology
To open a not-for-profit ministry mentoring program for youth at-risk both academically and personally in my community
References
Available on request
Educated people
Every once in a while, you will come across people who are interesting...and you will come across people that march to the beat of a different drummer.
I had two instructors this semester I really admire...Dr. Laura "Chris" Green and Dr. Steve Ball. Dr. Green teaches bilingual/ESL education courses. Dr. Ball, also a practicing therapist, teaches psychology.
Then you meet these individuals that really inspire you. Dr. Josh Thompson is one of those in my case....I can't believe he was once a kindergarten teacher. How many dudes can say have ever been a member of the "pink collar" workforce. But he really inspires me--his sensitivity, his warmth, and his creativity, not to mention the fact that he is open-minded....For those of you who would like to know more....here is his faculty webpage....
http://www.faculty.tamu-commerce.edu/jthompson....
You have got to wonder if this guy is a little off his rocker...But he is one of the coolest individuals I know....check out his website!
I had two instructors this semester I really admire...Dr. Laura "Chris" Green and Dr. Steve Ball. Dr. Green teaches bilingual/ESL education courses. Dr. Ball, also a practicing therapist, teaches psychology.
Then you meet these individuals that really inspire you. Dr. Josh Thompson is one of those in my case....I can't believe he was once a kindergarten teacher. How many dudes can say have ever been a member of the "pink collar" workforce. But he really inspires me--his sensitivity, his warmth, and his creativity, not to mention the fact that he is open-minded....For those of you who would like to know more....here is his faculty webpage....
http://www.faculty.tamu-commerce.edu/jthompson....
You have got to wonder if this guy is a little off his rocker...But he is one of the coolest individuals I know....check out his website!
Since this will be my next post....
Well sport's fans, I am finished with the semester. School is out for four days and I am relieved. I am little perplexed at the way that God has led me.
I have little confidence. Pittsburg I. S. D. demolished what little confidence I had in myself as an educator. I'm now back in school, after an extended illness, and I am also enrolled in a dual master's program.
Very complicated, these programs of mine. My first master's degree is in elementary education with a minor in special education. I chose this route because most schools, except in Northeast Texas (namely Mt. Pleasant, Sulphur Springs, Pittsburg, and Mt. Vernon) are going to full inclusion, and I am tired of dealing with small children. I would like to teach junior high kids, maybe high school.
I am also pursuing a degree in reading, with specialization in English as a Second Language, and a minor in psychology. Why such a convoluted degree, you ask? I am planning again on content above elementary school. Reading is an all-level subject in the State of Texas, and I don't want to teach elementary school anymore. I love elementary education, but I am tired of changing diapers, teaching someone how to brush their teeth, and how to go to the bathroom.
Plus, I am tired of administrators that take a dump on my face. They think because I am only 30 that I know absolutely nothing about education. Hell, I have PDD NOS, for Christ's sake! I know what I am doing.
You are probably reading this thinking...Why does she bother? Let me tell you something people...things have got to change. Let's face it: Not everyone is going to college. And the kids I taught will be lucky if they ever can live independently. Let's be real!
I think we need to prepare kids for a vocation. And if parents want to have their kids included, that's ok. That's their choice. We just need to give parents real options-not vouchers.
Until next time....
I have little confidence. Pittsburg I. S. D. demolished what little confidence I had in myself as an educator. I'm now back in school, after an extended illness, and I am also enrolled in a dual master's program.
Very complicated, these programs of mine. My first master's degree is in elementary education with a minor in special education. I chose this route because most schools, except in Northeast Texas (namely Mt. Pleasant, Sulphur Springs, Pittsburg, and Mt. Vernon) are going to full inclusion, and I am tired of dealing with small children. I would like to teach junior high kids, maybe high school.
I am also pursuing a degree in reading, with specialization in English as a Second Language, and a minor in psychology. Why such a convoluted degree, you ask? I am planning again on content above elementary school. Reading is an all-level subject in the State of Texas, and I don't want to teach elementary school anymore. I love elementary education, but I am tired of changing diapers, teaching someone how to brush their teeth, and how to go to the bathroom.
Plus, I am tired of administrators that take a dump on my face. They think because I am only 30 that I know absolutely nothing about education. Hell, I have PDD NOS, for Christ's sake! I know what I am doing.
You are probably reading this thinking...Why does she bother? Let me tell you something people...things have got to change. Let's face it: Not everyone is going to college. And the kids I taught will be lucky if they ever can live independently. Let's be real!
I think we need to prepare kids for a vocation. And if parents want to have their kids included, that's ok. That's their choice. We just need to give parents real options-not vouchers.
Until next time....
Where in the world do the highly qualified people go?
The buzz words now in education are "left behind", "tougher standards", "accountiblity", and "higly qualified"?
This is my question to you:
Where is the highly qualified president? We haven't had a decent one in about forty years. People born past 1957 seemed to be stuck in stupidity, while the people between the ages of 62 and 53 are "herding" into a kind "sheep" mentality. You guys are running the country for the very first time, and you are whining that you are too old. And you wonder why people don't want to hire you...
People like me, who are living out their second childhoods by returning to school, know that is is time for change. We are getting close to the age to run for president. Wake up 'Boomers'--the gen "X"-ers are taking over....
This is my question to you:
Where is the highly qualified president? We haven't had a decent one in about forty years. People born past 1957 seemed to be stuck in stupidity, while the people between the ages of 62 and 53 are "herding" into a kind "sheep" mentality. You guys are running the country for the very first time, and you are whining that you are too old. And you wonder why people don't want to hire you...
People like me, who are living out their second childhoods by returning to school, know that is is time for change. We are getting close to the age to run for president. Wake up 'Boomers'--the gen "X"-ers are taking over....
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