Democratic Presidential Candidates on 60 Minutes

I watch 60 Minutes most Sunday evenings. I have always taken a strong and active interest in politics and was looking forward to the interviews of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton (John McCain had a scheduling conflict). My husband and I were both pleased with Barack Obama after his interview and looked forward to seeing how Hillary Clinton responded to a similar round of questioning. Hillary Clinton was interviewed by Katie Couric--a favorite of mine formerly from the Today Show. I was horrified and embarrassed (for Katie) that the kinds of questions she asked of Clinton were SO sexist! Couric didn't ask about issues, she pressed for an answer about what thought Clinton had about losing to Obama. Another question or rather, provocative statement was made against the backdrop of a classroom (chalkboard in background), was "I heard you were called 'frigidaire' in high school. How do you respond to that?" Katie asks, batting her eyelashes. I don't think Mrs. Clinton came off badly, but I was ashamed for Katie Couric who came off as frivolous, spurious, and focused on looking good herself. Sadly, she doesn't realize that good questions that reveal who her guest is rates higher than asking a question designed to embarrass or put someone on the spot.

Growing Up Online: A PBS Special

Don't miss this special! http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/kidsonline/

Advice to My Sister...

As you start your first day teaching 6th grade science, after 5 years of teaching another grade in another state, I know you'll do well. Coming in mid year is a challenge for any teacher, but especially since these students have had 4 different temporary teachers so far this year. You mentioned "earning their respect", and I've thought about that phrase ever since. I've been an educator for over 35 years now, many as a classroom teacher, but also as a principal. I'm not sure you actually "earn" student respect--I think the power of your position, your "side of the desk" so to speak gives you instant respect. I think that you can increase that level of respect, but mostly I think the respect is yours to lose if you are not careful.

Don't define your students by their circumstances. Every student who walks through your door deserves the same high expectations and your focused attention to keep their learning on track. Don't talk about your students outside of class--even to those who don't know them and never will. Doing so is using their circumstances to bring attention to yourself. You are using them. Fight the urge to share details of your students' home lives or misfortunes. You are doing them a subtle and sinister disservice--it means you don't see them as equal and you don't expect as much. It means you are defining them by their circumstances. I'm sure you are shaking your head.

Take a minute each day. One minute. Ask yourself if you expected less of any of your students that day. Don't confuse "meaning well" with "teaching well". Honesty is the highest form of respect. Resolve not to give anyone a "break"; give them extra help; give them a fair chance to excel. No one really wants a "break", because later in life, they will have toe the line and you'll have taught them the line is negotiable. It's OK if some kids have to work a little harder. Help them. Help them by having high expectations for their success. Help them by being observant and by talking to every student, every day. Make eye contact--and hold it for a little extra time. Subtle, but successful. The 3 R's in my book are rigor, relevance, and relationships, usually in reverse order!

At 6th grade, they are only half way through their public school education. It's a very important year. And you can really make a difference.

Sample Blog

This is where you enter your message or thoughts or opinions.  The editing tools are pretty standard.  I uploaded a picture of my puppy who is watching me work!  To the right is a slideshow.  You can do a slideshow of your own pictures, or you can choose a topic such as horses, sunsets, jet planes, or whatever, and a slideshow will be created from Flickr using all photos with that "tag".  Cool, huh? 

Trying Things Out

I'm now trying out some of the other elements you can add to a blog page. First, I clicked on "slideshow" and chose to use Flickr to do a slideshow of all photos with the tag, "horses".

Now, I'll try out some other gizmos. To create your own blog, click on www.blogspot.com and follow the directions. Want me to come to your building and help you out? Just email me with some times! mtyrrell@cbsd.org .