10th and LAST Response

For this week you were to read from June 28th through the rest of the book.

And just like that...it was over.
This is easily the 4th time I've read this book...and yet again I find myself drawn to tears over the way it all ends for her.  The journey back three years later to see her 31 (well minus 16) graduate from 8th grade.  The internal dialogue she has wondering if these same actions, attitudes, messages, pride, etc are also prevalent at majority white graduations is profound.  Even more profound however for me is that nagging sense she has that she's not happy.  As she ticks off the reasons she SHOULD be happy I am captivated by one thought...She's no longer making a difference in the kids lives.  Regardless of how frustrated and annoyed I got with her throughout this book...That is the ONE thing I can truly point to as a success for her...She made a difference.  Will you?

Now it's your turn...

Reaction:
What is one part from this section to which you found yourself having an emotional reaction?  What was the part, and what emotions did it evoke for you?

Connections:
What were some things you found strong connections back to some of your Junior EDEC courses?  What were the courses and how did you make the connections?

Extensions:
PIck one of the following:

pg 191
"The difference between a beginning teacher and and experienced one is that the beginning teacher asks, 'How am I doing?' and the experienced teacher asks, 'How are the children doing?'"

pg 194
"People snicker, "Those who can't do, teach."...to the bottom..."Everything they become, I also become. And everything about me, they helped to create."

pg 199
Pick one of the challenges listed on page 199 and 200 to respond to in regard to how YOU would've handled it.

pg 202
"How effective were her electronic quiz games, the marshmallow castle, the bubbles festival, and the sushi menu?  That's for you the reader, to think about, and please God, all the governors and school board chairs, too."

Our first seminar session will be Thursday the 18th around 11 I believe.
Please bring your Esme book.  We will do the activity with our children's book that we read during the NEXT seminar session so no need to bring that until the next week.

I find myself growing very anxious and excited for all of you to return.
See you soon!
Love ya!
Mean it!
Dr. VW

9th Response

For this week you were to read May 22nd up to but not including June 28th.

This next to last section we begin to see the hard work, energy, and enthusiasm Esme started with payoff for her and find its way back into her day to day interactions.

I can certainly relate to having to teach sex ed to a group of 5th and 6th graders in mixed company.  It's likely one of the most uncomfortable spots I've ever been in as a teacher especially the year our beloved president Clinton put oral sex on the news for all to hear.  Boy, I had some interesting questions that year.  I still need to send that man a thank you note!  :-)

The interactions she had with B.B., Melanie, and Ozzie are just a few examples of truly knowing her students and providing what is needed specifically for each at the time.  This is one of my pet peeves with zero tolerance behavior or management plans...it removes the teacher from making logical choices and decisions that may be more appropriate for the specific student at that moment in time.

I LOVED the laundry list of amazing things she did with her class to achieve the gains on the standardized test.  That is something she can truly hold her head high about and celebrate!

Again we return to the Madame issue...I have to echo...why does it matter?  why does he care?  why is she turning this into such a battle?

Now it's your turn...

Reaction:
What's one section to which you find yourself reacting in an emotional way?  What emotions are evoked and why do you feel this particular section made you feel this way?

Connection:
What is something from this section that you can connect back to one of your Jr. EDEC courses?  Which class does it remind you of and why?

Extensions:
Page 178
"When you have a classroom of your own, you just can't do every idea you think of."  I feel I came pretty close.  I am fried as an egg.  My personal relationships have suffered.  I see now why so many of the older teachers are divorced.  I am tired and lonely, but the children have enjoyed a measure of success.  It can go on their permanent records.  For what it's worth.

This quote makes me think of all the things you all complained about during your Junior year.  I feel like it will be even more prevalent in your senior year and to hear a first year teacher reiterate the vacuum teachers operate within has got to be somewhat intimidating, scary, worrisome, terrifying (you pick your own adjective).  How are you feeling about beginning this last leg of your journey and what specifically will you take with you from this quirky lady's journey as you begin yours?

Our LAST entry will be next week.  We'll read June 28th through the end of the book.  Our first seminar we'll make some connections and review the book and will also do some things with the children's book you chose to read.

Can't wait to see you all!
Let me know if you need anything as you begin returning and meeting your teachers.
Love ya!
Mean it!
Dr. VW

8th Response

So, as Jessica pointed out I totally skipped a week in my posting.  Rather than back up and hit it I'm going to include it in this week's posting which means we'll be finished a week earlier with the book than I had mapped out for you guys at the beginning.  Sorry.  I was so excited to hear all your song choices...I jumped the gun on that one!

February 21st-April 1st

Loving me some cha-cha distribution slide...Even found that song and added it to the Esme playlist I created for all of you last week!

The way Esme has established roles and reading circles in her classroom is quite similar to what I used to do.  I loved literature circles and the roles really free up the teacher to make some powerful connections with students, sit in on small groups, and even pull individuals for remediation.
 
The other things in this section that stick out to me...
The success of the conflict resolution as well as choices she gives for assessment are moments that allow me to regain my respect for her.

The whole creepy moving furniture situation and the lady basically admitting she plagiarizes...well...I guess since Dr. King did this it makes it okay huh?

April 15th-May 22nd

WOW!  The entire conversation with Mr. Turner this time over why he's not doing his job and the lack of hope, expectations, or even respect he so obviously has for the children in this school is beyond troubling.
This conversation snowballs into the scene with his mom beating him in the hall and Esme trying to comfort him mere minutes before he's to take the standardized test showing what he's learned in 5th grade this year.

This whole section gave me chills and upset me probably more than any other in the book.  To know how hard she's worked to establish trust, high expectations, and PRIDE in her classroom this year...regardless of her attitude...she's connected with her students in powerful ways and this whole situation is sickening beyond words.

Now your turn...

Reactions:
From either or both sections...What is something to which you find yourself reacting emotionally?  What emotions were evoked and why do you feel this situation brought this out in you?

Connections:
From either or both sections...What is something you can connect back to your EDEC courses from this section?  How does it connect for you?

Extensions:
From either or both sections...
You select from the following quotes to respond/react to...

pg 124
"He's mad because I let this happen to him.  He's hurting.  He's hurting, but he's going to be accountable now."

pg 150
"You don't understand.  They're black."
Well...this whole section really

pg 158
"I'm so proud of their successes.  I know in the face of the wide world these are small victories, but sometimes a little song is sweet to hear, even if an orchestra is more accomplished."

pg 160 & 161
her whole description of 'teaching school' and what they Don't tell you

pg 165
"I really do feel proud of myself.  I feel good, like I did something I wanted to do and it turned out like I imagined, and in life that doesn't happen too often."

For next time we'll respond to May 22nd up to but not including June 28th.

I know you're all spending these last few days of freedom doing wonderful things and storing up all that energy and rest so that you'll be in prime form come August!  Let me know if you need anything!
Love ya!
Mean it!
Dr. VW

7th Response

For this week you should have read April 1st up to but not including April 15th.

I really struggled hearing Esme's internal dialogue during the conversation with Mr. Turner.  While I laughed at some parts others really caused me to cringe.  She's in a situation here where she should be reacting in a happy, relieved, thankful (pick one) way and yet she's just obstinate, vulgar, and sarcastic...I HOPE that all we read here didn't actually come out of her mouth.  I realize she's had her fill of this man (rightly so).  However, at this point I get a real sense that she's also now lost her focus on the kids.  It's really troubling to know that the stress and strain her daily grind could get her to this point.

I really enjoyed reading the segment where the curriculum alignment specialist visited.  The exchange between Esme and this person was right on the money.  Only YOU know what your students are capable of regarding how fast you go and what concepts you present and when.  To have someone else determine this for you is ludicrous and actually demeaning to the role of a teacher.  I'm glad she challenged the assumptions here!

Now it's your turn...

Reactions:
What is one area in this section to which you found yourself reacting emotionally?  What emotions were evoked and why do you feel this section caused you to feel this way?

Connections:
Is there anything from this section you can connect back to any of your Junior year EDEC courses?  If so, which ones and why?

Extensions:
I love the way Esme uses her music for therapy, motivation, stress relief, damage control, and more.
Here is a link to a YouTube playlist I created that contains most (if not all) of the songs Esme has referred to in this section (and others).

I wonder...what are your current therapeutic music choices?

What do you listen to when you need...
Motivation-
Stress Relief-
to Love people more-
to feel less afraid-
to deal with frustration-

What's your current favorite....anytime...feel good song?

Here are mine...

Motivation-Sweet Home Alabama

Stress Relief-Breakaway

to Love people more-Bubbly

to feel less afraid-House at Pooh Corner

to deal with frustration-Free and Easy Down the Road I Go

What's your current favorite....anytime...feel good song?

Dog Days 

Rolling in the Deep

or The Edge of Glory

For next time read April 15th up to but not including May 22nd.

Can't wait to get some new songs to add to my playlist!

See you all soon!

Love ya!

Mean it!

Dr. VW

6th Response

For this section you were to read January 13th up to but not including February 21st.

My focus for this section was Billy teaching for the day.  I wonder about Esme so distinctly hearing her voice and seeing her actions in this young mans mannerisms throughout the day.  I loved that she followed through with this.  I also really loved that she participated and took his role for the day.  She managed to turn what could have been a HUGE behavior issue complete with conferences, office referrals, suspensions, tons of paperwork, and red tape into an assessment and in essence a learning opportunity for more than just Billy.  What a truly powerful experience...RED FLAG...I hope no other kids get the wild hair to misbehave this badly in hopes that they'll get to do what he did.  I can totally see that coming back to bite her!

After the rest of this section, it's almost better for me to think about which situation I find the least appalling...
1.  Having someone openly criticize the way I've chosen to decorate my classroom.
2.  Having my students STAB a substitute.
3.  Having someone actually demean or belittle the instructional choices I made based on what my students needed at that moment in time.
4.  Or...the entire Madame blow-up creeping back up AGAIN.
I can certainly see how Esme arrived at a point that was just moments away from quitting.  Actually, as brash and as cocky as she is...I'm rather shocked she was convinced NOT to leave.

Now it's your turn...

Reaction:
What is one section in this part to which you found yourself reacting emotionally?  What reaction did you have?  Why do you think this section evoked this emotion from you at this time?

Connection:
Is there anything specific from this section you can connect back to a course from your Junior year?  Think specifically in regard to Logical Thought, Child Development, Creative Expressions, etc.

Extension:
So many things I want to know---but the one quote I keep getting pulled back to for you guys this time is toward the bottom of page 102.

"Only those who do not understand us have reason to fear us."

I see quite clearly how this quote comes into play in a powerful and meaningful way for Esme at the point in the journal in which it is used.  What does it mean for you?

There will be no new post during the 4th of July week.
Our next post will be added July 13th.
It will cover February 21st up to but not including April 1st.

I sent all of you an e-mail with the internet posted pre-planning and first day of school dates for all the districts we use.  I hope by this time you've made contact with your host teacher and have things worked out.

I'd like to have a welcome back party once this all gets underway.  I'll be posting plans for that soon.
I hope you are all finding ways to squeeze in some relaxation and fun as we wind down our summer.
Please be safe during the 4th of July Holiday.

Love ya!
Mean it!
Dr. VW

5th Response

For this week's response you should have read from the beginning of Part II up to but not including January 13th.

Where to start...where to start...where to start?  You KNOW I love the Time Machine.  I love the build up to turning it on...I love what it represents...I love that the kids bought into it hook, line, and sinker...I love that it took even just one girl to a higher level in her thinking, word choice and reading skills in just one visit.

I also found myself totally relating to the Slick Boys rap assembly.  I've been that teacher that tries to get her class up and involved and ends up getting pulled up on stage myself.  I've seen the way this energizes kids and have actually made connections with kids that were standoffish and hard to relate to because of my choice to try to learn the dance, the move, the technique being demonstrated.  It takes me back to the whole idea of respecting cultural differences rather than pretending you're too good to 'stoop to that level.'  What a tremendous jump she made in the eyes of not only her students but the entire school that day.

The quiet reading time that she's worked so hard to accomplish, the special ed teacher yearning to be liked, the sweet girl who'd had her birthday forgotten, and insulting faggots all drew me in as well.  She has a gift in her prose and style no doubt.  We're about to get into one of my favorite parts with Billy coming next but I'll stop here for now.

Your turn...

Reaction:
What is one part within this section you found yourself reacting to in some emotional way.  What was the part and what were the emotions it evoked?  Why do you think it brought out these feelings in you?

Connection:
Can you make any connections to anything in particular in this section and any of your junior year EDU courses?  Think specifically about logical thought, creative expressions, child development, children's literature, etc.


Extensions:
"It's not our job to be liked," I remind her.  "It's our job to help them be smart."  Secretly, I thought, Who gives a rat's ass if they like us?  Sometimes I can hardly stand them! (page 87)


Early in my EDU courses at Wesleyan I had a professor ask each person in the class to tell him why we all got into education.  The way the chairs were arranged I would be the last to respond as he went around the room.  I worried like crazy the whole time about what I would say as I heard the following responses...


The majority of the class said something along the lines of...
"Oh, I just love kids and everything they do."
I remember thinking...well...no...I really don't like kids that much


I recall at least 2 girls saying...
"I came from a whole family of teachers and I just feel called to follow in their footsteps."
I remember thinking...nope...I'm the ONLY one in my family to even graduate from high school


The girl right next to me said...
"My grandfather instilled in me a lifelong love of learning and books and I want to do the same."
Me...negative...no books in my house...no grandfather...no father...oh wait...we did have a TV Guide, a phone book and a Bible


You guys get the point...Right?
So what did I say when it was my turn?


"I want to be a teacher because I hated almost every teacher I ever had.  I remember sitting in class as early as third grade and thinking...there has GOT to be a better way for this lady to teach me this stuff...So...I want to be a teacher to find out if I'm right."


At the end of this process the professor said..."I'm going to make a prediction that Virginia will be the ONLY one of you in 15 years still pursuing this as a career path because if you guys are counting on 'loving' kids to get you through the tough times then you're in for a world of hurt.  You can't love every kid and you can't possibly love them enough to fix all their problems and make them learn."  


I don't know mathematically how correct he was in his prediction but it made an impact on me just the way this section did.


If you get asked this SAME question in your interview for a job this time next year...how will YOU respond?


I love seeing what you're all doing on Facebook.  I can tell you're all doing something you enjoy.  I am envious of the trips to the beach, and vacations but know that will return you to me rested, relaxed, and focused!


For next week we'll be reading January 13th up to but not including February 21st.


Keep reading!
Love ya!
Mean it!
Dr. VW

4th Response

For this week you should have read November 5th up through the end of page 71.

In this section we begin to get some serious insight into why Esme wants to be called madame (quite logical the way she breaks it down) and even what may have provoked Mr. Turner to making this an 'issue' with her...Any ideas out there on what the catalyst for his challenge to her on this REALLY may have been?  :-)

I loved hearing about 3 big things in this section...

The success of the Addy book assembly was a satisfying culmination of some hard work, innovative ideas, and enthusiasm on behalf of Esme.  You can quite literally feel how very proud she was for this to have gone as well as it did.

The entire story about Esme's childhood landlady and the library/whorehouse is not only humorous in a rather sad way but tremendously insightful into cultural diversity.  That there are children who actually admire the way a 'whore' dresses and looks is something so foreign to me and the lifestyle I knew growing up it is incredibly hard for me to grasp.  I think for me this was a huge cultural aha moment the first time I read this book.  What about you guys?

The final occurrence that I found myself drawn to was the Christmas program...31 kids dancing a cajun Christmas program...If that's not a brave teacher I'm not sure what qualifies but what I really loved was the way she described her class on page 71
"My class was the most attractive, most festive, most ambitious, most original, and noisiest.  They were the most smiling, most intricate, most cooperative.  They made me proud.  They made themselves proud."  WOW!  Just Wow!

Come to think of it I could likely use all that to describe my cohort!  :-)

Now it's your turn!

Reaction:
What is one part within this section you found yourself reacting to in some emotional way.  What was the part and what were the emotions it evoked?  Why do you think it brought out these feelings in you?

Connection:
Can you make any connections to anything in particular in this section and any of your junior year EDU courses?  Think specifically about logical thought, creative expressions, child development, children's literature, etc.

Extensions:
First of all...How do you feel about Esme asking the students to call her madame and her choice to not back down on this when challenged by Mr. Turner?
Second of all...Given what you've read to this point...How ready are you to have such a 'silly job?'

Lastly...Anyone have any 'ahas' oooh around the bottom of page 69?

For June 22nd You should read from the beginning of Part II up to but not including January 13th.

Can you believe June is almost over?  Please tell me you're all doing something incredibly fun with your time...you've each earned it!

Believe it or not...I miss you all terribly!
Love ya!
Mean it!
Dr. VW