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Colorado Teachers Chatboard

Filmmaking in the Classroom

by Jana Williams

Jul 4, 2010

Hi Everyone

I grew up in the southwest and still have family in the Denver area. I now teach screenwriting & filmmaking in Vancouver.

My new primer, FILMMAKING WIZARDRY is available for teachers wanting to introduce filmmaking into their classrooms this fall. The book is a step-by-step guide to the filmmaking process, with l...See More

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Mae in Texas Jana - Could you email me? If you don't mind I'd like to ask you a few questions about the film industry (if this is something you can answer). My son is a senior and wants to go into film. I'm trying to learn as much as I can. Thanks! Mae

Aug 19, 2010

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Post Card Exchange with Hawaii

by guchi

Jul 10, 2010

Looking for one school to represent your state in Post Card exchange. email name,school, address and email address. Will add you to my list and send more info later. tu

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Sande Tanner Hi-- I am happy to exchange postcards....We are in Denver Colorado... Acres Green Elementary 13524 Acres Green Drive Littleton, Co 80124 My Email is Sandra.[email removed]

On 7/10/10, guchi wrote: > Looking for one school to represent your state in Post Card > exchange. email name,school, address and email address. > Will add you...See More

Jul 10, 2010

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Every Child a Writer

by Sis/3/CO

Jul 17, 2010

Anybody out there using Every Child a Writer by the National Literacy Coalition? I would love to discuss it!

Sis

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Christie C On 7/17/10, Sis/3/CO wrote: > Anybody out there using Every Child a Writer by the > National Literacy Coalition? I would love to discuss it! > > Sis

Made a HUGE difference in our writing!

CC at GLA

Aug 12, 2010

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Exchange students as resources - sharing

by Olena Breiman

Jul 17, 2010

I love working with Youth For Understanding exchange students ([link removed]

Exchange students and exchange returnees have much to contribute to their host and home schools -and they would like to contribute! The key to having most of the following ideas work is for a teacher or administrator to be the catalyst or facilitator. 1. Be a tu...See MoreI love working with Youth For Understanding exchange students ([link removed]

Exchange students and exchange returnees have much to contribute to their host and home schools -and they would like to contribute! The key to having most of the following ideas work is for a teacher or administrator to be the catalyst or facilitator. 1. Be a tutor or conversation partner for another student or an assistant in a foreign language class or a resource for students working on country projects. 2. Be a member of a panel of international students and exchange returnees talking about their cultures and experiences as part of an International Day at the school. 3. Help initiate a pen pal and/or video exchange with the home or school. 4. Organize an exhibit in the library focusing on "my country." 5. Publicly recognize exchange students that the school has hosted over the years through a flag display or on-going exhibit of one artifact from each country in the school entrance. 6. Be part of a library brown bag lunch series on "Schooling Around the World." 7. Be part of a school, system, or region-wide day-long forum for American and exchange students on an international issue such as the environment or hunger. 8. Be part of a school mock United Nations team sponsored by the YMCA/YWCA or another organization. 9. Help organize an evening "Exchange Fair" to publicize exchange opportunities to students and their parents - and include international desserts! 10. Organize an international dinner and talent show, "Global Market," or celebration fiesta from another country for the community-perhaps working with foreign language classes and/or an International Club. 11. Participate in morning announcements by speaking in another language or ask questions on the "Country of the Weekâ€ - perhaps emphasizing geography and involving an appropriate prize. 12. Help make a video for the school in which people, representing cultures of all kinds, talk about prejudice and ways to overcome it. 13. Write one of a series of articles entitled "Bringing a Global Perspective to High Schoolâ€ in the school or local newspaper. 14. Help organize a "World Beat" dance with music from around the world. 15. Demonstrate games, sports from home/host country in physical education classes. 16. Help construct graphs in a math class showing comparative information about countries represented by exchange students, returnees and immigrants, using the "Population Data Sheet" published each year and available from Population Reference Bureau, [link removed].

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Looking for a Language Arts Position

by Tatum Sullivan

Jul 21, 2010

Hi everyone!

I am a recent graduate from The University of Colorado at Denver. I know it is an AWFUL time to be looking for a new teaching job, but I was just wondering if anyone could give me any referrals to openings they know about, or upcoming possibilities. I have been applying at several districts in the Metro area about every other ...See More

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Morgan If you're willing to slightly relocate to Colorado Springs, our district just posted a language arts position. It's a great district working with the military and the pay is the highest in the Springs.

[link removed]

Just click the employment link. Hope this helps. :)

Morgan

Jul 23, 2010

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479 On 7/21/10, Tatum Sullivan wrote: > Hi everyone! > > I am a recent graduate from The University of Colorado at > Denver. I know it is an AWFUL time to be looking for a new > teaching job, but I was just wondering if anyone could give > me any referrals to openings they know about, or upcoming > possibilities. I have been applyi...See More

Sep 7, 2010

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Teacher of the Deaf needed in Douglas County

by dog has bad ears

Jul 29, 2010

It's a one-year only position starting August 9th. School location is in Highlands Ranch. Knowledge/fluency of Sign Language is a must. Go to [link removed].

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HistoryTunes, a new Social Studies resource

by HistoryTunes

Aug 5, 2010

Hello Fellow Teachers! We are NYC public school teachers who have developed a new and exciting product for seconday US History. [link removed]!

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Advice on Quitting

by Terry

Aug 11, 2010

Hello;

I need some advice and no spam or negative comments. I have made a terrible mistake with the school where I am working. I would like to continue to look for another job while teaching, but am unsure at how teacher contracts work and weather another school would even look at my application knowing that I am under contract with anoth...See More

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delehla I am SO glad that I am not a teacher in Colorado. Some of you are the most unsupportive, negative, even hateful people I've encountered. If teaching has made you that bitter--GET OUT NOW and do mankind a big favor. Geez!

On 8/26/10, Anon1 wrote: > You are pathetic. Your posts are full of lies and vile. > > Seek mental help. You ne...See MoreI am SO glad that I am not a teacher in Colorado. Some of you are the most unsupportive, negative, even hateful people I've encountered. If teaching has made you that bitter--GET OUT NOW and do mankind a big favor. Geez!

On 8/26/10, Anon1 wrote: > You are pathetic. Your posts are full of lies and vile. > > Seek mental help. You need it. > > On 8/26/10, The real Terry wrote: >> Ok, even though I said I would not post or read the >> posts again, here I am. >> Unfortunately, because I put my email on the first post >> this string is haunting me. >> >> I have not been writing as "Terry" for a >> while, someone is impersonating me which is the problem >> with sites that don't require people to register. >> >> I want to thank everyone again for the advice given. I >> am still struggling with my school and have actually >> taken a "mental health" day today because I >> cried the entire drive into my school yesterday. >> >> I am not a weak person or a person who deserves the >> attacks and assumptions that have been happening on >> this board. If you reread my first post, it was written >> in a moment of desperation and I begged for no >> negativity. Thankfully, there were some that felt >> compassion and have written nice notes, but others (I >> prefer to think) are not teachers at all but bored >> lurkers who have nothing else better to do than to kick >> a person when they are down. >> >> Thanks again and Good luck to everyone, >> >> Terry >> >> On 8/26/10, Anon1 wrote: >>> You know, it seems like everyone has tried to be >>> nice, given you advice, etc. Our part in this is to >>> be helpful, not to be responsible for running your >>> life. Life is full of nuances and all kinds of >>> situations, nothing is black and white. So, no one >>> has a lot of money and is more fortunate than you. >>> All of us have had challenges and have somehow lived >>> through it regardless of our choices. >>> >>> I was going to post some advice, but I am sure that >>> it will be met with negativity since I refuse to tell >>> you what you should do - you are an adult and should >>> be able to make your own choices. >>> >>> One thing, no, it is not wise to leave a job before >>> the end of the year! >>> >>> Just my 1 cent! >>> >>> On 8/23/10, Terry wrote: >>>> So I should just quit? I should waste 16 years like > you? >>>> >>>> I don't have tons of money like you. >>>> >>>> Thank you so much for your time and advice. >>>> >>>> Terry >>>> >>>> On 8/22/10, Trisha wrote: >>>>> Holy cow! I just finished my 16th successful and >>>>> successively miserable year teaching, and finally >>>>> quit! Such anxiety, still have some, but I wish I >>>>> had walked away years ago. I have a master's >>>>> degree, and tons of money, time, care, love, >>>>> tears, into this profession, but I think 16 years >>>>> was 16 years too long. The workload just got >>>>> heavier and heavier, the rewards less and less. >>>>> If you are unhappy at this school, WALK AWAY...if >>>>> you are unhappy at the next school...WALK AWAY >>>>> from the profession completely. Don't keep trying >>>>> to make it work. Just because you are good at >>>>> your job, doesn't mean the job is right for you. >>>>> There are other schools, and there are other >>>>> occupations... It's just not worth it. Life is >>>>> too short (cliche, I know.) It's a bad sign that >>>>> you are thinking of breaking a contract so soon >>>>> into the year, might be a sign that the new way >>>>> schools do business isn't going to jive with your >>>>> philosophy of education in general. >>>>> >>>>> On 8/11/10, Terry wrote: >>>>>> So, it happens all the time? Teachers break >>>>>> contracts and move to other districts? >>>>>> >>>>>> Thank you so much for your time and advice. >>>>>> >>>>>> Terry >>>>>> >>>>>> On 8/11/10, My advice wrote: >>>>>>> First, your union can give you a copy of the >>>>>>> contract. However, for now, let's just assume >>>>>>> you have to give 2 months notice. Your >>>>>>> contract will lay out the details. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Continue to work and look for a new position >>>>>>> at the same time. It happens all the time so >>>>>>> no one will view it as a big negative. Be >>>>>>> careful when you get an interview to not >>>>>>> focus on just the negative when you are asked >>>>>>> why you would like to leave the position. It >>>>>>> will be a big turn-off if all you do is >>>>>>> complain. Know what you are going to say >>>>>>> going in. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> When you get an offer, notify your >>>>>>> administration in writing. Expect to have to >>>>>>> stay the entire length your contract dictates >>>>>>> from when you gave your notice. If it is >>>>>>> less, so be it. It will be an awkward and >>>>>>> difficult time period but there will be an >>>>>>> end in sight. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Good luck. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> On 8/11/10, Terry wrote: >>>>>>>> Hello; >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> I need some advice and no spam or negative >>>>>>>> comments. I have made a terrible mistake >>>>>>>> with the school where I am working. I would >>>>>>>> like to continue to look for another job >>>>>>>> while teaching, but am unsure at how >>>>>>>> teacher contracts work and weather another >>>>>>>> school would even look at my application >>>>>>>> knowing that I am under contract with >>>>>>>> another district. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Please advise and, respectfully, no >>>>>>>> lectures. I know how this must sound - just >>>>>>>> please help me. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Thank you, Ctracy

Nov 7, 2010

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678 I teach at a ghetto school and it is tough, but the pay is good and the work day is 8:00 to 2:30. A student must miss more than 20 days to get a F in my class. “D” is my favorite grade. I honestly don't give a sh*t about my negro students as much as the black administrators who don't leave their office even there is a fight in the hallway and n...See MoreI teach at a ghetto school and it is tough, but the pay is good and the work day is 8:00 to 2:30. A student must miss more than 20 days to get a F in my class. “D” is my favorite grade. I honestly don't give a sh*t about my negro students as much as the black administrators who don't leave their office even there is a fight in the hallway and no security can be found. I am considered to be a good teacher. What a joke, When I tried to teach those kids I couldn’t get myself out of trouble, Kids lied about me that I call them negers and I had several fact finding and unpleasant meeting with administrators, I was close to lose my job and my mind. It changed after teacher next door advised me; stop teaching and stop giving F’s. What a magical advice!! My teaching changed, my life got easier, my evaluations got better, no unsatisfactory evaluations since. I keep following that magical advice. If you cannot handle it you shouldn't teach. This country keeps building prisons to be ready when time comes to transition the students from school to prison. The government spends $29K per inmate per year.

On 8/24/10, 479 wrote: > > On Quitting: > > I taught middle-school Language Arts at a school in Florida. > > The school (to me) was very nice and appeared to be in a very affluent > neighborhood. As you can imagine, I was a new teacher going through the > alternative licensing program. I'd been a journalist and marketing > copywriter and substitute teacher before. My "mentor" was never available > and even told me she'd only have 15 minutes per week, if that, to answer > questions. The school Principal and Asst. Principal both told me that it > was "sink or swim" and even used those words. I was given maybe two weeks > before the start of the school year to prepare. > > I had a classroom with 30 chairs and 40 students. I had four classes with > special needs/ADD kids and one gifted program class. There were violent > fights constantly, with children literally pounding each other into > hamburger. I was told to never touch a child or say anything that could be > perceived as hurtful to a child and never raise my voice to any child, or > they're parents would try to sue me. I was told by another more > experienced teacher to never give detention because it would only piss > off parents; which turned out to be true. He told me to only give > homework on Fridays, and keep it multiple choice so it'd be easier to > grade. And he told me to never "rock the boat" or I would not get my > contract renewed the following year. > > After almost a year at the school, I couldn't take it any more. I was > calling parents nightly and getting nowhere. I was giving homework > assignments that would never be returned to students completely > disinterested in the subject matter. My "mentor" was MIA whenever I went > looking for her and everyone else was gone the minute the final bell rang. > I went to the local teacher's union for help and was told that it was all > just too bad. > > I quit after almost a year and never went back. I sent my key to the > Principal by UPS. And I was getting calls within weeks, asking me testify > in court cases against other teachers and regarding violent fights and > related incidents at the school for moths after I had left. > > Now, I've been tooling around for years, going from one low-wage, low- > wattage, dead-end job after another. Copywriter, tutor, community college > administrator. None of them paid anything even approaching what I'd earned > as a teacher, sad to say, and none of them had decent benefits. Now, > although I know it will all happen again, I'm trying to get back into > teaching. I know the classrooms will be overcrowded and discipline will be > a huge issue and nobody will care or want to help. That's all a given. > But it's all I have at this point. Newspapers aren't hiring, ad agencies > only hire "impact players" who bring clients with them, and the other > jobs don't pay..... > > So, yes you can just quit and turn your back and walk away. If you have > something else to go to in the worst job market in fifty years, in a > country where the worker is seen as a piece of garbage and schools are > seen as a necessary but pointless expenditure. > >

Jan 9, 2011

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