Getting to Know You

[staplehead]

I've seen other message boards do this and thought it would be a fun way to get to know you all since I am new. Sometimes its fun to talk about something other than education anyway.

Simple game...

I will post a question and the next person that posts a reply will anwer it followed by a question for the next person. Just keep it going and we will learn alot about each other.


Do you have children?

[staplehead]

Wow....not everyone at once. I guess I will just talk to myself.

No I do not have any children. Maybe in a couple of years. Next question....

What made you want to go into teaching?

If no one responds, then I am a dork and this thread is dead.

[chalkdust]

I was working as an Education Director at a Boys & Girls Club and fell in love working with kids and helping them understand what they didn't get in school. So I went back to school and got my masters....now...here I am.

What is your best and worst memory from last year?

[scrivener]

Staplehead: Don't give up on this thread -- I think it's a great idea. I suspect things are just a little slow right now, but will pick up the more we keep things like this moving.
What is your best and worst memory from last year?

Best memory:
I've been developing an evaluative tool (not for grades, necessarily, which is why I'm hesitant to use the word "rubric") for my English students' responsive writing. My principal even gave me a professional day to work on it. Basically, my students write six weekly paragraphs in response to whatever the assigned reading is. I wanted them to get a sense of how I'm evaluating their responses, since it has nothing to do with grammar or spelling or anything like that. The rubric I developed measures the depth of response (without qualifying any particular depth as necessarily better than the others -- you have to deal with the shallow stuff before you deal with the deep stuff) and then the nature of that response (ie, does the student's paragraph deal with personal taste/distaste for the reading, does it criticize the writer's decisions, does it compare the reading to other things the student has read? that kind of thing).

Anyway, I wanted to see how the students would evaluate their own work, given this set of lenses, and they took it and ran with it, honestly and clearly categorizing each other's work. The students saw what their own patterns were and were made aware of other ways to respond; in the weeks that followed, the responses were much more varied and the students' growth in understanding the material was so much noticable!

That was my best memory -- seeing students actively engaged in evaluating their own learning. Wow.

Worst memory: There was an awful airplane crash on Maui early this calendar year. It was an air ambulance (when you live on islands, this kind of thing is important), and the nursing crew and the pilot all died. One of the nurses was the mother of one of my students. Rough times for us all. I had to watch sophomore girls deal with the realization that this could have happened to any of them if it could happen to their friend. Of course, this awareness of mortality has to happen anyway, eventually, for all of us, but I hated to see it happen this way. And of course the pain we all felt for this student was immense. To lose a mom and to have that loss on the front page of the newspapers for weeks is something I don't even want to think about.

Okay, next question:
Teachers are known for being territorial. In what way are you especially so? :)

[TubbyTeacher]

Teachers are known for being territorial. In what way are you especially so?
-------------------------------------
Classroom possessions - I teach at a low income school. The ONLY items provided by the school are: student desks, student chairs, teacher desk, teacher chair, overhead projector, and textbooks. The room is bare. I had to spend my own money on things like bookcases, folder holders, credenza, stool, VCR/DVD, pencil sharpeners, pencils, paper, novel sets, instructional support materials, rewards, videos, DVD's, tickets, posters, bulletin boards, etc. Our parents are notorious for not providing anything for their students except backpacks.

Given that the materials in the room were purchased with my money, they are MINE. Woe be to the kid who tries to tag them with XIV, XIII, or any other gang junk. Woe be to any other teacher who tries to borrow something without asking.
That is theft, particularly if the item is never returned.

Question:
Everyone has a pet peeve. Mine is people who waste my time.

What is your pet peeve and why does it warrant that status?

[staplehead]

My pet peeve in things that don't really matter are when the cabinet doors are left open in the kitchen.

But really my pet peeve in the world of education is teachers who see their job as babysitting. I can't stand to see teachers show up without plans just to tell the kids to go play. Don't get me wrong...kids are kids and they DO need to play. I wish people would not get into teaching unless they are CALLED to do it. It needs to be their profession...not just a job.

[staplehead]

I forgot to post a question....hehe

What is a bad habit of yours?

[helpinghands]

I'm new to the site and really liked the idea of answering and posting questions.
I've been teaching children with special needs for about 9 years. I taught at a psychoeducational center for 4 years before going into the regular education setting. I'm single, have no kids but love them to death. I think one of my bad habits is eating out. I probably eat out 5 of the 7 days in the week. I know that's half the american population but I really am trying to stop (actually no I'm not).
My question is really going to be a little different. I was surfing the net today and came across a business opportunity, found it interesting and would like to know what you guys think. I've asked a couple of friends and neighbors but noone has heard of it. Anyway my question is:
HAS ANYONE HEARD OF THE 1STEPSYSTEM?

[lia]

HAS ANYONE HEARD OF THE 1STEPSYSTEM?

No, sorry.

In what type of contest would you totally wipe out the competition?

[scrivener]

In what type of contest would you totally wipe out the competition?
I don't know about "wipe out," but I do very well with rock and roll trivia! But then, I think you knew that...

My question:
Do you secretly read your students' online journals, blogs, or MySpace pages?

[Addict]

Haha! Good one!
Do you secretly read your students' online journals, blogs, or MySpace pages?

I'm not a teacher, but I would certainly think that that would be a given. Keeps things interesting...:D

[Sassafras]

I do read theirs pretty often. They are all 18 and older. I have a son too but he's not a computer person. His only use of the computer is to play the Deer Hunter game. Since this is my first year teaching and right now I don't have any students, my answer would be no. :D I hope third graders aren't allowed to have a my space account. :eek:

Next question: What is your favorite movie?

[scrivener]

What is your favorite movie?

My favorite film of all time is Casablanca, with Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. In addition to just being a great movie and starring my favorite actor, it has a theme I really relate to: the idea that love, while glorious and important, is not the most important thing in the world. Sometimes you have to give it up for the greater good, for ideas that are bigger than two people's love.

*sigh*


Okay, next question:
What would a total stranger be able to tell about you just by looking at your car?

[TeacherRW]

Question was: What would a total stranger be able to tell about you by looking at your car?

That I have kids. The carseats in the back, the stickers on the windows, and the diaper bag in the backseat are all dead give-aways. :) They'd probably figure out pretty quick that I am a teacher also because I always have some "resource book" or prof dev book laying on the floor taking up space.

Next question... Describe your favorite meal for any occasion-- celebratory, romantic, every day.

[Krafty]

Question was: Describe your favorite meal for any occasion-- celebratory, romantic, every day.

Tough one. I'm going to try non-holiday. My favorite is just a family meal, usually only made on the weekend. I prep a whole chicken with slices of garlic under the skin and DH cooks it on the grill. We make mashed potatoes, gravy and corn to go with it. It is just good comfort food to me. Then I use the leftover chicken to make a wonderful chicken & wild rice soup.

Next question:
If you could only watch one TV show each week what would it be?

[melissae]

Question was:
If you could only watch one TV show each week what would it be?

This is a tough one because I LOVE TV!
I would have to say that I would watch Boston Legal. My husband and I enjoy that it comes on at 10:00 and we have children in bed. It gives us an hour together.

Next question:
As a busy mom I never get "me" time- If you had one hour to yourself what would you do?

[javamomma]

If I could get an hour of me time?
I would get a manicure and pedicure~


If you could get a weekend away (if money was not an issue)
where would you go?

[TeacherRW]

Only a weekend?? I'd have to say Las Vegas. :) Never been there and if $$ wasn't an object... yahoo!!

What would your dream car/vehicle/automotive be?

[scrivener]

What would your dream car/vehicle/automotive be?

They'd be useless in Hawaii, but those tour buses the rock bands take on the road, or even better, John Madden's famous MaddenCruiser.


next question:
In what way do high-schoolers now have it better than when you were in school?

[javamomma]

In our district, high schoolers have more options of classes to take and are more prepared for college than I was 20 years ago.


If you did not teach what would you want to do?

[melissae]

Question: If you did not teach what would you want to do?

If I did not teach, I think I would have went to culinary school and became a chef. I love to cook, most days, and I love to watch "Food Network" and get great new ideas.

Next Question:
If you had your own personal chef and he/she could prepare your favorite meal-what would it be?

[AAA Teacher Forum]

If I wasn't teaching I would move to an island in the Caribbean with my husband and we would open a Dive Bed & Breakfast.

I figure if I really miss the classroom I could probably pick up a job teaching English on the island.

Jennifer

[javamomma]

If I had a personal chef they would cook Italian for me :)
Yum Yum (not low fat at all either )

What is your favorite tv channel/show?

[Krafty]

What is your favorite TV channel/show?

We turned off our Direct TV about 5 years ago to save money, so it has been a while since I watched much on cable (we usually pop in a movie at night). BUT, when we had it, I loved HGTV in general as a channel. As for shows, they weren't on HGTV but I really enjoyed Iron Chef, Junk Yard Wars, Battlebots, and Trauma: Life in the ER. My favorite network show is "Dancing with the Stars".

Next question:
If you won $1000 to spend in your classroom, what would you buy?

[scrivener]

If you won $1000 to spend in your classroom, what would you buy?
Comfortable, ergonomic chairs and tables for students' use.

Next question:
If you had to swap jobs for a year with anyone else on your campus, who would you choose?

[javamomma]

If I had to swap jobs?
I would be the elementary art teacher.

What is one job in your district that you would NOT want?

[melissae]

I would say the custodial staff. They do all the messy, icky jobs. We had some flooding where I live and it hit our lunch room. It was awful! The custodial staff was fantastic! I give them a lot of credit.

Next Question:
What's your favorite sport?

[Sassafras]

Favorite Sport to play is solfball. I have been playing since the 5th grade. In high school I played fast pitch. Now I play during the summer with our Co-ed church team. I have palyed a total of 32 years now. My favorite sport to watch is a toss up between NASCAR and baseball.

What critters make you go EEEEKKKKK?:eek:

[Krafty]

"What critters make you go EEEEKKKK?

Um, any critters that surprise me :D. DH says I am really jumpy; I tell him I concentrate harder than he does:p . I'm not too fond of snakes, but after an attic occupation of bats two years ago, they are my least favorite critters right now.

Next question:
If you had to leave your current town/city and had the chance to move to any place in the world you wanted, where would you go and why there?

[javamomma]

If I had to move it would be to the beach (FLorida).
We go every year and I have the hardest time coming home. I love it.


What is your favorite season?

[Junior High Music Teacher]

My favorite season is Spring. Nature awakens from its wintery slumber and everything is fresh and new again! I love the smell of Spring flowers. Everyone and everything has a fresh beginning. I love Spring!

If you could relive any moment of your life, which moment would it be?

[Krafty]

I'll assume going back and picking the right lottery numbers isn't quite what you are going for :) . This is a tough one. I think I'd like to relive my wedding. We had a really great time, good food and it was darn near a perfect day.

Next question:
If you could invite one famous person (past or present) to dinner for an evening, who would you choose and what would you talk about?

[sweetsass]

I'd pick Harriet Tubman. She was my first childhood hero, at the age of 7. I'd want to hear stories of her Underground Railroad. I'm quite sure the evening would turn into a long one.

Next question: who is your favorite musical artist?

[The Dean]

Hi, I'm the Dean. Very nice forum and very informative.

[javamomma]

My favorite musical artist/group would be Mercy Me


Do you post on any other boards?

[Cathy]

Sorry if Im out of line, or just missing it somewhere.
But I don't seem to see a New Members Forum or Sub Forum to do a short intro in better getting to know the members here!
After looking around for something like that, I also noticed that there is no Sugestion or Comment area either!
Can someone direct me in the right direction :) Sorry and thanks ahead of time!

[Addict]

Cathy -

Welcome, and thanks for asking! Please feel free to introduce yourself here (http://www.theteacherscorner.net/forums/showthread.php?t=2791).

Also, you can post suggestions in our General Discussion (http://www.theteacherscorner.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=34)forum. Maybe if we start getting alot of ideas, we will create a separate forum for it. Good idea!

[24HourEducation]

Hi guys - a bad habit? I'd say lacking control when I eat something I like, such as high quality ice cream. I'll eat the whole damn pint. Shame on me!

Next question:

Do you think animals have souls?

[sara52345]

No, I wouldn't want to know....

What was your best summer vacation?

[ldteach73]

My favorite summer vacation was last summer to Ireland. As soon as school was out the next day I was on a plan. Very beautiful and peaceful in places. Much warmer than I expected when I went. I just loved it.


Q: So what is your all time favorite website and why?

[scrivener]

Q: So what is your all time favorite website and why?
There's something about the IMDb that blows me away. Begun initially as an obsession by movie geeks on the Usenet, it continued on the WWW as the singlemost authoritative source of movie information. Of course, it is now owned by Amazon.com, but that doesn't take away from the scope and ambition of the original maintainers of the DB. I don't know if it's my favorite, but it is one that impresses me most.

Next question: When was the last time you socialized (outside of school) with your colleagues?

[dolmansaxlil]

Last Friday one of our more difficult students moved away. A bunch of the staff went out for drinks after school. :)



My question:
What is the one piece of clothing in your wardrobe that you couldn't live without?

[javamomma]

my black pants, they do double time in the winter~

if you could live anywhere besides where you do, where would it be?

[landreth2007]

New Zealand! We went several years ago and were amazed with the diversity, beauty and friendliness. And there are no snakes!

What is your most/least favorite memory of your experience as a student?

[SLP]

My least favorite memory was Jr. High Gym class. The class itself was fine, but after every class the teacher made us run naked through the showers. We were horrified!

Question:
What's your most embarassing teacher moment?

[Fransisca]

My most embarassing teacher moment was when the cd player didn't work and play the audio materials that I wanted to use in the class. I tried to make it work for a couple of minutes, I even asked some students to help me with that.
After a few minutes, I realized that I havent put the cd inside. I played cool and made jokes at that time, but I was really embaressed.

Question: If you could choose 10 people in the world (anybody), who would you chose to be the students in your class and why?

[bcasbcjs]

HAHAHAHA I so have done that before!
wow what a question. I think it would have to be the thinker, talker, listener, brain picker, energizer, and peacemaker. Give me two of each and class would be interestingly wonderful?( I know that sounds so greeting cardish, but hey.)

Question:Who was your worst sub as a kid and why?

[javamomma]

I cannot remember having subs as a kid :) Maybe to long ago! :)


Question: What was your worst school picture?

[arteacher]

Question : What was your worst school picture?

I remember long time ago, that my mom showed me my kindergarten picture, and in that picture I have the most thin legs compare to all cute, chubby kids!

The next question:
Have you been visit Indonesia?

[honeybuns]

The next question:
Have you been visit Indonesia?

No


Next questions:
How has the No Child Left Behind laws impacted your classroom?

Honeybuns:)

[gladysburgos1]

Hi! I am new to this site. I am reading recovery teacher who will co teach in a first grade class this year in the Bronx. This is my 12th year teaching and I am glad that I found this site to keep me up to date.

[christiw]

No, I would be delighted if my students were that capable! We spend lots of time on functional skills with an academic focus....

What is the best thing about where you live?

[sweetsass]

The best thing about where I live would be a tie between two things:

1. the weather and
2. there is so much to do here


What is most important in being a teacher?

[majorkontrapelo]

The most important thing is "sharing my knowledge"

How many years have you been teaching?

[mkcornflower]

The most important thing is "sharing my knowledge"

How many years have you been teaching?


I have been teaching on and off for 13 years. I taught sunday school for 3-5yr olds for years and for the past 6 years have been homeschooling my own children.

[minimiracles]

I love this... since the last person didn't ask a question I will go with the one before that
I have been teaching preschool for 15 years. I just recently became a director and I miss the daily classroom routines. I guess I just needed some time out to realise that.
My question...
If money was no object what is the one thing you want most for your classroom?

[Mr. Larrabee]

If money was no object what is the one thing you want most for your classroom?

I would have 31 laptops, with a wireless network. There are so many math topics that are so easy to find resources online for. Online access and of course, no blocks to using java applications would be a must.

Are you teaching the grade and/or subject that you always wanted to?

[upnorthteacher]

I loved teaching fourth grade for five years, but then got the opportunity to teach fifth grade reading, language arts, and social studies. I love integrating so much of the reading and writing we do with history. :D And I don't miss correcting math papers!
question:What is the most creative way you have handled a difficult parent?

[maika]

I loved teaching fourth grade for five years, but then got the opportunity to teach fifth grade reading, language arts, and social studies. I love integrating so much of the reading and writing we do with history. :D And I don't miss correcting math papers!
question:What is the most creative way you have handled a difficult parent?

I have to say that, thank godness, I have never had a difficult parent to handle, I guess that having difficult students was enough!.
In my country homeschooling has arisen a big controversy lately, and although I have listened to people who are in favour of it and people who aren´t, I can´t really make up my mind about it.
So my question is : what do you think about homeschooloing?

[Boxcar]

I think it is fine if the teacher is able to give his/her child a well-rounded education. This means not only the correct subjects and tests, but also social interactions. If the child is involved in activities that include other children so that problem-solving and social skills devolop, that is excellant. Also, children begin to learn how to speak in public when giving reports at school. The homeschooling teacher needs to arrange for his/her child to gain experience in public speaking as well.

What is your favorite school supply?

[mopar]

I love post-it notes. They are so useful with reading and writing. I use them for projects in social studies and science as well as making all my kids participate in the lesson. They work very well for keeping records on students. I don't know how teachers every got along without them.

What is your normal bed time?

[leafy seadragon]

No, but I would be so excited if they had one. My students are autistic and I am trying to get them interested in email, chat etc as a form of communication but they can't see the point!

My Question:
What is the most embarrassing thing you ever did in class?

please excuse the spelling mistakes. I need to practise my typing.

[leafy seadragon]

I messed it up, sorry. My bed time is 11:00pm, unless report writing and then anytime around 3 am can look good.

[mopar]

My most embarrassing moment as a student was getting caught kissing a boy in the hallway. Man, was my mom mad at me and I wasn't even dating the boy!
My mom embarrassing moment as a teacher was when I bent over to pick up a marker, I split my pants. I had to wear my jacket around my waist the rest of the day. It was pretty funny that day. All the teachers kept coming by to see me and what I was doing.

What is your favorite time filler activity at school?

[leafy seadragon]

My favourite time filler is "cheese please". A student has to face the wall. Another student is chosen to say "cheese please" in a funny voice. the student facing the wall has to guess who it is without turning around. Very funny.The student who stays in the longest is "the big cheese" until the next round.

What is your favourite song to sing with your students?

[teacherninja]

"Purple Haze." There's nothing wackier that a bunch of second graders stomping their feet and seeing "I'm acting funny/but I don't know why..."

What was the last book you read aloud?

[Boxcar]

I'll have to try that song with a class. I really like Peanut Butter and Jelly at the moment.

The last book was The Little Engine that Could.

What is your favorite season?

[kingrichie]

It's got to be the summer. Not just because school's out and I get to travel. But, I just like wearing shorts, sandals and no shirts.

How did you decide to go into teaching?

[CapeMayRunner]

I went into teaching because I knew that I needed to bring enjoyment and fun into teaching young children! I had the worst teachers as a student. I can remember thinking in 6th grade that I could do a better job then these boring teachers i had throughout my career as a student! And now I am dedicated to the philosophy the day i start to dread my job I am retiring!

What do you do in the summertime when you are not in school?

[sweetsass]

In the summertime I read, go to social groups, enjoy not being in a hurry, write, go to lots of basketball games, coach, spend time with my kids (my athletes), travel.

How often do kids come back and visit you after they've graduated?

[mopar]

I usually have a student or two come back and visit after they leave my school. I haven't been teaching long enough to have any of my students graduate from high school yet.

If you could do away with one thing in school what would it be?

[Bananas]

If I could do away with one thing, it would be unmotivated students. All students would have enough drive to do their best and get the help they needed.

What movie do you watch over and over?

[mopar]

Right now it is transformers because my husband is obsessed with it. But the movie I love from my childhood is the Goonies. Its a movie that I will watch again and again.

If you could travel anywhere, where would it be?

[Bananas]

That would be Norway. Mom was born there with her family. Dad was going to take the four of us to Norway for two weeks for their 25th anniversary, and Mom said, "Norm, why spend the money?" So we did not go. :(

What was the hardest year for you in school?

[wig]

This year. Our current location and economy has caused a decline in enrollment. This year we had to combine two grades. Guess who got it :rolleyes: But that is not difficult, as they are together only three periods. We have sold the church and school and are currently building one in an area that is growing. But this has caused a very "unsettled feeling" around the school. I cannot put my finger on it, but the parents seem more demanding, the students seem to have a feeling of entitlement that we have not seen before.

What is your favorite subject to teach?

[mopar]

I love to teach Language Arts because you can make so many units that will also teach the subject areas. I think it is important for the students to see how the subjects work together and find LA much more fun when it is in combination with other subjects.

What professional development have you attended lately and what were your feelings on it?

[metalmom]

I've seen other message boards do this and thought it would be a fun way to get to know you all since I am new. Sometimes its fun to talk about something other than education anyway.

Simple game...

I will post a question and the next person that posts a reply will anwer it followed by a question for the next person. Just keep it going and we will learn alot about each other.


Do you have children?

I have two grown kids 24, 22 love every minute of it. Live in the mountains, it snowed 12" yahoo beautiful out
Where does everyone live?

[metalmom]

The 5th Element!

[metalmom]

I guess after 8 years of banking, 5 in retail and 24 in raising my own. It was time to learn something new and really enjoy it. How about you?

What kind of music does everyone like or dislike?

[3rdgradeteach]

This is very cool....I have no children and have a background in Pharmacy....crazy huh? Now I am teaching the 3rd grade.......what a change....but I feel a WHOLE lot better at the end of the day knowing that I helped someone learn something!

[3rdgradeteach]

My students have what they call "lifepacks" that they do their Language Arts and Math in.....the other subjects are done on a computer. They do very well for never having typing or anything before.

[mopar]

Just a refresher on how this thread is supposed to work. Take the last post, answer the question posted. Then add a question of your own for someone else to answer. Its okay to answer other questions as long as you do the above two things also. Don't just search for a question you want to answer, makes the thread too confusing.

What professional development have you attended recently and what were your thoughts?

[kingrichie]

I attended a Write From The Beginning inservice about a month ago. It was pretty good, it really helped me in teaching personal narrative.

How often do you change your bulletin boards?

[mopar]

I usually only change my bulletin boards when I change units. I find it is a great way to get the students involved in the new unit and perks a lot of questions?

What is your favorite bulletin board?

[MsJenniffer]

~I am a Toddler teacher at a local Childcare Center so I get to put all kinds of fun bulletin boards up...my favorite so far that I have come up with is "My kids are the bees knees!" I take pictures of all my kids and glue them to the center of construction paper flowers. We then make bees for our craft and we stick them flying all around the flowers on the board.~


Is there one thing a child in your class has said to you that you will never forget?

[merrynl]

One of my students was saying, "I'm a junior," while attempting to make a J on her forehead with her fingers. Instead she did the L for "Loser." Made us all laugh. It wasn't so much what she said as the finger motion that we all remember.

What was the nicest random act of kindness by anyone in your school (teacher, student, staff, etc) you've witnessed ?

[science_monkey]

What was the nicest random act of kindness by anyone in your school (teacher, student, staff, etc) you've witnessed ?

At the end of my first semester of student teaching, my class of foundations (introductory level) 10th grade biology students bought me a card. In it they wrote individual notes expressing their thanks for giving them a fun, interesting biology experience, saying they would miss having me as a teacher, and telling me I would be an excellent full-time teacher for future students after I was done student teaching. One student wrote that I had made a significant difference in his life and thanked me greatly for that (he had been having a difficult time in many aspects of his life and was in danger of failing several classes, but he opened up to me one day and we talked for a while and ended up turning things around for himself).

I had never expected to receive praises from them like that. That little card with the meaningful notes in it left a huge impression on me, and I will never forget that one particular group of kids. They gave me the reassurance that I had indeed picked the right career and that I was making a difference in their lives.

My question: What is the most bizarre thing you have witnessed while teaching? -The kind of thing that makes you say, "Wow, I can't believe that just happened, or that I just saw that."

[teach1027]

No I have never been on myspace.

Do you have a favorite student that can do no wrong in your classroom, and do you let it show?

[bella mundi]

I totally have a favorite, I have two favorites actually. I try not to let it show. He still has consequences when he has behavior problems.

One of my paras has a favorite, and definitely shows it. Although she is tougher on him than some of the other students because she expects more of him. We jokingly call him her son.

Do you have any OCD-ish qualities? I teach students with autism, and I find that most people who work with that population tend to lean in that direction. I'm curious if this is across the board, or just my school.

[mopar]

I haven't noticed any OCD-ish qualities of myself. However one of my friends has to walk into and out of her classroom a few times before leaving or entering her room. She does teach students with autism. I don't think she is diagnosed with any OCD but we do joke with her about it. It seems that she is rather forgetful.

How do you plan to spend your winter holiday?

[3rdgradeteach]

In what type of contest would you totally wipe out the competition?

Anything that has numbers...scrambled words or spelling and I would do very well! I enjoy those!

[Bananas]

Competition? I guess I would advance in either singing or cross stitching.

If a movie were going to be made about you, who would play your part?

[Parker]

If a movie were going to be made about me, who would play the part? I'm going for the 'big guns' and say Meryl Streep. She looks comfortable in a rural or city location and I love her humor.

What is the most unusual think you have ever seen on your campus? Even though I am not yet a teacher, about 10 years ago here in Texas the Emu fad had waned and there were literally dozens of huge Emu farms going into foreclosure. Since they could not sell the meat and could not afford to feed them, they just set them free. For a while it was not unusual to see any number of them running through town. One day, I went to pick up my son and a city police officer, animal control officer and a county deputy were all out on the playground trying to help snag a run-a-way Emu from the campus before the students came out. Too funny!

[Bananas]

What is the most unusual think you have ever seen on your campus?

Catch an emu on campus, huh? That is unusual!

What comes to my tired mind was the time when I went to my mailbox and found an "interesting article" my colleague ran off and put in everyone's box as a must read. It was ed related. I do not remember the specific topic, but it was from The Onion. She was the talk of the building, not realizing that it was satire and she was serious about the content.:rolleyes:

What was something you did growing up that embarrassed you?

[busbus]

What was something you did growing up that embarrassed you?

I'm embarrassed to say it; but it was when I was caught shoplifting -- Yes! SHOPLIFTING. Hey, it wasn't my fault! I went to the market with a friend who was getting things for her mom. While in the store, she asked me if I wanted something. "Sure!" I said and got a snack cake. She put it in her cart. However, when we approached checkout, she told me to put the cake inside my coat. Dummy me! I did as told. (Kids can be so stupid.) Anyway, when we left the store, we were stopped by security. The cake was confiscated from inside my coat. :o We were told to never come into the store again! And, if we ever came back, the police would be called and we would be locked-up.

The ironic thing is that my friend had shoplifted several items of junk. She showed me the stuff as we walked back to her house. I guess I wasn't a good thief! :) And, she ate the stuff that she had stolen and wouldn't give me any! One of life's lesson!

Question: Other than getting married or becoming a teacher, if you could do something over again, what would it be and why?

[Aziz]

Well, I've never gotten married and I'm going to be a teacher in just a few days!

If I could do something over again, I'd probably have started learning the languages I started learning in a different order. Learning languages is a hobby of mine, but the most useful ones are the ones I've picked up most recently, and I wish I had started those before so that I could be more proficient and therefore use them more comfortably. And better yet, I could teach them!

Is there a certain word you had been misreading or misusing for years before you realized how it was actually read or used? (For example, stressing the first syllable of "misled" instead of the second or confusing "genteel" and "Gentile.")

[Boxcar]

When I was much younger - in elementry school - I would pronounce "diabetes" as "debates". I knew it as "diabetes" when I heard it spoken, but I read it out as "debates" when it was in print.

If you could only wear one outfit for the rest of your life, what would it be?

[Bananas]

Would it be my warm flannel pajamas? Would it be my sweats? Something warm and comfortable.

Who is your favorite movie star?

[Aziz]

Marlee Matlin.

What is that one topic you're so passionate about that you provide an oral dissertation to any poor soul who brings it up?

[Bananas]

Well, hubby knows not to bring up the topic of NCLB! :mad: He learned that early on. Then our daughter became a teacher and when the two of us get together...

I teased him that he was fortunate, since church and state are to remain separate, he is probably spared from the government coming up with No Parishioner Left Behind! :)

What would you like in your Christmas stocking?

[Boxcar]

I would love wisdom in my stocking.

Would you ever be your child's teacher in school? (It can be hypothetical child.)

[Bananas]

In younger years I would be, in older years, preferably not. If it had to be, though, they would just have to deal.

What is your favorite kind of soup?

[Boxcar]

Potato soup is good. There is also this lemon soup that I haven't had in awhile. That is also tasty.

If you could stay one age forever, what would it be?

[Aziz]

For me, age is in experiences and what we make of them and not in years. I want to be as old as possible because I enjoy the benefits of learning from an experience, even when the process of learning from it is painful. I like being able to appreciate more ways of seeing the same situation as time passes.

Which sensory stimulation is the most effective in making you nostalgic? Hearing a song, seeing a place/movie, smelling/tasting a certain dish?

[Bananas]

Hmmm, the movement in the car as I watch the scenery seems to put me in an introspective mood and think of nostalgic times.

What is a meaningful present you have received?

[Boxcar]

I wouldn't say this was a gift, but it is something I remember quite well. I think that is what makes it meaningful.

It was the first time I went on vacation. I'd been wanting this for many years. I'd say it would have been about four years of waiting. My parents finally were able to go. I was still a child, and I remember the pure excitement and anticipation the week before it was time to leave.

As adults, I don't think we often experience that same thrill of wanting and recieving that we did as children. Maybe it is because we still have responsiblities and worries.

My question is: What is the most memorable thing you've learned from a student?

[Bananas]

I won't say that this is something that I have learned from a student, but it has refreshed and reinvigorated my spirit. That is the joy of giving from the self with nothing expected in return. To see students share some-thing they make or something of theirs as they watch in anticipation is a true gift.

What is your favorite cartoon character?

[Boxcar]

I like the Peanuts Cartoons a lot. Picking a specific charactor is hard. I guess it'd be Linus or Snoopy.

If you could rescue only one possession when evacuating your house, what would it be? (Food, clothes, and basic essentials are already provided for at the shelter, so no practical stuff like that.)

[Bananas]

If I were to pick a "possession, it would have to be Zacchaeus. He is the family dog, although who possesses whom is questionable. I don't see pets as our possessions, but if there were a fire, I would be looking for my husband and dog.

What is your favorite holiday?

[Aziz]

Thanksgiving.

I have an international family, so we have everything from injera and wat' to zucchini parmeggiano at the dinner table. I love the general mingling of family. I enjoy spending the weekend going to movies or going for walks with family and talking about life. I love that Thanksgiving is secular, so our family can put our religious and political divide aside for the holiday. We also have a concert as a tradition. Anyone can participate and can present art in any form. Someone plays the piano; someone else shows some art work; another relative dances. It is the only time I get to see all my siblings and nieces and nephews and aunts and uncles. I have a very big family so it seems I meet another relative every year. I met some cousins I never even knew I had last Thanksgiving.

Do you find that your personality affects the people around you or that your personality is affected more by the people around you? In other words, do your friends allow you to express different facets of yourself, or are you more likely to bring out their various facets?

[Bananas]

That is hard to say. I am allowed to express the different parts of myself with most people around me. There are a few people who will remain of the negative persuasion, no matter what positive instances are expressed.

What genre of movie do you enjoy the most?

[sweetsass]

Most definitely comedy. I love to laugh, and comedy goes along with my sense of humor. Comedies may not win any academy awards, but I pick them every time.

Have you ever had the experience of deja vu, where you've dreamed that part of your life before? What was going on at the time?

[upnorthteacher]

I have had many deja vu experiences. The most recent one was a little freaky. I dreamed about having people working on our house-new ceiling and walls, some work in our garage, etc. A few days later we had a fire, and now are having some of the work done that I had dreamed about. Too weird!

If you weren't an educator, what kind of work would you want to do?

[gilmore.gal]

I would prob. want to be a newspaper writer.
:)
What is your favorite grade to teach?

[Bananas]

Maybe 4th or 5th grade. I like things about all grades.

Do you prefer summer or winter?

[Aziz]

Winter, hands down.

Is music a big part of your life?

[Bananas]

Oh, yes! I am a first soprano and have song in school, community, and church choirs. It is a form of prayer, an outlet, and art. :)

What do you like to do on a rainy day?

[Boxcar]

Sit at home and relax. Read a book, watch tv, visit this website, and be totally lazy. If the rain isn't too bad, I might stand outside under the overhang and look at it.

Do you prefer to write or type?

[Aziz]

I prefer typing.

Do you prefer coffee over tea or vice versa?

[Bananas]

Coffee. I am a good Norwegian.

What is the worst gift you ever got?

[Miss T]

A paintball outing for my 19th birthday with my boyfriend. Who I am no longer with.

What is the last really good book you read?

[Aziz]

The last book I finished reading is Steven Pinker's The Stuff of Thought: Language As a Window Into Human Nature. The book I am currently reading is Middlesex, by Jeffrey Eugenides. I highly recommend both books.

-Aziz

[sweetsass]

The last book I finished reading is Steven Pinker's The Stuff of Thought: Language As a Window Into Human Nature. The book I am currently reading is Middlesex, by Jeffrey Eugenides. I highly recommend both books.

-Aziz

Now you're supposed to ask a question, Aziz.

[Bananas]

The last good book I read was The Curious Incident of the Dead Dog in the Night Time by Mark Haddon. This was for a book club group at school and we had some good discussions.

How do you cope with your stress?

[jsfowler]

I cope with my stress by keeping a journal of all the good moments in teaching...when I am having a stressful day and feel I am at the end, I read a few passages and remind myself why I got into this crazy profession in the first place. I read out of my journal more than I wrote in it last year, but this year the oppostie is true. I have also learned to keep work at work - I have a wonderful husband and two children (ages 8 and 1) who deserve a full-time mom when I get home.

Where are you going on vacation this summer?

[Bananas]

I am not sure where we are going, but we have talked about taking three weeks to drive out to the mountains in Colorado. There is a program for Lutherans to take classes in the mornings and activities in the evenings. We could take some time before and after these two weeks and visit friends in Nebraska from our times living there.

What is your least favorite cleaning chore?

[Aziz]

Sorry, I forgot to post a question last time.

I kind of like cleaning stuff. I always have; don't ask me why. I can say that my favorite chores are doing the dishes and sweeping. I guess my least favorite would have to be vacuuming because the vacuum cleaner is so noisy and I have hypersensitive hearing.

If your (hypothetical) child asked you for money, would you give it to him/her or would you try to get him/her to earn it? (By doing chores or finding a job, etc.)

[Miss T]

It would depend on what the money is for. I wasn't given an allowance by my parents growing up, and chores were expected. We didn't really 'earn' money, we saved it from birthdays and Christmas and mowing grandma's lawn, things like that. I've never asked my parents for money for anything in my life, and it really instills a sense of independence that is invaluable to me.

But if I had a choice between just giving it out and having him/her earn it, he/she would def. earn it somehow.

What is the smartest investment you have ever made?

[Bananas]

The smartest investment would have to be the time and love spent raising my two children. Each their own individual, yet many shared gifts and traits.

If you could change one thing about our educational system, what would it be?

[Boxcar]

Get rid of NCLB! Or rather, I'd alter it in a number of ways. The spirit and intentions are fine. It is just the follow through... I'd also get rid of sandardized tests.

What color do you buy most frequently? For example, is everything you own blue? Do you have a ton of green socks? Whatever.

[busbus]

I buy most wearing apparel in shades of brown.

Which American Idol did you predict to be the winner and why?

[MissTeach]

I don't watch American Idol on a regular basis, but I did watch some the season the grey haired young man won (sorry I forgot his name). My husband and I both thought he would win because he was so energetic and enjoyed performing.


What do you think about schools providing laptops for all their students? (assuming the $$$$$ is available)

[jsfowler]

In theory it is a great idea...but my concerns include...
Who will pay for repairs? How do we keep students from cheating? Who will replace broken or stolen laptops? I would love to hear from a school that does this...I will post in gen discussion.

If you could change your career, what would you do?

[Bananas]

I could work with dogs. :-) Maybe open a doggie day care place.

What is your something you did so you would not have a regret?

[jsfowler]

After dating a guy for 5 years, I lived it up. I was 21 and I partied like a rock star. I enjoyed being single and did everything I wanted to do. Now that I am married, I do not wonder or think "I wish I had done that". Because I did and it was fun. Sometimes I wonder how I am still alive. My students would be shocked because they see me as their teacher who is married and has 2 kids. I am glad I lived it up while I was young...no regrets.

What is your favorite reality show and "character"?

[Miss.Amanda]

Americas Next Top model....and its too soon to have a fav character only been on for 2 weeks so far...

Where is your fav vacation place :D

[sweetsass]

Haven't been much out of the U.S., but so far I'd say tie between Vancouver, BC and Hawaii.

Who is your favorite musical artist?

[jsfowler]

If I had to choose an artist (singular), I would say Nelly Furtado. If I could choose a group, hands-down...The Eagles!! Saw them in concert my Junior year of high school and it was one of the greatest experiences of my life.

Who was your favorite teacher and what qualities did they possess?

[MissTeach]

My eighth grade English teacher. He was young and had not been raised in a rural community like ours. He knew about places and events that we had never heard of. He incorporated the outside world into our lessons and he used music to teach lessons also. He was VERY short and a little bit funny looking, but all of his student loved him!!

[MissTeach]

I forgot my question!


What do you do to relax after a long busy week of teaching?

[jsfowler]

Ok, Miss Teach, you took the words right out of my mouth...except mine taught high school English.

After a long week of teaching, I like to travel on the weekends. I live in a very rural community so I try to expose my children to as much as possible - museums, theatre, shopping, festivals, etc. I love to raise my children in our small community but we have to travel at least an hour to hit a "city". I especially like to travel to Grandma's because she will usually give my husband and I a night out to ourselves, which as you moms know is extremely rare.

When you don't have the children, what do you and your spouse like to do for fun?

[sgaestel]

Not married. I like to travel. I have been to Europe, Puerto Rico, up and down the east coast. I'm going to Tampa for spring break. Perhaps Austrailia in the next 2 years!

What was your biggest fear coming into teaching?

[bstack]

My biggest fear was failure.

[sgaestel]

You forgot to ask a question!!!!

[bstack]

Sorry. My biggest fear was failure.
What was your favorite place to visit?

[sgaestel]

My favorite place to visit is New York. I can go there over and over again.
In Europe, my favorite place was probably Ischia, Italy...a little island off the port of Naples.

Are you a dog person or a cat person?

[bstack]

Dog person.
I loved the Capri and the Amalfi Coast.
Have you been to Boston before?

[sgaestel]

Nope, been to Northampton, my brother moved there this past October. That's a really cool town!

How long have you been teaching?

[bstack]

9 years.
Did you check out Zoo Mass?

[sgaestel]

No. I was only there for two days. Went to Mount Tom though, that was nice. It was right after Christmas and there was all this snow! Being in NC, haven't seen much snow...and my puppy was introduced to the cold stuff!

I've attached a pic of her in the snow!

What's your favorite time of year, and why?

[bstack]

I love Summer because I get to travel.
I have got to get going.
Your puppy is cute. My dog died last month.
Do you get the jitters on the first day of the new school year?

[sgaestel]

I love Summer because I get to travel.
I have got to get going.
Your puppy is cute. My dog died last month.
Do you get the jitters on the first day of the new school year?

AWW MAN! I am sorry to hear about your puppy! Thanks for the help with the Boston trip, good to see you're not too sore about the loss. ;) Nice speaking with you!

[jsfowler]

I am always a little nervous about the first day of school because I am eager to see who my students are going to be. I have learned over the years, the more stuff I have planned to do that first week, the less nervous I am. I have a "Welcome to Success" powerpoint that covers expectations, rules, procedures, etc. I do a "roadmap of your life" as a getting to know you activity. Of course, "What is a scientist?" activity. We play name memorizing games, etc. The more prepared, the easier it will go.

Where did you go to college?

[upnorthteacher]

I went to the University of Wisconsin in Eau Claire. They are known to have an excellent teacher prep program and gave me a full tuition scholarship for being a National Merit Scholar. My dad really wanted me to go to a private school, but I couldn't see spending so much more to be a teacher. It would have only increased my student loans to pay back!

How do you bring your personal interests and hobbies into your classroom teaching?

[sgaestel]

I try to include the arts and music as much as I can in my English classes.
We just finished compiling a soundtrack to The Catcher in the Rye.
The kids loved coming in with the songs and I even made a CD with all of their choices and am going to burn each of them a copy!

What is your favorite sport/sports team?

[jsfowler]

Hello, Basketball...University of Kentucky Wildcats!!!! Is there any other?

I have also just been introduced to wrestling. My son just won 3rd place in the Kentucky STATE elementary wrestling tournament. We are very excited...I never thought I would be excited about wrestling. Oh, well.

What was the last movie you watched in theatres?

[Aziz]

I saw Juno. I loved the dialog, especially the way Juno talks. Her parents were hilarious, too.

What's an example of the most personal question you would answer coming from a student?

[Bananas]

I guess the most personal question I was asked was if my mother was dying. Kids knew she was in the hospital and sick. They knew I was worried. It happened so quickly.

What is the goofiest thing your pet has done?

[sgaestel]

My pet does silly things on a daily basis, every morning after I get out of the shower and put my towel on the ground she rolls around in it.
She's afraid of the wind, and her own shadow, and she barks at nothing, constantly.

What was your least favorite subject in school, and why?

[Bananas]

Science as I had little interest in it and had to work harder at it.

What is your favorite form of exercise?

[wtrafton]

RUNNING!! My husband and I differ about certain aspects, he prefers to run listening to music and I prefer no music so I can clear my head. I think too much but running allows me to think without interruptions.

Do you think it is disrespectful for students to call adults at school by their first name?

[jsfowler]

Yes, I have even had nieces and nephews in class and they are not allowed to call me by my first name. In turn, I often call my students by their last name (Mr. Jones, Miss Smith).

What is your favorite book?

[sgaestel]

My favorite book changes often, I'm an avid reader, but I always go back to The Catcher in the Rye. Definitely one of my absolute favorites. That or Pride and Prejudice.

Who is your favorite comedian?

[Bananas]

Bill Cosby? Bob Newhart? Carol Burnett? Hard to pick!

What is an important quality you look for in the other sex?

[csreading]

Honesty! I always look for honesty in conversation, his body language, and the way he treats others. Without honesty, a relationship is doomed.


Question: On Sunday, we "spring" forward our clocks. What do you like most about the time change.

[sgaestel]

More daylight! I love the longer days.

Will you be voting in this year's election?

[jsfowler]

Absolutely!! I will be voting for the same person I did eight years ago! Now theres a big hint...

How much snow did you get this weekend?

[Bananas]

We got about 1/2 of an inch, but this is our highest amount of snowfall in our area for a winter since they started keeping records.

Is your bedroom painted or papered (or paneled)?

[sgaestel]

I live in an apartment, so it is painting in a very boring apartment white. I need to hang some more things on the walls in my bedroom...perhaps a project I can tackle today.

What is your favorite board game?

[Bananas]

Growing up it would have been Aggravation. As an adult it would be Scrabble, especially when I beat my husband. :)

What is the worst movie you have seen?

[busbus]

I would say that two of the worst movies that I ever saw was Batman and Rocky. I truly fell asleep at both of these movies. They were both too dark and boring for my taste.

Who was your favorite super hero when you were growing up? Why?

[Bananas]

It was always a bad deal for hubby to watch the Rocky as he would get playfully punchy and I would have to make him heel. After he saw the first Rocky, he took Bananas along with him each time he went jogging. Bananas was no Butkus. The two would head out with hubby humming "duh duhduh duh duhduh duh duhduh duh."

My favorite superhero's while growing up? Would Underdog and Mighty Mouse count?

Have you been outside the United States?

[jsfowler]

Yes, I went to Cancun when I was in high school for a spring break class trip and I studied abroad in Strasbourg, France for a semester during college. It was an amazing experience. I really want to go to Ireland with my husband and children. My children both have auburn red hair, green eyes, and freckles...my husband and I do not, you have to go back many generations to find it. Maybe we will find some ancestors while we are there!

What is your most memorable college experience (good or bad or even naughty;) )?

[sgaestel]

My most memorable college experience was definitely a professor. My nemisis...
I had him three times. The first time I definitely didn't do my best work, and got my first "C". The second time, I worked my TAIL off, determined to do better. I got a "C". The third time, I turned the first paper of the course, and got a "C". I went to him, and said, "what do I have to do? What am I doing wrong?" I got a "B-" in that class. It felt like I had won a congressional medal of honor!
He gave me the only two C's I ever got in college.

What is your favorite tv show on right now?

[Bananas]

That would have to be Monk.

Paper or plastic?

[Aziz]

Do you think it is disrespectful for students to call adults at school by their first name?

Am I alone in thinking it isn't necessarily disrespectful? Informal--yes, but not disrespectful. Does anyone else make the distinction?

-Aziz (which is what my students call me)

[MissTeach]

I believe it is disrespectful for students to call teachers by their first name or a nickname. I even made my own children call me Mrs. ______ when they were in our school. I believe it establishes a professional environment.

[Aziz]

I'm going to start a new thread as to not ruin this one.

[sweetsass]

That would have to be Monk.

Paper or plastic?

Paper, of course. I'm from the progressive Northwest.

What do you collect that's unique and interesting?

[Aziz]

I collect anything that's written in different languages. Pamphlets, food packages, whatever. I love comparing languages and there's no better source than those manuals or booklets that have everything written in thirteen languages! I also collect all sorts of jazz, but I'm not sure how unique and interesting that is.

What instruments do you play? If you don't play any, which would you play? Would/Did you pick something common (e.g the guitar) or something unusual (e.g. the sitar)?

[Bananas]

My high school a Capella teacher always told us that our bodies are our instruments. :) I played guitar a bit for fun. I played a flute for a year, but singing was always my true love.

What is your outdoor temperature right now?

[sgaestel]

It's currently 54 degrees, wet and cloudy.

What do you usually do on a crappy weather day?

[Aziz]

I go for a walk. I love "crappy" weather. Then I come home and have some soul food (usually my Miso soup with kimchi and an egg).

What's that one language you've always wanted to learn?

[sgaestel]

I have always wanted to learn Spanish. I took three classes in HS, never got it.

What is your favorite sport to participate in (not watch on TV)?

[Bananas]

Bicycle riding with hubby and tennis.

In what way are you different than others in your family?

[Aziz]

I am more intellectual than my family members. My family is art-oriented.

Do you believe in the spirit world or other supernatural phenomena?

[busbus]

Not my cup of tea.

What is your favorite winter olympic event?

[sgaestel]

I don't watch the olympics (gasp!). I always get bored. If I had to pick one I would say the one where they are skiing and do jumps and crazy flips.

What's the best book you've read recently? (I just finished A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini...it was FABULOUS!)

[MissTeach]

I just finished reading Character IS the Issue by Mike Huckabee- some interesting insights into our governement.....


What countries have you visited?

[Aziz]

I have visited Morocco, Norway, Vatican City, Belgium, Cuba, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Italy, France, Russia, China, Switzerland, Australia, Mexico, Austria, Indonesia, Canada, the Netherlands, Suriname, Denmark, Belize, Ukraine, Vietnam, Germany, Hungary, Bahamas, Spain, Singapore, Peru, Croatia, the U.K., Sweden, and Haiti.

Do you enjoy wearing hats?

[Bananas]

No, I don't.

Name five things on your kitchen table.

[sgaestel]

A glass, three books, two candles, dog's eyedrops, and my cellphone

Do you do a big family thing for Easter?

[Bananas]

No. :-( Daughter and her boyfriend are going to his side. Son may be working at his church with the youth. So it might just be hubby, doggie, with me in the kitchen.

Name a pet peeve.

[sweetsass]

People who confuse "you're" with "your."

:mad:

What is your dream vacation?

[Aziz]

Spending time with family.

What's an unusual interest of yours?

[MrsR]

I like to bake dog treats!

Question:
What is your favorite childhood memory?

[Sonrisa]

Making mud pies at Grandma's house.

Have you ever gone to another country and why?

[upnorthteacher]

I was born in England and went back for a vacation in high school.

What is the most outrageous thing you have ever done?

[sgaestel]

A friend of mine and I began singing in a square in Venice on our trek through Europe.
We sang a song about how angry we were at the city of Venice (not a great place for us).

Needless to say...this occured after a few bottles of wine.

Who is your favorite author?

[Aziz]

Tim O'Brien.

What is a phrase that you use very often?

[sweetsass]

"Oh, snap!"

:D

What is your favorite food in all the world?

[Bananas]

Pizza? Chocolate? How to choose?

What time did you get up this morning?

[jsfowler]

8:30...baby let me sleep in and husband was not on-call...it was a perfect Saturday morning!

What would you like to see in your Easter basket?

[Aziz]

I don't celebrate Easter. Yesterday was the Iranian New Year, though. Happy Iranian New Year! In Farsi we say Nowruz Mobarak!. !نوروز مبارک

If you were to land in a completely different country, would it be easy or difficult for you to adapt? Would you enjoy it or would you long for home?

[busbus]

Happy Iranian New Year, Aziz!

If I were to land in a completely different country, I think it would be easy for me to adapt, except for the language barrier. My enjoyment would be predicated on how I am treated and accepted. If things are all negative, then I would long for home or any place else than there.

If you could vacation on another planet, which planet would you visit and why?

[Bananas]

Would it be the planet my daughter thought our son must have come from, unless we did adopt him? I guess it would be Saturn and its moon. Is Saturn's ring really made up of all our lost luggage? Seriously, I find it intriguing that the moon of Saturn possibly has water and geysers!

What is your favorite meal your mom made?

Happy Iranian New Year, Aziz!

[Aziz]

Fish with fennel and tomatoes.

How do you like your coffee or tea?

[Bananas]

I like my coffee black, black, black in my green M&M mug!

What was the worst thing about a teacher you had?

[busbus]

Halitosis! Fortunately, this was with my piano teacher. Got rid of him as fast as I could convince my mother that the lessons weren't working. :D

Which is your favorite chocolate bar - Snicker? Hershey? Reese Cup?

[Bananas]

Hershey, for me.

Do you like snow?

[Aziz]

I love snow.

How many languages do you speak?

[Bananas]

2 English and Spanish --3 if you count dog talk ;)

Are you going anywhere over Easter/Spring Break?

[Aziz]

I am going to Portland, Oregon.

How many hours do you sleep naturally (without being awoken)?

[sgaestel]

Six or seven on a good night. Recently, though, I've been having trouble.

If you had to pick one person you had never met to be stranded with on an island, who would you pick and why?

[sweetsass]

What a great question.

I'd pick Harriet Tubman. I've always wanted to meet The General, and obviously she'd be a great one to have on a deserted island.

Tea drinkers: what are your top five favorite kinds of tea?

[dangercat]

I like earl grey, green tea, oolong, wild berry, and chai.

What was the worst book you were ever made to read in school?

[Student4life]

What was the worst book you ever read in schoo?
Probably Wind in The Willows. I really hated that book.

Question- Have you ever had students that you wished hadn't left or that had been in you class again?:)

[jsfowler]

Absolutly...I can think of quite a few from this year alone. Every year I have those that I wish would stay and those that I practically push out the door.

Would you rather teach a class of all boys or all girls? Why?

[Student4life]

I would rather teach all girls, they are generally more interested in school, but I would still rather teach a mixed class.

question- Do you ever feel like you have gotten too close to a student?

[Aziz]

No. I enjoy letting my students know that I am a person and not just a teacher, and they are also people, not just students. We both have lives out of school and I think it is healthy to have hallway discussions about life outside school.

Have you ever made a Freudian slip in front of your class?

[MissTeach]

More than once, but fortunately most junior high students aren't quick enough to catch on.

Do you think background music is a benefit in your classroom?

[dangercat]

I believe that it can be a benefit. I think that there are uses to all medias in the classroom, it's just how you use them that makes them valuable.


Do you think that reading "comics" is bad for beginer readers?

[Student4life]

No, because it is something that can help them learn to enjoy reading because hopfully the like reading comics.

Have you ever seen yourself (as a child) in a student you have taught? And if so, did you tell that child?

[MissTeach]

I have had several students who reminded me of myself as a middle school student! No, I haven't told them because I was not a well behaved student!!!

Are you taking classes during summer break?

[upnorthteacher]

Yes, I will be taking two classes-I am in the middle of my master's degree program.

What kind of students are most likely to make your day?

[MrHistory]

Haha talk about loaded question

Being a young teacher I have had students try to contact me Via myspace and such. But being with privacy settings they are not allowed to see my space. I could care less about their spaces, lol I hear more about there personal lives in class from other kids talking then I would ever want to know.

What is the worst thing that a parent has ever said to you?

Lol i thought i would share this one, as a first year teacher a mother came in and equated me to a Nazi, in as much as nothing could be further from the truth. she was the crazy mom of the town, but it took its toll on me, i definately did not want to come to work the next day.

[dangercat]

The worst thing a parent told me was about a child I was tutoring. They said not to expect too much because the child was too stupid to really learn anything. I actually found the student engaging and quick to pick up on things if they were presented in a manner that was meaningful to the student.

What is the nicest thing a parent had ever said to you?

:) Brook

[jsfowler]

I taught her daughter in 7th grade...5 years later it was her daughter's high school graduation...she was in the Top Ten. She saw me in the stands and pulled me aside. She said that during the year her daughter had taken AP English, AP Chemistry, and AP Biology. She would complain about some of her classes but never complained about anything science. She asked, "You must really like science." Her daughter replied, "It's OK. It's just easy because Ms. Fowler really made us work hard. She did not let us leave her class until we really understood." She thanked me for teaching her daughter both science and work ethic. She told me that she was going to UK for pre-dentistry.

Do you have teacher cliques at your school?

[MissTeach]

Somewhat, but it really isn't a problem. This is the best school I have taught in; I have taught at five schools. Here, we all get along very well and work together without any major problems. I have been here 15 years and it has been like that the whole time. That is one reason I haven't moved! I hate to leave the best job I've ever had!

Do you have a lot of professional development at your school?

[Stuka]

hey,
My name is Matt, I'm a theatre teacher in TX... actually I don't currently have a job, but I do get by. Hopefully I'll get a teaching gig next school year. umm, Yeah, so Matt (smithmt) is a college friend of mine
Stuka is my name because I like the German WWII dive bomber. yeah. so any other questions... ask.

[Bananas]

Welcome, Stuka!

Do you like chocolate? Do you have any pets?

[MissTeach]

Chocolate is one of the major food groups. Pets: cats, dog, horses, and anything else that decides to stick around.

[smithmt]

umm, Yeah, so Matt (smithmt) is a college friend of mine

You Lie! we're not friends! :-) (axe 'em Jacks)

[Bananas]

Do you have a lot of professional development at your school?

We have deviated from the routine of this thread.

We can go to two conferences a year as professional development. Our district is more generous than surrounding districts in our reimbursed grad courses. It seems like every SIP (School Improvement Day) and Institute is accounted for with meetings of some sort.

What is your favorite seasoning?

[sweetsass]

Vegit all natural seasoning. (Spike is second)

Who is your favorite athlete/sports figure?

[MissTeach]

There are so many! But I guess Michael Jordan has to be one of my most favorite.

What is the first thing you're going to do when school is out for the summer?

[scaleskl]

Hello all,

I am a special education teacher residing in the SF Bay Area. I am just looking to network and share ideas with other teachers.

[Bananas]

Sleep would be the very first thing. Then to start organizing some things around the house.

How many TV's do you have?

[jsfowler]

I have 2...one in the great room and one in my son's bedroom. I did have 3 but I removed the one from my bedroom so my husband and I would not just lay there and watch TV...I know, TMI.:)

What do you grow in your garden?

[Boxcar]

Sunflowers, cucumbers, and tomatos have all been in the garden.

What professional journals, if any, do you read?

[Bananas]

As far as professional journals, I really do not read many. I mostly am on listservs appropriate to special education, middle school, tech, and language. I also frequent the recommended websites for current resources.

Do you give your pets middle names?

[MissTeach]

No middle names. In fact I don't even call my dog by her name; I just call her mutt. It fits better than her name.

Do you eat breakfast?

[Bananas]

Each and every day! No one wants to hear my stomach growl and growl.

What is the best birthday gift you have received?

[ChocolateNewOrleans]

when my wife got me nothing, as that is what I want every year.

have you ever point shaved a kid's grade to keep it a grade letter lower, simply because you didn't like them personally?

[Boxcar]

No. I would not do that. I try to be professional as possible, and that wouldn't fit my philosophy. Of course, I can definetly understand the tempation.

What is your ideal classroom like?

[MissTeach]

The latest in technology and between 10 and 15 students!

If a movie was made about you, who would you want to play you?

[Boxcar]

I'd play myself. I wouldn't trust anyone else to capture the essence of me...

What is your pet peeve?

[Aziz]

One pet peeve? I'm restricted to one? (Wink) One of my pet peeves is when people use language that targets a certain group. "That's so retarded," "that's so gay," etc.

If you had to pick between only listening to the radio and only listening to your own music (C.D.'s, iPod, whatever other format) from now on, which would you choose?

[upnorthteacher]

I would choose to listen to the radio, simply because I want to hear new music. If I only had what I have now, that would be too limited.

What is the one thing that you most want your students to remember from their time with you?

[Aziz]

That language is alive! It is not a serious of grammar rules in a textbook or a vocabulary list, but a language that is in use and constantly evolving.

How do you take your coffee, and if you don't drink coffee, how do you take your tea or other drink?

-Aziz