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[Aug. 30th, 2007|06:23 am] |
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Million Dollar Baby is kind of heartbreaking, huh? |
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| quideetch |
[Oct. 12th, 2006|06:40 pm] |
overheard in the fourth grade
kid 1: "They call it quideetch in the movies..."
kid 2: "oh, that's because they're french" |
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[Feb. 7th, 2006|10:00 pm] |
Today, I was working with my first-grade class and they were using the writing prompt "I feel sad when..." in their journals. Expecting depression and dead pets, I was a tad miffed when I had the following conversation with a girl who normally gives me shit and is difficult to deal with. She definitely enjoys attention from me, which is not entirely odd from the students, but is kind of a pain for me. But, here's the conversation:
Me: Well, what makes you feel sad?
Her: I feel sad when my mommy drinks and is mad at me.
Me: ........So, do you want to write "I feel sad when my Mom is mad at me?"
Her: Yes
I talked with her for a few minutes about misplaced anger and her mother's tendencies, without using those terms, and just tried to hammer across the idea that although she feels unhappy about it, she has to keep in mind that it is not her fault that her mother gets mad at her, and her mother knows that and she should know that. It's really quite hard to deal with in person, and I'm not sure of how to deal with such a thing. I've taken classes on approaching the subject, but that's one thing that none of my child development classes at Evergreen prepared me for: how to deal with children who have genuine fucking problems that are not idealized, Pigaetten developmental problems.
I do, however, think that this re-affirmed my desire to be a teacher. I really do enjoy the kids, and enjoy this age group, although they can wear me out pretty quickly, they're quite fun and very nice. And, I think that I can be a very positive influence on the students, and at this early of an age, it is ideal to have someone positive to say about my affect on students. I'm still unsure about the idea of being a first-grade teacher though, as the stigma attached to a male in this society is quite odd. |
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[Jan. 18th, 2006|09:00 pm] |
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For someone who wants to teach SpEd, I really do get sad when I see people who can't take care of themselves. |
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[Jan. 8th, 2006|04:19 am] |
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i feel like an imposter. |
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[Oct. 30th, 2005|02:27 pm] |
I am terrified of teaching, which is an odd statement to make for someone who has nearly chosen it as a career. The idea that a year of twenty-five children's education will be my responsibility seems absolutely ludicrous. I can barely be held responsible for my own education, much less a large group of children. And, at this point, my education is largely unnecessary. By "unnecessary," I mean that an advanced degree is useless in our future post-apocalyptic world. However, for the current, to get a job that pays more than ten dollars per hour, it is required for me to get an advanced degree (considering that I have no other marketable skills.)
I have gotten to the point in my observations/pre-internship (effectively spending two days a week in a first grade class where I will eventually do my student teaching). I enjoy the class and the students very much, but am absolutely horrified at the idea of addressing the students as a whole group. I do very well with small groups, up to five or six, and the students all seem to like me. However, I can't imagine trying to guide a lesson with a large group and have it somehow be even remotely successful, without taking into consideration the fact that a few of my lessons must be videotaped and critiqued, a 40-year veteran teacher will be watching and possibly critiquing me, and some random guy who was appointed as my "field supervisor" will also be watching and taking many notes to talk with me about later on.
On a whole, I miss my undergraduate career. If this is adulthood, I'll take my post-adolescence back in a second. I miss being a useless substitute who worked with special ed kids, going to school with the intention of doing a Master's program. Actually being in a Master's program is ridiculous, a surprisingly high amount of work, and a lot of stress.
The worst part about graduate school is that everyone else postures. I have few to discuss my inadequacies and fears with, simply because there aren't as many honest people in the profession as I'd hoped. I enjoy most of the people in my program, but so many of them are terribly pretentious that I have no idea how to talk to them.
On the plus side, I've decided to start taking notes in a way that can be cataloged. Although it is much too late, it is good to have an idea of how to effectively take notes in order to maximize referencing. It involves having a table of contents at the front of a notebook, and to purchase quality notebooks. My frugality has, thus far, disabled me from spending more than ten cents on any given notebook, but if I jump into the 2-3 dollar range, I can get something that will hold up more effectively. |
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[Sep. 25th, 2005|02:31 pm] |
In an attempt to supplement my student loans with some actual income, I've been forced to join the hospitality industry. I was able to procure an enviable position within the Best Western corporation, specifically the Night Auditor position for two days each week. Those two days are Friday evening and Saturday evening, and the shift is from 11pm until 7am. This is the job I was pining after for much of my high school and community college careers, so I am happy that it finally worked out. One thing I didn't expect is exactly how much I hate people.
In my torrid employment background, I've never actually had to deal with money or with customers. Working within the school district, I dealt with students, and there was no money being directly paid. The tax system in this state is fantastic in that way. At my Father's shop, I mostly stomped garbage and did other assorted work. Working at Phone-a-Thon, I didn't really do anything, but when I did it was more alumni outreach and "fundraising," but it was optional and largely ridiculous, so in a different category of employment altogether.
This job, however, requires me to associate with the general public. I was hoping to not ever have to deal with them, but desperation for financial security has made it absolutely necessary. I can't work days, because I have student teaching two days a week, and class 9-4 three days a week. My life is occupied, and I needed a job that would allow me some time to read and collect my thoughts outside of my house. This appears to be it. I spent all of Friday night watching television. I spent last night reading Louis Sachar's There's a Boy in the Girl's Bathroom! and completing it for the first time in eight years or so.
On a whole, I'm unsure of myself right now. I am having severe second thoughts on the idea of teaching, and am absolutely not confidant in any measure about my abilities to give children the knowledge required to exist in society. I don't know what to do about it, though, as I've already pissed away six thousand dollars in tutition, and am nearly approaching the halfway mark to the program's completion. I want to finish my degree and use it, and hope that my feelings on the subject improve between now and next Fall.
On a more positive note, yesterday I purchased a pair of clearance pajamas. If anyone is interested, I am officially eligible and willing to participate in pajama parties. |
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| the history of dustin t frankenheimer |
[Aug. 3rd, 2005|08:14 pm] |
As I began going to junior high school, I began getting bad grades. Not terrible grades, not failing grades, but definitely not great grades. I maintained a 2.5-2.7gpa between Wy'East junior high and Clark College. I somehow convinced the Evergreen State College to allow me admission, and I lucked out that they don't have grades. I received great evaluations, but what does that really mean?
Today, as I begin my adventures in graduate school, I received my grades for summer semester, my first 500-level courses, and my first graduate school courses. They are:
Teaching in Inclusive Classrooms: A
Technology for Teachers: A
Educational Psychology: A-
ESL/Bilingual Education: A-
Social Context of Education: B-
Asides the B- (which I now realize I shot myself in the foot over, because the teacher gave me the option to revise assignments and I just read the e-mail wrong), I have fantastic grades. On a whole, between a 3.5 and a 3.6. Going to Graduate School is the easiest thing I've done since elementary school. It is all talking and papers. No weekly assignments, no busy work. It's fantastic, and I highly reccomend it to everyone. |
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[Jul. 13th, 2005|05:38 pm] |
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shopgirl definitely looks like the best movie trailer since garden state. hopefully this movie isn't a total disappointment too. |
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[Jun. 17th, 2005|11:41 am] |
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The technology teacher has asked me, for the next technology class, to move up to the more advanced class. What a shame, considering how much I've been enjoying reading craigslist and overheardinnyc. But, all good things come to an end. |
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[Jun. 15th, 2005|11:51 am] |
I got put into the slow technology class.
The teacher is distinguishing whether we need to right or left click. |
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[Jun. 9th, 2005|06:58 pm] |
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last night i broke my eight-year record of not vomiting. twice. |
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[Apr. 19th, 2005|06:25 pm] |
Define humor:
The WSU Graduate School of Education has to put in a special petition because of my [unusually] low GPA before I can register. Hilarious? Perhaps. Someone who didn't succeed in school pursuing a Master's degree in the field of education? eh? eh?
Oh well, I guess it seemed funnier in my head. Also, I sewed a nice laptop cozy (I also got a laptop) modelled directly after those offered at Urban Outfitters. Now I want a sewing machine, despite the lack of other projects that I can think of. I'm sure I could hang around the DIY livejournal communities, though. They're full of ideas.
Another DIY project: a badminton court at the future headquarters of BOC Manor Enterprises. |
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[Mar. 26th, 2005|09:39 am] |
How's this for lame:
I really enjoyed 'The Pacifier,' starring ethnically ambiguous superstar Vin Diesel. |
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[Mar. 19th, 2005|05:42 pm] |
In my hopes to finally become an adult since I graduated college, I've been trying to get into eating celery and carrots. It's, thus far, a big success. My other adult hobbies have yet to show up, though. Soon, I suppose.
Also, a fun fact I found out today: regardless of age, if you have a bachelor's degree, you are an independent student in the eyes of financial aid. |
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[Feb. 4th, 2005|05:22 pm] |
today i played monopoly with a boy who attempted to kidnap a 17 year old girl about three weeks ago.
and he couldn't manage his property for shit. |
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[Jan. 4th, 2005|10:01 pm] |
As I walked out of Safeway, the following conversation occurred.
Bum: Hey, do you have a cigarette I can borrow? (note the use of the phrase "borrow" for a cigarette, and the fact that I was not smoking as I walked out.)
Me: I don't, sorry.
Bum: Good lord, boy, what happened to your face? (note that I am of scottish origin, and my cheeks were very pink in the 30 degree weather, since I was wearing a dress shirt)
Me: My naturally pale skin shows it when I'm cold.
Bum: You should grow a beard! Without this number, (points to his beard) I would freeze in winter.
Me: I can't grow a beard, it comes in patchy.
Bum: Could I borrow fifty cents?
Me: I don't have any cash on me, sorry
Bum: .....
Me: Well, I have to get home, goodnight sir.
Bum: ....maybe I'll go to Portland. |
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[Dec. 19th, 2004|12:20 pm] |
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in lieu of my semi-regular, one-line updates, today i'll post a picture of my grandfather.
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[Dec. 11th, 2004|10:26 am] |
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how could one show (The Office) be this funny? |
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[Nov. 12th, 2004|07:55 pm] |
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for my money, built to spill is the best rock band currently around. |
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