the deer or the cow
19 Jan 2012 Leave a Comment
On my commute home from work, I drive past both a herd of cows and a herd of roaming deer. One afternoon, a deer approached the cows eating their nightly dinner. I wondered how their lives are similar to humans or even more distinct students and their teachers. A cow, lives its life in general comfort. They can graze and socialize with fellow cows while living a rather content life. They face a destiny of death to feed humans. A deer, on the other hand, lives its life on the edge of danger but total and complete freedom. The deer might have hungry days and cold nights but can roam prairies, forests and hills with the random nuances of people including buildings, roads and unfortunatly cars. The destiny of a deer is similar but not as predictable. They may be shot by hunters, hit by cars, die because of starvatioon and disease or just die.
Looking at myself as a teacher, am I living the content safe life or the free and careless life? I strive to make lessons interesting for my students. I try to be as real as possible for them…while enjoying my job. Honestly, I’m not sure the answer. My own perception is my reality. I perceive myself as a deer. 
Looking at my students, do they strive to live the life of the cow or the deer. Do they like the comforts of worksheets and multiple-choice tests? They may succeed and have a GPA of a 4.0 with what worth?? Or do my students live the life of deer? Do they question authority? Do they strive for independence in their learning?
I know as a student I was definilty a cow….now I hope to find balence between these two animal beings in my teaching and in my life.
Are you a good audience member?
22 Nov 2011 2 Comments
Today we had a speaker on the implementation of Google Apps into our school. Although I have learned most of the information presented prior to the meeting, it was great to have all of the faculty and staff on the same page with Google Apps.
From my perspective, it is also challenging to present to a group of adults who have differing backgrounds or experience. How do people cater presentations to effectively meet this dynamic? How to you present basics while challenging advanced learners? There is a paralell to the classroom. Many times, we have students with differing levels with differing amounts of comfort in the classroom. The main difference between the two groups is the age. When presenting to adults, it seems (to me) adults are a more challenging audience. Adults are more hesitant, less patient, and easily offended or annoyed. Case in point…today I personally was a little bored with the presentation. At the same time, another one of my coworkers was upset at the speed of the information being delivered. Adults must learn to learn as children. In the presentation, I looked for opportunities to learn. Instead of complaining in my head about the waste of time, I reflected on how students feel in the classroom. How do I feel while I’m presenting to adults? It is stressful! To my peers who were stressed about the pace of the material….How can you learn the information in your own time? How can you ask questions when you are struggling in a workshop? Do you feel any empathy for students who sometimes to understand your class content?
All and all, I still prefer presenting to adolescents. They are so much fun.
Technology Workshop at SCSD
14 Jun 2011 1 Comment
In the past, I have sat back and attending different technology workshops. I would listen to the presenter…throw in my ideas…and just enjoy the ride.
This year, the ride is different. I’m sitting at the teacher’s desk. I’m the “expert.” HA! I am just a teacher sharing some fun tools. But…it’s different. What I’ve learned from twitter is the importance of teachers stepping up as educational leaders. We do not need a person to come in and teach us a tool….we need to share with each other.
There was a little giggling and heckling about my references to twitter. Doesn’t bother me. Okay…maybe a little. I hope one day they will find the educational resources that I have found through my twitter PLN.
A flipped conference
26 May 2011 2 Comments
Last weekend, I had the chance to attend EdCampChicago….an un-conference. No fee…free breakfast and lunch….really amazing sessions. What is the catch? The conference was held in Chicago at a beautiful high school. In order to attend the Edcamp, I had to miss my son’s t-ball game. As a mom but also as a teacher, I felt it would help me professionally and personally to attend EdCampChicago.
When I arrived with my colleague (also my distant cousin), we were trying to get the idea of how this type of conference works.
“Hey, can someone help carry in the breakfast?” ”Could you help with the nametags?” People were logging into their internet devices…smartphones, ipods, ipads, laptops. Awesome. This conference really is different.
The intro was done by Steve Dembo @teach42. He was so excited….so positive and just overall very blunt but clear about the day’s expectations. If you don’t have a good experience today…it is your fault. I love it. He explained the format and the introduction of the day’s soon to be created schedule.
At first, I was very intimidated by the others in the room. What do I have to share? Offer? Ugh.
The day continued…I attended a group on moving towards 1:1 schools, QR codes in the classroom, BYO device, and a royal smack down of apps for the classroom. Each session had different learning possibilities. It was refreshing to be with a group of people who share the same passion…have an understanding of 21st century literacy…the whole idea of educational reform.
My mind spins with ideas and sharing tips. Thanks to this edcamp, I came home with the idea of having your own edcamp in your school. I presented the idea to my administration yesterday. For my own personal growth, it was so amazing to meet face to face (tête à tête) Josh @stumpteacher, Pernille @4GrTeach, Shawn @ShawnMcCuster, hilarious @Jena_Sherry and Chad @imcguy and Heather @irishteach…just to name a few of the superstars. I believe Pernille got it right when she tweeted…”It feels like I’m at the prom.”
I am looking forward to an #edcamp Wisconsin! Go Bucky!
The Happiness Project
28 Mar 2011 Leave a Comment
Before my “Spring break,” I picked up this fabulous book entitled, The Happiness Project written by Gretchen Rubin. The catcher for me was the subtitle: Or Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun. After reading the subtitle, this seemed like the perfect book for me.
While you are reading the book, it really feels as if she is talking to you about how things are going. Happiness is a choice? Happiness is a way of thinking? I found her book to be fascinating and an interesting look at life. Why do we chose to be unhappy? Reactions? Empathy? Attention?
As draw near the end of the book, I find myself slowing down. I am anticipating the end of the book….I want the happiness I feel while I read this book to continue. Perhaps this is defeating the purpose…and I am hindering my own happiness.
Thank you Gretchen for writing this book.
Post workshop thoughts
24 Mar 2011 Leave a Comment
My first presentation went above average. I’m a big fan of Garrison Keiller. Anyway, I feel the need to process the presentation. First, I cannot explain how it feels to be sitting in a conference room alone wondering if anyone is going to show up. My workshop was on the last day in the afternoon with a large snow storm looming. As I entered the room, I watched the hiatus of people leaving the building. Oh, man. My ego was in check….don’t do this for the wrong reasons. Do your best. People will not judge. Just share as you do on twitter.
When 2:15 arrived, I shut the door and began my little presentation. There were about 10 people in the room. THANK you if you are one of them!!! The women were a wonderful audience. They shared information about themselves and asked great questions as the presentation went on.
During the presentation, I was able to connect with my friends in France. It was a short demo on the power of skype to build learning communities. Merci Thierry et Marine! Vous êtes trop sympas!!!
I finished a little early. It was okay. I made it. Now, I’m looking to dive in again!
Why not?
22 Mar 2011 Leave a Comment
So many times, I hesitate in posting on my blog. I put it off…think I’ll come back to it but never do. Yes, I am busy. I have two small children, teach full time, took a group of students to France for 2 weeks…blah blah blah. We all have our busy lives. I have a fear in writing. The fear of the critique or fear of inadequacy. (for example…the last idea was not a complete sentence…and three points in a row isn’t really sound writing). Hence the glory of the blog. It does not have to be perfect….but it has to be something. Without writing or without posting your thoughts and ideas, you might as well abandon the blog. For if we only write in it once a month, it does not serve a purpose. It becomes a dreaded task.
I am inspired by @nunavut_teacher and other teachers on twitter for their continuous and loyal posting. How I enjoy their thoughts and ideas. I must continue to write without fear.
I hate my parents
02 Feb 2011 2 Comments
“I hate my parents.” I hear students say this all the time. Sometimes it’s a good thing. Sometimes not. It is imperative for parents to take on the role as a parent and not as the friend. Our children may not alway see why rules are enforced or why limits must be set. Later in life, we understand the implications of having structure and expectations.
As a teenager, I was very close with my parents. I was the exception to the rule. Participation in extra-curricular activities kept me busy and loyal. I rarely spent time with my peers outside of the classroom or gym. I did not want to deal with the pressures that my peers were faced with every weekend. I was okay with my choices. My older sisters (5 older sisters), did “hate” my parents at times. They did push the envelope or question authority. My parents set limits and had consequences for bad choices. I grew up in a loving, safe home. In college, I felt the first time the feeling of not understanding my parents. I wanted my own identity away from their opinions.
Now, as a high school teacher, I hear my students often complain about their parents. Initially, I always seem to be biased towards the parents. Today, I felt a different perspective. He said,” my parents hate me.” Having two precious boys myself, I have a hard time understanding not loving my boys. He continued from his perspective about things his parents have said to him. I was so sad. Yes, it was only his side of the story. However, even if there were only half-truths it was sad to hear. I fumbled for words to comfort him. Being a beam hit me. How can I be the supportive adult model for him? How can I show I appreciate him as a person? Everyday, I will give him at least 5 minutes of my undivided attention. It is a small step…but hopefully he will feel the support.
Anyone up for sharing? Anyone?
28 Jan 2011 3 Comments
Below is an email I sent out to the entire district where I teach. It is a smaller district but for some reason we rarely cross paths with the middle school or elementary school teachers. In the email, I was trying to sound excited, open and honest. I did not want to sound condescending or assuming. The whole purpose of the activity is for me to share what I have learned from Shelly Terrell’s book called The 30 Goals Challenge. Please read this short email:
Do you ever feel alone in your teaching? Do you ever feel like you are banging your head against a wall? Have you ever felt disconnected to your students? I have. This past year, I have learned about unconferences. It’s a place where teachers share and lead with their ideas and experiences. I would love to share with you a fabulous professional development opportunity. It’s free and will change your perspective! Please consider. I understand we have no time and are already giving 100%. If you can find 20 minutes, I would love to show you how I have learned from teachers all around the world. We will meet in my room (454 in the high school) on February 3rd at 3:15. This unconference is open to all staff members in our district. Please let me know if you will be attending.
Cecilia Schoultz
So far, there has been one person who has accepted from a list of over 150. Should I be happy about one person? What could I do to encourage more to participate?
Since writing this post, I have will have 3 current teachers and 3 student teachers attending my sharing session. I also had one administrator decline but show support and gratitude. I’m very excited to share with the teachers some of the tools I have learned and how it has changed my teacher.
