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High School Teachers Chatboard

Top 25 Signs It’s Too Cold in Your Classroom

by Teachers.Net Gazette

Dec 28, 2012

Educator-humorist John P. Wood can relate to the climate-control issues many teachers face in their classrooms. Brrr!

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New high school opening

by BH

Dec 28, 2012

There's a new high school opening in our district, and I'm considering applying. It would be a much easier commute, but I worry about how things could unfold. A new school could either start off wonderfully or horribly! A part of me says that I could have the chance to help create the culture at that school, but another part of me thinks it could b...See More

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hst On 12/28/12, BH wrote: > There's a new high school opening in our district, and I'm > considering applying. It would be a much easier commute, > but I worry about how things could unfold. A new school > could either start off wonderfully or horribly! A part of > me says that I could have the chance to help create the > culture at...See More

Dec 31, 2012

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BH On 12/31/12, hst wrote: > On 12/28/12, BH wrote: >> There's a new high school opening in our district, and I'm >> considering applying. It would be a much easier commute, >> but I worry about how things could unfold. A new school >> could either start off wonderfully or horribly! A part of >> me says that I could h...See MoreOn 12/31/12, hst wrote: > On 12/28/12, BH wrote: >> There's a new high school opening in our district, and I'm >> considering applying. It would be a much easier commute, >> but I worry about how things could unfold. A new school >> could either start off wonderfully or horribly! A part of >> me says that I could have the chance to help create the >> culture at that school, but another part of me thinks it >> could be the exact opposite. You never know, so it's such a >> gamble. I don't dislike the school I work at, but it's a >> longer commute and the relationship (or lack thereof) >> between departments/administration is not so great. The >> appeal of a new facility (not going to lie) is another >> factor...our building is old, there is hardly any >> ventilation, heat/ac almost never works, no >> windows...sunlight would be nice! Should this even factor >> into my decision? Has anyone ever had a similar situation? >> Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks! > I live in a high growth area where many new schools have > opened in recent years. Districts generally expect to hire > faculty from within the district. In most cases the older > schools were overcrowded so they will go through a reduction > in staff, meaning some staff will need to move. The shorter > commute for you should be an asset for your new school. I > switched recently for a similar reason and am now able to > attend after school sports and arts events (high school) that > I could not do before. I think your enthusiasm for > cooperation among departments could also be an asset. Present > a plan to make this happen rather than lamenting its lack at > current locale. Most of the new schools here have done very > well. High support from the community for example. The only > one I can think of was years ago at a school my child attended > where the principal was totally clueless about the community > and alienated lots of parents - me included and I was full > time mom with lots of time on my hands to volunteer as needed. > He was gone within a year. Thanks for the insight and responses! More involvement definitely factors into my decision. Our school is the oldest in our district and therefore has some well- established traditions. This also makes it hard to sponsor/coach certain groups because they've got the teachers they need and the spots won't open up again until they retire or change schools themselves....and iin the area I'm interested in, I don't see that happening in the near future...we've got some great programs, so why would they want to leave? Moving schools would be a chance for me to be even more passionate about my school's community. My other fear would be about the actual attempt to transfer...should I inform my principal? If I do and don't get the new position, would that put my current job in danger? If I don't say anything, does he get informed through the process anyway? Wouldn't it be best to just be honest about my intentions from the start? I've never worked at any other school, and don't want to burn any bridges...you know?

Jan 1, 2013

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Bathroom Issue

by Karen

Jan 2, 2013

An issue has arisen just today at my daughter's high school and I wanted to get some opinions on it.

It all started back before Christmas Vacation. Because of all the time they missed due to Hurricane Sandy, the school changed the last day of school before Christmas vacation to a full day when they usually only have half a day. A lot of gi...See MoreAn issue has arisen just today at my daughter's high school and I wanted to get some opinions on it.

It all started back before Christmas Vacation. Because of all the time they missed due to Hurricane Sandy, the school changed the last day of school before Christmas vacation to a full day when they usually only have half a day. A lot of girls, including my daughter, were upset about that. A bunch of girls protested by clogging up quite a few of the toilets in the girls' rooms. I'm told that they unravelling huge amounts of toilet paper into the the toilets and then flushed them and made them overflow. As I understand it, they did this to over half of the girls' room toilets in the school.

The principal was livid about this and demanded that the names of those girls who did this be turned over to her. She warned of "serious consequences" if the guilty parties were not identified. Apparently, they never were identified.

Today, as they returned from Christmas Vacation, the girls got a taste of those consquences. Over the break, she had the doors removed from the individual toilet stalls in all the girls' rooms in the school. As my daughter describes it, all the toilet stalls are now completely open in the front of you don't have any privacy when using the toilet. Today, my daughter came running home to the bathroom after holding it in all day in school. She says she'd rather go in her pants than use the toilet like this. Now, I certainly doubt that's true but she was truely quite desperate as she went running for the bathroom as she got home from school this afternoon.

My question is whether it's even legal to take the stall doors off the toilets in the girls' rooms. I know that boys' rooms are often like that (I'm told that the boys' rooms at my daughter's school have always lacked doors on the stalls), but I always thought that the girls' rooms where required to have doors on the stalls. I can assure you that my daughter isn't the only girl upset by this lack of privacy and I seriously doubt that she's the only one who's going to be avoiding using the girls' rooms in school. The principal explained the new policy today and she promised that the privacy doors would remain off the stalls until she had the names of those girls responsible for clogging the toilets before Christmas break.

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my opinion Clogging the toilets was unbelievably childish, but I strongly disagree with the principal's response. Clearly she is hoping that peer pressure will lead someone to rat out the perpetrators. I would think that word would get out who did it even without this extreme measure of depriving all of the girls of their privacy. If I were a parent, I would ...See MoreClogging the toilets was unbelievably childish, but I strongly disagree with the principal's response. Clearly she is hoping that peer pressure will lead someone to rat out the perpetrators. I would think that word would get out who did it even without this extreme measure of depriving all of the girls of their privacy. If I were a parent, I would definitely call or email the principal and express my objections. Please let us know what happens.

On 1/02/13, Karen wrote: > An issue has arisen just today at my daughter's high > school and I wanted to get some opinions on it. > > It all started back before Christmas Vacation. Because > of all the time they missed due to Hurricane Sandy, the > school changed the last day of school before Christmas > vacation to a full day when they usually only have half a > day. A lot of girls, including my daughter, were upset > about that. A bunch of girls protested by clogging up > quite a few of the toilets in the girls' rooms. I'm told > that they unravelling huge amounts of toilet paper into the > the toilets and then flushed them and made them overflow. > As I understand it, they did this to over half of the > girls' room toilets in the school. > > The principal was livid about this and demanded that > the names of those girls who did this be turned over to > her. She warned of "serious consequences" if the guilty > parties were not identified. Apparently, they never were > identified. > > Today, as they returned from Christmas Vacation, the > girls got a taste of those consquences. Over the break, > she had the doors removed from the individual toilet stalls > in all the girls' rooms in the school. As my daughter > describes it, all the toilet stalls are now completely open > in the front of you don't have any privacy when using the > toilet. Today, my daughter came running home to the > bathroom after holding it in all day in school. She says > she'd rather go in her pants than use the toilet like this. > Now, I certainly doubt that's true but she was truely quite > desperate as she went running for the bathroom as she got > home from school this afternoon. > > My question is whether it's even legal to take the > stall doors off the toilets in the girls' rooms. I know > that boys' rooms are often like that (I'm told that the > boys' rooms at my daughter's school have always lacked > doors on the stalls), but I always thought that the girls' > rooms where required to have doors on the stalls. I can > assure you that my daughter isn't the only girl upset by > this lack of privacy and I seriously doubt that she's the > only one who's going to be avoiding using the girls' rooms > in school. The principal explained the new policy today and > she promised that the privacy doors would remain off the > stalls until she had the names of those girls responsible > for clogging the toilets before Christmas break.

Jan 2, 2013

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Good luck On 1/02/13, my opinion wrote:

I have no idea whether this is legal or not- schools can do some very foolish things - almost as foolish as what the girls did.

But this very thing has been brought up on these boards before - as I recall in another school the doors were taken off because there were girls smoking in the bathroom. ...See MoreOn 1/02/13, my opinion wrote:

I have no idea whether this is legal or not- schools can do some very foolish things - almost as foolish as what the girls did.

But this very thing has been brought up on these boards before - as I recall in another school the doors were taken off because there were girls smoking in the bathroom.

punch this into google - > > "removing doors off stalls in girls' bathrooms' - lots of sites will come up all regarding other schools where this same tactic was used for one reason or another. You'll get much more real information from those sites than from our speculations. > > > >> >> >> >> >> >> Today, as they returned from Christmas Vacation, the >> girls got a taste of those consquences. Over the break, >> she had the doors removed from the individual toilet stalls >> in all the girls' rooms in the school. As my daughter >> describes it, all the toilet stalls are now completely open >> in the front of you don't have any privacy when using the >> toilet. Today, my daughter came running home to the >> bathroom after holding it in all day in school. She says >> she'd rather go in her pants than use the toilet like this. >> Now, I certainly doubt that's true but she was truely quite >> desperate as she went running for the bathroom as she got >> home from school this afternoon. >> >> My question is whether it's even legal to take the >> stall doors off the toilets in the girls' rooms. I know >> that boys' rooms are often like that (I'm told that the >> boys' rooms at my daughter's school have always lacked >> doors on the stalls), but I always thought that the girls' >> rooms where required to have doors on the stalls. I can >> assure you that my daughter isn't the only girl upset by >> this lack of privacy and I seriously doubt that she's the >> only one who's going to be avoiding using the girls' rooms >> in school. The principal explained the new policy today and >> she promised that the privacy doors would remain off the >> stalls until she had the names of those girls responsible >> for clogging the toilets before Christmas break.

Jan 6, 2013

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Reflecting Upon Sandy Hook Shootings & Leaders of Tomorrow

by Teachers.Net Gazette

Jan 3, 2013

Excerpt: On the outside looking in, the leaders of tomorrow have more tattoos, more piercings, play more violent video games, dress differently, and listen to music you and I don’t understand. This generation spends more time on Twitter and Facebook than it does interacting with family at dinner. It is because of this that many doubt our future. ...See More

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english mind mapping

by Susie Wilson

Jan 3, 2013

Does anyone know about mind mapping? I have Buzan's book, but I am looking for a kit for my students. Any ideas will be appreciated.

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pixie On 1/03/13, Susie Wilson wrote: > Does anyone know about mind mapping? I have Buzan's book, > but I am looking for a kit for my students. Any ideas will > be appreciated.

One of my grad school professors talked about mind mapping, but I have never really delved into it. The article below has a long list of references at the end. I...See More

Mar 18, 2013

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3 Attributes of a Great Principal

by Teachers.Net Gazette

Jan 8, 2013

Click below to read what T-Netters said are the attributes of a great principal. What would you add to the list?

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The Importance of Assertiveness in Teachers

by Teachers.Net Gazette

Jan 9, 2013

Dr. Robert Rose, author of Abuses of Power in Education; Challenging Practically Everything (Outskirts Press, 2008), shares insight gained during his radio show dialogue with Dr.Howard Seeman, as they explored their belief in the importance of assertiveness in teachers.

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Hot Topics! Yes, something for you, too!

by Teachers.Net Gazette

Jan 12, 2013

From "Are You Suffering From Hostile Intention Attribution Bias?" to international test score comparison, to history teachers closing the textbooks and trivia fun, there's something for everyone!

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New teacher starting mid year (Worried, stressed, depressed)

by Whittywhit0678

Jan 12, 2013

Hi guys! I was just browsing the net and came across this forum. Im having a difficult time really grasping my situation right now...so I thought I'd look for advice from people who are in/have been in my situation...So, here goes.

I just turned 25 years old (2 days ago). I finished my Bachelors degree in Biology in 2010, Masters in Feb 2...See More

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good luck On 1/12/13, Whittywhit0678 wrote: You are falling into some unnecessary worries. What did you intend to do with your doctorate? And why does teaching now make you question that?

I'd say - stick to what's at hand. Giving teaching a try - lots of people do that. Some like me find they love it and some find they don't like it. The only real w...See MoreOn 1/12/13, Whittywhit0678 wrote: You are falling into some unnecessary worries. What did you intend to do with your doctorate? And why does teaching now make you question that?

I'd say - stick to what's at hand. Giving teaching a try - lots of people do that. Some like me find they love it and some find they don't like it. The only real way to know is to try it.

And it's a challenge in the beginning - I'd be lying if I didn't admit that. It's Work and very time-consuming. I did my own doctorate - I can't see why you've got nothing to do but sit home and be bored - why not have gotten a teaching fellowship at your grad school? Why not serve as an assitant to a professor? Who gets a full academic scholarship from Day 1 with a pretty decent stipend to boot and has nothing to do to for that scholarship? No work study responsibilities? My scholarship was dependent on me working as a grad assistant.

But anyway, your very unusual situation is not the matter at hand. If you have nothing to do to work for your scholarship, then you have time to teach and prepare for your teaching work day at night.

It's not uncommon to have no materials - textbooks are completely useless anyway. Do you have laptop? A video projector? Anything to show some visuals on? Search youtube - it's a Great Source of teaching material. Search online - there's a TON of great materials online. Interactive websites, worksheets, handouts, diagrams, activities and - youtube visuals.

What if you don't like it? Likely you can quit it - you have your decent stipend after all. It's not like this teaching job will make you or break you financially as it would for most of the rest of us. But give it a fair try.

If you're fair and respectful to the kids, they won't hate you. Be fair, give them the benefit of the doubt. Don't use grades as a whip over their heads. If you're from the inner city, then you should understand the challenges they face. Be generous in your praise and your grading - there's no good served by being stingy.

Start with something big - like cloning. Don't just stick to the science - delve into the ethics. Genetically altered humans, genetically altered foods. Topics that get attention.

Good luck. > > The > part that does scare me is the fact that I am starting well > into the second semester of school (Mid January), with no > materials, and completely unprepared. Im not sure what to > do. I am starting to become very stressed, depressed, and > worried as my first day is approaching. I keep asking > myself "What if I dont like it?", "What if the kids hate > me?", "What if the admin/teachers hate me/are mean to me?", > "How will I get through the remainder of the year?", "What > do I do if teaching is not for me?" Anyone have any advice > for me as I prepare for my first day as a new teacher in > the middle of the school year? What other options are out > there if teaching doesnt work out? HELP! > > -Nervous Teacher To Be > > BTW my Masters is in Higher Education and Doctorate is a > Ed.D. in Educational Leadership if that helps....

Jan 15, 2013

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Re: New teacher starting mid year (Worried, stressed, depres

by whittywhit0678

Jan 12, 2013

Thanks ladies!!!!! I truly appreciate the advice and suggestions from each of you. Unfortunately, my school has given me ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!!!!!!!!! Seriously, no text book or anything at all. Its primarily because I am enrolling in a certification program as I am not certified to teach at the moment. Georgia has an alternate certification program ...See More

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Mom to Three You are very fortunate to have had your education so far completely paid for. I do think if you have the opportunity to actually enter the classroom in your field of undergraduate study and before you put a couple of more years and effort into the doctoral program, it is a wise option. I say this as long as you will not be taking time away from any...See MoreYou are very fortunate to have had your education so far completely paid for. I do think if you have the opportunity to actually enter the classroom in your field of undergraduate study and before you put a couple of more years and effort into the doctoral program, it is a wise option. I say this as long as you will not be taking time away from anything you should be doing for your doctoral program - ie course work or any kind of entrance to candidacy exam.

While you are "field testin" how you do as a teacher, it may also be advisable to do some research on what individuals do with a doctorate in Education Leadership in the area in which you reside or might like to live after completing the degree program. Also how mobile is this degree as opposed to a doctorate with a definite curriculum, administrative (level) or policy area? Have you explored your career options of - teaching at the college level, central office in a school district, working for an education consulting group or working in an education policy or government policy role? Just a thought as I have Son-in-law with 10 years in as a math teacher and ABE in one field who is reevaluating what he might like to do in terms of writing a thesis and in what area.

On 1/12/13, whittywhit0678 wrote: > Thanks ladies!!!!! I truly appreciate the advice and > suggestions from each of you. Unfortunately, my school has > given me ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!!!!!!!!! Seriously, no text > book or anything at all. Its primarily because I am > enrolling in a certification program as I am not certified > to teach at the moment. Georgia has an alternate > certification program for those wanting to teach, but did > not receive a teaching certification in undergrad or > masters. Im basically waiting for my final acceptance > letter from the program. Once I receive the notification > and official offer of employment, I will be starting the > next day. I plan on going to the school on Monday to sneak > around and do some observations. lol... I just dont want to > go in completely blind. I hope to be able to sit in on one > of the other science classes just to see how the classes > are structured and the behavior of the students. > > Im also a bit nervous about my options after teaching as > many of the rules and regulations have changed here in > Georgia. I'll be able to receive compensation for having a > masters, but Georgia does not pay teachers for having a > Doctorate degree in Educational Leadership unless youre > working in a Leadership position. Im hoping I absolutely > LOVE LOVE LOVE teaching, but what other options do I have > with my education (BS in Biology, MaEd in Higher Education, > and Ed.D. in Educational Leadership) and some teaching > experience? I just want to make sure I get the maximum > return on my investment. LOL. For Peetes sake, Ive been in > school for 20 of my 25 years on earth.! LOL

Jan 21, 2013

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