Voting for John McCain in Philadelphia

I'm going to go stand in line to vote for John McCain... in Philadelphia.  Sometimes I feel like I am the only one.  All of you McCain-Palin supporters out there in western PA and suburban PA, please come out to vote.  I cannot hold back the Obama supporters alone.  Remember what your dumb Murtha called you.  Vote him out and vote McCain in!

My Election Predictions

http://projects.washingtonpost.com/2008/pick-your-president/2637/

Let me know what you think!

First Day!

I woke up at 5am because I'm excited. I'm excited to put on my new clothes, new shoes, and meet all my new students. I'm excited to go back and see all my faculty friends.

Today, we only have ten minute classes, then the kids go for pictures, etc. So, I plan on:

1. Introducing myself
2. Introducing the course
3. Having them fill out an autobiography sheet telling me who they are, hopes/worries etc.
4. Starting to go over rules/expectations.

Should be a good day!

Is it the Technology?

I read this article from the NYTimes: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/17/technology/17essay.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

"At School, Technology Starts to Turn a Corner"

The article talks about how technology is being used for project-based learning.  Technology definitely makes project-learning easier, but is project-learning what is really improving test scores and improving understanding?  

My take on it: teaching students to be proactive is what is improving test scores.  Too many students are coasting by, never encouraged to go above and beyond what is spoonfed to them.  Project-based learning forces students to think for themselves and to be proactive in their own learning.  As a teacher and former student, I really believe that students who are proactive about their learning can succeed, given decent teachers who care enough to teach.

So, is project-based learning the only answer?  I believe it is not.  If you teach using normal lecture-demonstration-activity traditional style, you can still encourage students to be proactive.  Just raise your standards!  Insist on nothing less than each student's best and most of them will try their best.  I truly believe that the main problem with education is the constant lowering of standards to make weaker students "feel better about themselves".  I don't buy it.

Pelosi Protestors in Philadelphia

Here in Philadelphia, Nancy Pelosi had a speech/book signing at 7pm.  Here are some pictures of the protestors outside.  

There were about 6-10 sending the message of "Get back to work, Nancy!" (Yay!) 

There were about 6-10 sending the message of "Impeach Bush".  (Um... can I say pointless...)

Oh, and a shout-out to my favorite blogger Michelle Malkin.  Her post about the awesome House Republicans and Nancy's ridiculous book tour gave me the idea to go out and get these pictures.  

updating handouts for the new year

I'll try to post more later.  I've been busy teaching summer "school".  It was really just glorified baby sitting.  I taught two classes called "Game Masters" and "Chess Club".  I basically just spent three hours playing games with 7-11 year olds for three weeks.  Easy and fun, but not nearly as rewarding as teaching high school biology and math.  

I got commended!

My school sends out commendations to people who are nominated for them by others in the community.  Somebody commended me and I got this note:

(My School) awards this commendation to (My Name) in recognition of active involvement in fostering the goals of (My School), June '08.  

Fancy calligraphy and an official seal.

I know, it's just a piece of paper, but it means there's somebody who appreciates my work!  

I love my job.