I won't lie, even with the blessing of that 3 day weekend, October is BRUTAL. Our second 6-weeks is over, and this week our kids take their Common Assessments ( trimester finals). The novelty of the school year has worn off and the kids are getting a bit burnt out. I let work catch up to me and am no longer planned and printed as early as I am usually.
Waiting For Superman has spurred a lot of great conversations with fellow teachers about our public school system. Of course, I can only speak on it from the prospective of a public charter school teacher. However it has been refreshing to hear comments from the point of view of HISD teachers as well as suburban public school teachers. Something I found interesting (and a bit concerning) was the lack of knowledge of how public charters actually work. Most people I've talked to weren't aware of the lottery system and were surprised charters don't pick the kids by application. There's a lot misinformation out there and the movie doesn't address it all, so of course that causes some strain when discussing it with others. All in all the discussions I've had ended on a positive note.
On to non-school stuff:
- I bought my first Halloween costume in years and I'm super excited.
- I can't wait for the1/2 marathon is coming up in November. I'm behind in training but I'm having so much fun just running.
-I am now OBSESSED with SoLa at the Triangle in Austin. I bought the cutest dress of all time and can't wait to pair it with vintage heels and pearls.
- I got a ticket for my expired inspection sticker. Darn license plate lamp.
- I am getting closer and closer to my Mazdaspeed 3 every day. I'm starting to get impatient.
- I think gin cocktails are superior to all others.
- I loved BBQing and hiking in Bastrop State Park and can't wait to go again.
- I love bullet points because information is way easier to write this way
- I'm excited Chris is coming to visit this weekend in Houston.
- I'm going to bed.
-HK
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Friday, October 8, 2010
Waiting For Superman
This week I had the privilege to experience two events that reminded me of why I joined the education reform movement.
1.) Waiting For Superman:
Our School was treated to a free sneak peak of this education documentary before it hit theatres in Houston today. I have to say the experience of viewing a film about the truths you experience every day, surrounded by educational professionals made the experience very memorable. The film brings to the front several issues that impact not just the future of America's schools, but America as a country. It exposes the real life effects of the Achievement Gap as well as the Global Education Gap between our students and their foreign peers.
Hands down the most impactful part of this film was putting faces and names to the children and parents who are stuck in a system plagued by low expectations, red tape, and unfulfilled promises. It reminds us that the problem with education in America is not the kids, it’s the adults. We are in control of their future and our students MUST come first. Teachers, administrators, parents, and community members are all part of this fight. We must ALL take responsibility and take action.
Teaching is a profession. Teachers should be held to the highest standards of performance as well as supported and developed to ensure they are set up to help their children succeed. The power of GREAT teachers must be celebrated and harnessed to help other teachers BECOME great.
If the movie is playing in your city, I encourage you to see it. Just remember, that movies don't make a difference, PEOPLE do. If it inspires you, go out and take action.
2.) TFA Benefit Dinner
I had the privilege of attending the dinner as a Corps Member and meeting many of the community members who support educational excellence across Houston. I was blessed to be introduced to the keynote speaker Michelle Rhee, TFA Alumni and Chancellor of D.C. Public Schools. I had the great pleasure of meeting her and getting a chance to interact with a person I admire. She was very gracious and her speech was as inspiring and informative as it was entertaining. The highlight of the night was getting the opportunity to speak to so many people about what I get to do every day in my classroom. I love talking about my kids and all the things they've been able to accomplish. I am more honored than ever to be part of this movement.
I'm not sure what my future will be in the education movement. It may be in the classroom providing my kids with a teacher who will never stop working to become better at my craft. It may in the national reform movement ensuring every child has access to a great education. It may be in the private sector keeping companies invested and involved in educating their future workforce. I can only say for now that it will be a significant part of my future and I am so excited to be a part of it.
1.) Waiting For Superman:
Our School was treated to a free sneak peak of this education documentary before it hit theatres in Houston today. I have to say the experience of viewing a film about the truths you experience every day, surrounded by educational professionals made the experience very memorable. The film brings to the front several issues that impact not just the future of America's schools, but America as a country. It exposes the real life effects of the Achievement Gap as well as the Global Education Gap between our students and their foreign peers.
Hands down the most impactful part of this film was putting faces and names to the children and parents who are stuck in a system plagued by low expectations, red tape, and unfulfilled promises. It reminds us that the problem with education in America is not the kids, it’s the adults. We are in control of their future and our students MUST come first. Teachers, administrators, parents, and community members are all part of this fight. We must ALL take responsibility and take action.
Teaching is a profession. Teachers should be held to the highest standards of performance as well as supported and developed to ensure they are set up to help their children succeed. The power of GREAT teachers must be celebrated and harnessed to help other teachers BECOME great.
If the movie is playing in your city, I encourage you to see it. Just remember, that movies don't make a difference, PEOPLE do. If it inspires you, go out and take action.
2.) TFA Benefit Dinner
I had the privilege of attending the dinner as a Corps Member and meeting many of the community members who support educational excellence across Houston. I was blessed to be introduced to the keynote speaker Michelle Rhee, TFA Alumni and Chancellor of D.C. Public Schools. I had the great pleasure of meeting her and getting a chance to interact with a person I admire. She was very gracious and her speech was as inspiring and informative as it was entertaining. The highlight of the night was getting the opportunity to speak to so many people about what I get to do every day in my classroom. I love talking about my kids and all the things they've been able to accomplish. I am more honored than ever to be part of this movement.
I'm not sure what my future will be in the education movement. It may be in the classroom providing my kids with a teacher who will never stop working to become better at my craft. It may in the national reform movement ensuring every child has access to a great education. It may be in the private sector keeping companies invested and involved in educating their future workforce. I can only say for now that it will be a significant part of my future and I am so excited to be a part of it.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Let's Do the Numbers
.Perfect Weather. Perfect Weekend.
10 - The number of dollars I lost at Man Bites Dog because I didn't check my change. The hot dog was still amazing and I will be back.
9 - The length of my frozen banana from Bananarchy which was dipped in choco then rolled in cinnomon and coconut. It was sublime.
8 - The number of points we lost by this weekend :-(
7 - Date of the TFA benefit dinner where I get to play hostess. Excited? You bet I am!
6 - Cost of Admission to Oktoberfest in Fredricksburg with Chris and Teri where I delighted in brew, sausage, polka, and potato pancakes. Top moment was a cop approaching Teri and asking ever so sweetly if that was a beer she was drinking, before carding all 3 of us. He was so sure he was going to get to kick out a bunch of kids. Sorry guy.
Also the date of when I get to go see an advanced screening of Waiting For Superman with the YP family.
5 - Number of times in an episode of Mad Men I want to smack someone for being awful. However the show is fantastic.
4 - Texts I got from Katherine over the weekend while she was AT the TX-OU game. None were mean.
3 - Hours it takes to get from Houston to Austin. I wish it wasn't so far.
2 - Of the best days I've had in forever
1- Number of kitties almost adopted by Chris. She was so cute.
10 - The number of dollars I lost at Man Bites Dog because I didn't check my change. The hot dog was still amazing and I will be back.
9 - The length of my frozen banana from Bananarchy which was dipped in choco then rolled in cinnomon and coconut. It was sublime.
8 - The number of points we lost by this weekend :-(
7 - Date of the TFA benefit dinner where I get to play hostess. Excited? You bet I am!
6 - Cost of Admission to Oktoberfest in Fredricksburg with Chris and Teri where I delighted in brew, sausage, polka, and potato pancakes. Top moment was a cop approaching Teri and asking ever so sweetly if that was a beer she was drinking, before carding all 3 of us. He was so sure he was going to get to kick out a bunch of kids. Sorry guy.
Also the date of when I get to go see an advanced screening of Waiting For Superman with the YP family.
5 - Number of times in an episode of Mad Men I want to smack someone for being awful. However the show is fantastic.
4 - Texts I got from Katherine over the weekend while she was AT the TX-OU game. None were mean.
3 - Hours it takes to get from Houston to Austin. I wish it wasn't so far.
2 - Of the best days I've had in forever
1- Number of kitties almost adopted by Chris. She was so cute.
Sometimes two isn't enough
About Me
- hugsNstuff
- The life and times of a former Teach For America Corps Member restarting my life in Austin. Surviving on too much coffee, good friends, idealism, red wine, and a healthy dose of annoyance.