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Mississippi Teachers Chatboard

Moss Point school district anyone??

by Laurie

Aug 8, 2008

I am relocating next summer to Irvington, Alabama. I am told that Mississippi has reciprocity. I am certified in two other states and didn't really want to take another state test. I was told that Pascagoula and Moss Point would both be reasonable drives for me. I am K-8 certified and have Reading Recovery certification and ESL as well. I have taug...See More

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POSTCARD EXCHANGE- please join

by Brandi

Aug 9, 2008

Hello!

Are you wanting your students to learn more about the USA this year? If so, you are in luck with the 2008-09 postcard exchange! Our goal is to have every state represented for our exchange. Mississippi is not represented yet. If you are wanting to participate, please email me the following information:

name, school name, ...See More

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social studies framework

by ??

Aug 10, 2008

Are any of you working on the new framework at the state dept.? If so, what will each grade cover in the new framework?

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Fab 50 Postcard Exchange Needs YOU!!

by lisa

Aug 10, 2008

Hi Mississippi teachers!

We would love to have one of you represent MS in our Fab 50 Postcard Exchange!

If you are interested please email me at [email removed].

Thank you!! :) Lisa

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Help!!!

by I Teach 2 (for now)

Aug 11, 2008

Does anyone have any ideas on what I can do with this education degree I have? I am done teaching. I signed up to teach - not do paperwork. I feel like I am a pencil pusher... I am seriously thinking about getting an office job - somewhere that I don't have so much on me all the time. This work takes too much of my home life and it has made me lite...See More

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frustrated DHS has positions, but I've been there and done that. Believe me, this is much better and believe it or not, this pays more. Welcome to Mississippi.

On 8/11/08, I Teach 2 (for now) wrote: > Does anyone have any ideas on what I can do with this > education degree I have? I am done teaching. I signed up > to teach - not do paperwork...See More

Sep 5, 2008

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Several AFSers in welcom families/need permanent ones now

by Barbara Y. Wills

Aug 27, 2008

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skylark2868 On 8/27/08, Barbara Y. Wills wrote: > Search Teachers.Net > > > Advanced > Quick Links: Set > > Subscribe to TN-Teachers > > Hot Now... > • August 2008 Gazette > • Teacher Tech Center > • The Lesson Bank > > Most Popular > • Set Your Quick Links > • Chat Center > • All Chatboards > �...See MoreOn 8/27/08, Barbara Y. Wills wrote: > Search Teachers.Net > > > Advanced > Quick Links: Set > > Subscribe to TN-Teachers > > Hot Now... > • August 2008 Gazette > • Teacher Tech Center > • The Lesson Bank > > Most Popular > • Set Your Quick Links > • Chat Center > • All Chatboards > • Lesson Bank > • Teacher Mailrings > • Project Center > • Classified Ads > • Live Chat & Meetings > Select by > • State/Region > • Grade Level > • Curriculum > • Interest Group > • Teaching Method > Special Topics > • Technology > • Languages > • Hot Topics > • Career Center > • Distance Learning > • Fundraising > • Tutoring Center > • Teacher's Bookshelf > • Free Printables > • Classroom Photos > • Meeting Archive > • Teaching Articles > • Library > • Web Tools > • Webring > • Search > • Advertise > > > > > > > > > > Post: Several AFSers in welcome families/need permanent > ones now > > The Miss Tennky Area AFS Volunteer Leadership Team has > several students in welcome families in the middle TN area. > The Team would like to find permanent families ASAP. If you > are interested in assisting and opening your home to one of > these male AFSers from Japan, Denmark, Turkey, Egypt, or > Indonesia contact Jenny Myers at [email removed]

The school where I teach has become very leery of exchange students. I'm not sure if my school is served by your organization, but in the past two years, some of the exchange students could speak almost no English. this year we have 3, and one of these has a very difficult time functioning in English, yet he is insistent on taking junior level courses. His English makes this impossible. Do the organizations who bring these students to the U.S. do any kind of screening of these students to make sure that they will be able to do the high school level work that will be required of them? I realize that it is supposed to be a good cultural experience for them and for us, but frankly, it is very frustrating having a student who does not speak or comprehend English in a class. >

Aug 27, 2008

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Barb I do not know where you are located or if one of our AFSers are in your area or not. However, as a counselor and PR person for many years with AFS, I would like to comment to you about how good the student is in his/her spoken English. You may often find that Asian students in particular do not at first speak English well, but will actually read an...See MoreI do not know where you are located or if one of our AFSers are in your area or not. However, as a counselor and PR person for many years with AFS, I would like to comment to you about how good the student is in his/her spoken English. You may often find that Asian students in particular do not at first speak English well, but will actually read and write better than your native speakers as may well be true of other individual students. As all students are screened and the number of years of English is on their application as well as from many countries the SLEP score to show their proficency. One of the reasons they come is to be able to improve their listening and speaking skills. This usually only comes with immersion. Many have English as their target language and must pass a difficult test in reading, speaking, and listening to receive their "high school" degrees. A year in the USA almost always gives them the edge on this.

With your assistance and that of your students, you will notice if you work with a great number of them that they will work up to the challenge of a difficult course. We in guidance always try to put them in challenging courses as the teachers and students are more accepting of them and it is truly where they should be. If not, shortly they will be complaining that the course is too easy. Keep in mind that for most of them this year is truly for their own satisfaction and that they will not be given credit in their native countries. Most will still have to go back for a year or two before they graduate. Most do not graduate here in the USA.

If you have more specific questions you may certainly contact me. If you would like to see the foreign student guide for schools that I have written you may go on our local web site at [link removed].

Dr. Barbara Y. Wills 615-210-1552

On 8/27/08, skylark2868 wrote: > On 8/27/08, Barbara Y. Wills wrote: >> Search Teachers.Net >> >> >> Advanced >> Quick Links: Set >> >> Subscribe to TN-Teachers >> >> Hot Now... >> • August 2008 Gazette >> • Teacher Tech Center >> • The Lesson Bank >> >> Most Popular >> • Set Your Quick Links >> • Chat Center >> • All Chatboards >> • Lesson Bank >> • Teacher Mailrings >> • Project Center >> • Classified Ads >> • Live Chat & Meetings >> Select by >> • State/Region >> • Grade Level >> • Curriculum >> • Interest Group >> • Teaching Method >> Special Topics >> • Technology >> • Languages >> • Hot Topics >> • Career Center >> • Distance Learning >> • Fundraising >> • Tutoring Center >> • Teacher's Bookshelf >> • Free Printables >> • Classroom Photos >> • Meeting Archive >> • Teaching Articles >> • Library >> • Web Tools >> • Webring >> • Search >> • Advertise >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> Post: Several AFSers in welcome families/need permanent >> ones now >> >> The Miss Tennky Area AFS Volunteer Leadership Team has >> several students in welcome families in the middle TN area. >> The Team would like to find permanent families ASAP. If > you >> are interested in assisting and opening your home to one > of >> these male AFSers from Japan, Denmark, Turkey, Egypt, or >> Indonesia contact Jenny Myers at [email removed];

Aug 29, 2008

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health insurance

by shellie

Aug 27, 2008

Does the state still pay the health insurance premium for teachers? What about family? Does anybody have a link to the insurance plans offered? I just moved back to MS and am planning to go to work next year. Thanks!

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Especially for retired and teachers over 50

by Barb

Sep 1, 2008

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN GUILTY OF LOOKING AT OTHERS YOUR OWN AGE AND THINKING, SURELY I CAN'T LOOK THAT OLD. WELL....YOU'LL LOVE THIS ONE....

MY NAME IS ALICE SMITH AND I WAS SITTING IN THE WAITING ROOM FOR MY FIRST APPOINTMENT WITH A NEW DENTIST. I NOTICED HIS DDS DIPLOMA, WHICH BORE HIS FULL NAME.

SUDDENLY, I REMEMBERED A TALL, HAN...See More

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Turning 65

by strongarm

Sep 13, 2008

Be aging to 65 soon and deluged by insurance opportunities. Is it best to stay with BCBS and my secondary insurance? Any cheaper offers?

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Resigning then getting out...?

by makeitstop

Sep 18, 2008

So, I'm utterly frustrated and the principal at my school has already talked me out of resigning (can we say "guilt trip?"), but it is just not getting any better. I am a first year band director, and the past couple years have apparently been *play time* for this school's band program. These kids can't read music, ALL of them only want to drum, an...See More

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been there... You know, you just described the school I work at and the band problems I imagine our new director has to face with them.

I love my school, but you mentioned several things that make your position unique (even if you aren't our band director, the positions seem so similar). It's a very small school, so a very small program. They have had ...See MoreYou know, you just described the school I work at and the band problems I imagine our new director has to face with them.

I love my school, but you mentioned several things that make your position unique (even if you aren't our band director, the positions seem so similar). It's a very small school, so a very small program. They have had very little stability with band directors, so like you said--it's not been consistent and they aren't learning what they should. It's viewed as an elective, so they are more likely to cut up. And yes, high numbers of students want to play only the drums.

Our band director also has to split himself between our middle and high school, which I can only imagine would make the job even tougher. It's a low income population being served and many of them don't know how to feel about band.

When I said I've "been there"...I had a very difficult first year assignment. I worked in a district at a school where I was teaching a grade I was uncomfortable with (kindergarten) and working with staff that was the opposite of supportive. I felt very much like things were out of control and overwhelming in the classroom and like you, I thought about ending my misery.

PLEASE know that this is ONE year in your life (or less if you can get out) and--this is the key--try not to take it personally. Try to remember that they probably haven't had a decent band director ever and that means they don't know what expectations you need from them.

In the time that you are making your decision, can you find anyone who is supportive at the schools? Just someone to vent to or talk to? Maybe bounce some ideas off of?

At my school, I know the kids pretty well. I've been teaching in that area for 5 years now and I've learned-- quickly--that even the ones who cut up...they aren't bad kids, they just don't know how else to act sometimes. Maybe by having another teacher to brainstorm with or just vent to would help?

If there's not anyone you feel comfortable with at your school, maybe online? I would be glad to be a sounding board for you, since I know exactly the kind of situation you are talking about.

Until you reach some kind of decision about leaving or not, you need to a) see a doctor and b) find someone to vent to and plan survival strategies with. You need an outlet! I was blessed to have my family as my outlet at home and I was never exactly happy where I was, but I was able to release some of my stress and make it through the year.

Five years later at a different school and a different grade level, I love my job and I can't wait to go to work every day. That's where you need to get.

Sending you prayers,

Victoria

[email removed])

Sep 20, 2008

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skylark2868 On 9/20/08, been there... wrote: > You know, you just described the school I work at and the > band problems I imagine our new director has to face with > them. > > I love my school, but you mentioned several things that make > your position unique (even if you aren't our band director, > the positions seem so similar). It's a ...See MoreOn 9/20/08, been there... wrote: > You know, you just described the school I work at and the > band problems I imagine our new director has to face with > them. > > I love my school, but you mentioned several things that make > your position unique (even if you aren't our band director, > the positions seem so similar). It's a very small school, > so a very small program. They have had very little > stability with band directors, so like you said--it's not > been consistent and they aren't learning what they should. > It's viewed as an elective, so they are more likely to cut > up. And yes, high numbers of students want to play only the > drums. > > Our band director also has to split himself between our > middle and high school, which I can only imagine would make > the job even tougher. It's a low income population being > served and many of them don't know how to feel about band. > > When I said I've "been there"...I had a very difficult first > year assignment. I worked in a district at a school where I > was teaching a grade I was uncomfortable with (kindergarten) > and working with staff that was the opposite of supportive. > I felt very much like things were out of control and > overwhelming in the classroom and like you, I thought about > ending my misery. > > PLEASE know that this is ONE year in your life (or less if > you can get out) and--this is the key--try not to take it > personally. Try to remember that they probably haven't had > a decent band director ever and that means they don't know > what expectations you need from them. > > In the time that you are making your decision, can you find > anyone who is supportive at the schools? Just someone to > vent to or talk to? Maybe bounce some ideas off of? > > At my school, I know the kids pretty well. I've been > teaching in that area for 5 years now and I've learned-- > quickly--that even the ones who cut up...they aren't bad > kids, they just don't know how else to act sometimes. Maybe > by having another teacher to brainstorm with or just vent to > would help? > > If there's not anyone you feel comfortable with at your > school, maybe online? I would be glad to be a sounding > board for you, since I know exactly the kind of situation > you are talking about. > > Until you reach some kind of decision about leaving or not, > you need to a) see a doctor and b) find someone to vent to > and plan survival strategies with. You need an outlet! I > was blessed to have my family as my outlet at home and I was > never exactly happy where I was, but I was able to release > some of my stress and make it through the year. > > Five years later at a different school and a different grade > level, I love my job and I can't wait to go to work every > day. That's where you need to get. > > Sending you prayers, > > Victoria > > [email removed])

Dear Makeitstop,

Do you have a band booster group? If not, you need to get your most supportive parents to form one. I am a teacher, but I am also a band parent. My daughter is now 22 years old, but she joined the band when she was in 6th grade. That same year, I joined the band boosters. She earned enough scholarship money by winning top awards at Lions Band and Northeast Ms. Honors Band to pay for the first 3 years of college. I did not have to put in a cent. The band boosters that I was part of did a lot of work - we ran the concession stand at the football games; we arranged the buses and found the drivers to drive them to off games and the band competitions; we made sure the kids had their uniforms on correctly (black socks, cords on the correct shoulder, etc.). Probably our most important job was making sure that our band director knew that we appreciate his w ork with our kids. True, there were students in the band who had no disciple, who didn't practice their instruments, and who caused all sorts of problems. But, there were the good ones, too. Do you have any of these? Every year in my class I have students who are hoodlums, won't do work, don't want to learn, but I also always have a small group who are in school because they want to learn, they want to get ahead. They are the reason I return to my classroom each year - this year is my 31st year. Look for the good in your band. Find youself some supportive parents - even if it is just 2 or 3. It can help you make it thru this year. Oh, the school I teach in is a small rural school. The school that my daughter attended is not this school, but a school in a small town. Here we differentiate between the two - one is the "city school" and the other is the "county school". Good luck. Band is one of the best things that can happen in a school.

Sep 20, 2008

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