Dear Teachers,
The expression "getting short" is military slang for almost done with your tour of duty. It does not refer to shrinking status or possible knee-chops. The upcoming six weeks will fly by as it always does and you will be free to rest and refresh.
Remember, you still have a $20.00 stipend for a book of your choice. Kurt is the only soul who has taken advantage of this. Tempus fugit, folks. Bring me the receipt! Or, I can order something for you. Here is a book recommendation from the Grant Wiggins website. Sounds like a good read.
In his latest book Letters to a Young Teacher (Crown, $19.95), Jonathan Kozol provides important stories and commentary to remind us all about "the sheer joy and passionate rewards" of what he deems "a beautiful profession."Letters to a Young Teacher addresses critical issues facing the teaching and learning community today: the effects of high-stakes testing that threatens to turn classrooms into test-prep factories, the "PRIVATIZATION" of our public schools, and the present, persistent inequalities of urban education."Even in the most adverse conditions, the work of a good teacher ought to be an act of stalwart celebration. It is in that sense of celebration, in my own belief at least, that teachers who have chosen out of love to work with children find their ultimate reward." Letters to a Young Teacher reminds readers of the nobility in education and affirms the belief in teaching and most importantly in the children we serve. A MUST READ!!!
This is a quickie blog entry....the muse has visited and I must strike whilst the old iron is hot, etc.
No doubt you will be the benificiaries of some of my wandering thoughts during the next 6 weeks so bear with me. Hang in there!
http://gmsnewteacher07-08.blogspot.com/2008/01/january-new-beginning.html
