Friday, February 18, 2005
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
White America
Last week, my students and I were reading a story by Alice Walker. In order to reflect on the story's message, I asked my students to think about their culture and heritage. Many of them have difficulty thinking about that--where they come from, their cultural identity, and their family traditions. They think that culture is limited to the ethnic foods that one eats.
It's even more difficult for students who are of European descent. As one of my students said to me, "This is an unfair question. I'm white; I have no culture."
I have no culture. Those are the most disappointing words one can ever say. When I hear students--especially white students--say this, I think to myself that multicultural America has done this. I believe in diversity, but not to the point where one culture, that of European descent, has been forgotten. Unfortunately, that's where we are today. Multicultural America, multicultural education, multicultural literature, and multicultural history has been the craze in the past decade in order to give equal time in the books to historically oppressed cultures. In implied ways, educators and even the common laymen have pointed the fingers that the whites are to blame for slavery, for oppression, for Hitler, and for being too dominant.
When talking about culture in the classroom, my white kids feel left out. They think being white means having no valid cultural experience. They sit with idle thumbs while they listen to Asian, Mexican, and black kids talk about how they spend Christmas, the foods they eat during holidays, and the superstitions that their mothers pass down. They think that being white is something to feel guilty over because their ancestors have historically oppressed other people. If America is supposed to be about pride in one's identity, my white kids don't have much to be proud of. They've been taught to oppress themselves while multicultural students have their moment in the "multicultural spotlight."
It's even more difficult for students who are of European descent. As one of my students said to me, "This is an unfair question. I'm white; I have no culture."
I have no culture. Those are the most disappointing words one can ever say. When I hear students--especially white students--say this, I think to myself that multicultural America has done this. I believe in diversity, but not to the point where one culture, that of European descent, has been forgotten. Unfortunately, that's where we are today. Multicultural America, multicultural education, multicultural literature, and multicultural history has been the craze in the past decade in order to give equal time in the books to historically oppressed cultures. In implied ways, educators and even the common laymen have pointed the fingers that the whites are to blame for slavery, for oppression, for Hitler, and for being too dominant.
When talking about culture in the classroom, my white kids feel left out. They think being white means having no valid cultural experience. They sit with idle thumbs while they listen to Asian, Mexican, and black kids talk about how they spend Christmas, the foods they eat during holidays, and the superstitions that their mothers pass down. They think that being white is something to feel guilty over because their ancestors have historically oppressed other people. If America is supposed to be about pride in one's identity, my white kids don't have much to be proud of. They've been taught to oppress themselves while multicultural students have their moment in the "multicultural spotlight."
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
Pain
I've said it once, and I'll say it again: being a teacher, one is constantly surrounded by the boundless domain (oxymoron, people!) of stupidity.
It is painful to be around it... and it's only February.
It is painful to be around it... and it's only February.
Friday, February 04, 2005
A Different Breed
A teacher from San Diego who is also teaching at the same school where I work warned me that "the kids up here are a different breed." I thought that there couldn't be that much difference: kids are kids. They all hate homework ,and they all think school is just a six-hour social gathering.
Now that I'm into the second semester, I do agree with the above statement: the kids up here in Riverside are a different breed. They are lazier than the students I taught in San Diego. (Actually, there was this lower than low moment of stupidity in San Diego...)
Just a few days ago, I was in the computer lab with my class teaching them on how to format their essays using the MLA style. I gave out the handout with instructions. I even went the extra step and cut and paste pictures on the insructions so that kids had a visual when they looked at MS Word. We went over the directions before they started. Then I asked, "Does everybody understand what to do?" I got a resounding "YES" as a reply.
As soon as they logged onto the computers and opened up MS Word, I got a dozen hands up in the air and a bunch of whiny complaints of "What are we supposed to do?" or "I don't know how to do this." The handout of instructions was tucked under their keyboard or thrown on the floor. Some students stashed into their books and back pack thinking it was homework.
"Did you read the directions?" I asked.
"No. Where are the directions?"
I pull out the handout from under the keyboard. "Were you listening as we went over the handout?"
"Yes."
"Then follow the directions here." I turn to the side where there are instructions.
The student still stared at the blank screen of MS Word with a blinking cursor. "But I don't know how to make the heading."
"Read the instructions. They're there." I point to the pictures and the words--God forbid-- the words!
"I don't read. Nobody reads. You expect us to read?" the student whined. "Can't you just show it to me?" [In other words, "Can't you just show it to me by doing it for me?"]
"No," I disgustedly replied. You fucked up little snot, I thought to myself.
They are that fucking lazy to read up here. Reading a paragraph is too much for them. They sleep during a four-page short story. No one reads the daily agenda that I write every day. Every time they walk into class, they still ask me, "What are we doing today?" and when I point to the board to show them the daily agenda, they don't even bother to read it. They bring their books but they stare at the walls. They complain about the homework, which they never do. They turn in low quality work because no one believes in typing or neatness or careful work.
And they bitch about why they got an F.
I'd like to say, "You got an F because you're stupid." Let me define my meaning of stupidity. Stupidity to me, is not the incapability to learn, because all kids can learn, stupidity is when one fails to use common sense. Stupidity is the incapability to see how one's actions and the consequences of those actions are directly related. Stupidity is when one doesn't even use simple reasoning and logic to figure out their own mistakes and to see how everything is connected. Two plus two is four; no homework plus sleeping in class is an F.
"But I come to class everyday" does not mean credit. The kids up here are stupid. They think merely existing or taking up a seat in a classroom means they're passing. Where's the logic in that reasoning?
Now that I'm into the second semester, I do agree with the above statement: the kids up here in Riverside are a different breed. They are lazier than the students I taught in San Diego. (Actually, there was this lower than low moment of stupidity in San Diego...)
Just a few days ago, I was in the computer lab with my class teaching them on how to format their essays using the MLA style. I gave out the handout with instructions. I even went the extra step and cut and paste pictures on the insructions so that kids had a visual when they looked at MS Word. We went over the directions before they started. Then I asked, "Does everybody understand what to do?" I got a resounding "YES" as a reply.
As soon as they logged onto the computers and opened up MS Word, I got a dozen hands up in the air and a bunch of whiny complaints of "What are we supposed to do?" or "I don't know how to do this." The handout of instructions was tucked under their keyboard or thrown on the floor. Some students stashed into their books and back pack thinking it was homework.
"Did you read the directions?" I asked.
"No. Where are the directions?"
I pull out the handout from under the keyboard. "Were you listening as we went over the handout?"
"Yes."
"Then follow the directions here." I turn to the side where there are instructions.
The student still stared at the blank screen of MS Word with a blinking cursor. "But I don't know how to make the heading."
"Read the instructions. They're there." I point to the pictures and the words--God forbid-- the words!
"I don't read. Nobody reads. You expect us to read?" the student whined. "Can't you just show it to me?" [In other words, "Can't you just show it to me by doing it for me?"]
"No," I disgustedly replied. You fucked up little snot, I thought to myself.
They are that fucking lazy to read up here. Reading a paragraph is too much for them. They sleep during a four-page short story. No one reads the daily agenda that I write every day. Every time they walk into class, they still ask me, "What are we doing today?" and when I point to the board to show them the daily agenda, they don't even bother to read it. They bring their books but they stare at the walls. They complain about the homework, which they never do. They turn in low quality work because no one believes in typing or neatness or careful work.
And they bitch about why they got an F.
I'd like to say, "You got an F because you're stupid." Let me define my meaning of stupidity. Stupidity to me, is not the incapability to learn, because all kids can learn, stupidity is when one fails to use common sense. Stupidity is the incapability to see how one's actions and the consequences of those actions are directly related. Stupidity is when one doesn't even use simple reasoning and logic to figure out their own mistakes and to see how everything is connected. Two plus two is four; no homework plus sleeping in class is an F.
"But I come to class everyday" does not mean credit. The kids up here are stupid. They think merely existing or taking up a seat in a classroom means they're passing. Where's the logic in that reasoning?
Wednesday, January 19, 2005
FAQs at the Semester
As the semester draws to a close, the two most commonly asked questions that I get asked are:
My usual response: "Let's see what you could have done to pass my class..."
My response: "I don't do extra credit."
And today's kicker question came from a Filipino student, who, after having explained to her that late work will result with a late penalty of ten points, asked me: "How about five points? Come on... It's about the Pinay hook-up..."
I uttered back: "I don't do racial hook-ups."
"What can I do to pass the class?"
My usual response: "Let's see what you could have done to pass my class..."
"Is there any extra credit I can do?"
My response: "I don't do extra credit."
And today's kicker question came from a Filipino student, who, after having explained to her that late work will result with a late penalty of ten points, asked me: "How about five points? Come on... It's about the Pinay hook-up..."
I uttered back: "I don't do racial hook-ups."
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
Causing Raucous
I participated in my first staff meeting. Participated meaning that I spoke out for the first time. I'm usually a passive person when it comes to faculty meetings, but I became frustrated when other teachers began bashing the English Department. You don't want to go there...
I tried to be objective, but the tone of my voice may have been misconstrued as "venting anger." First of all, the meeting was held in a large resonant room, but for the life of me, I still couldn't hear half of the people on the other side whenever they spoke. When I decided to speak out, I had to use my "teacher voice" in order to be heard. My loud voice must have been misinterpretted as the "angry teacher standing up for the department" as showed by some very strange emails circulating around the English Department praising me and an apology from the teacher who started up the issue that got me fired up in the first place.
I didn't mean to sound like a bitch, but in the end, somehow I always do. I hope that I'm not remembered as the bitch English teacher of the department--or even worse--of the entire faculty. And I hope this doesn't count against me during my probationary period.
I tried to be objective, but the tone of my voice may have been misconstrued as "venting anger." First of all, the meeting was held in a large resonant room, but for the life of me, I still couldn't hear half of the people on the other side whenever they spoke. When I decided to speak out, I had to use my "teacher voice" in order to be heard. My loud voice must have been misinterpretted as the "angry teacher standing up for the department" as showed by some very strange emails circulating around the English Department praising me and an apology from the teacher who started up the issue that got me fired up in the first place.
I didn't mean to sound like a bitch, but in the end, somehow I always do. I hope that I'm not remembered as the bitch English teacher of the department--or even worse--of the entire faculty. And I hope this doesn't count against me during my probationary period.
Saturday, January 01, 2005
2005
I'd like to say that the old drama from 2004 didn't follow me into the new year, but it has. The shit hit the fan and it's already looking pretty grim.
Friday, December 31, 2004
2004
It's the last day of 2004. I didn't do any work that I brought from school. School will resume in three days. I'm totally screwed.
And the only definite plan is that I'm partying tonight.
And the only definite plan is that I'm partying tonight.
Tuesday, December 28, 2004
Loss
"We Might As Well Be Strangers"
I don't know your thoughts these days
We're strangers in an empty space
I don't understand your heart
It's easier to be apart
We might as well be strangers in another town
We might as well be living in another town
We might as well...
We might as well be strangers
--Keane
I don't know your thoughts these days
We're strangers in an empty space
I don't understand your heart
It's easier to be apart
We might as well be strangers in another town
We might as well be living in another town
We might as well...
We might as well be strangers
--Keane
Friday, December 24, 2004
Holidays
The only thing I like about the holidays is that it's a vacation away from work, even though I brought work home with me. It's just the fact that I'm not at the school which makes it very relaxing.
Other than that, I really don't like the holidays.
Other than that, I really don't like the holidays.
Friday, December 10, 2004
Forms of Compliments
I got some strange compliments this week. And to feed my narcissism, I want to share.
#1: A history teacher caught up with me in the hall and told me that he's been hearing great things about me. "From whom?" I asked. He replied: "Well, my students have been complaining that this [his history class] is their hardest class. I told them, 'Aww, come on. This can't be your hardest class'. As they thought about it, they changed their answer from his class to my English class. 'Yeah,' they agreed, "her class is the hardest!' So, you're doing a good job."
#2: I wore one outfit that most of the English teachers said was, like, the "official" English teacher look. What was I wearing? A gray knee length skirt, a black turtleneck, and long boots. I call it my S&M-sexy librarian look. But the other teachers thought I looked like a very sophisticated English teacher.
#3: My students from my sixth period showed me some love today. Since I trust them, I left my classroom for just a wee-bit (technically, students are not allowed to be left in the classroom without adult supervision--even for a minute). When I returned, they were still doing their work. After school, one of the students told me what really happened. "StudentA went to your computer wanting to see his grade and thought he could change it. But StudentB said, 'No... Come on... It's Ms. G.' StudentB says, 'Yeah... okay,' and returns to his seat." How is that a compliment? They're just good like that. And of course, some good discipline on my part. I must be doing something right.
It was a good week. Next week will be even better.
#1: A history teacher caught up with me in the hall and told me that he's been hearing great things about me. "From whom?" I asked. He replied: "Well, my students have been complaining that this [his history class] is their hardest class. I told them, 'Aww, come on. This can't be your hardest class'. As they thought about it, they changed their answer from his class to my English class. 'Yeah,' they agreed, "her class is the hardest!' So, you're doing a good job."
#2: I wore one outfit that most of the English teachers said was, like, the "official" English teacher look. What was I wearing? A gray knee length skirt, a black turtleneck, and long boots. I call it my S&M-sexy librarian look. But the other teachers thought I looked like a very sophisticated English teacher.
#3: My students from my sixth period showed me some love today. Since I trust them, I left my classroom for just a wee-bit (technically, students are not allowed to be left in the classroom without adult supervision--even for a minute). When I returned, they were still doing their work. After school, one of the students told me what really happened. "StudentA went to your computer wanting to see his grade and thought he could change it. But StudentB said, 'No... Come on... It's Ms. G.' StudentB says, 'Yeah... okay,' and returns to his seat." How is that a compliment? They're just good like that. And of course, some good discipline on my part. I must be doing something right.
It was a good week. Next week will be even better.
Tuesday, December 07, 2004
Sub Day
I took a "day off." Actually, I attended a conference at CSU San Bernardino about the ACT test. Because it was a work day, I had to call for a substitute. My evil twin, who was already stressed out and did not think he could make it till Christmas break, decided to call in sick.
Leaving kids with a sub is not always the greatest thing for some teachers. I felt like a parent leaving their toddler with a babysitter for the first time. I laid out explicit instructions for the day's lesson plan, I even thought about leaving my cell phone number just in case of emergency. I told my kids to be good and all that jazz. My goodness... I am a parent.
After that conference, I called up the twin and asked him if he wanted to go to UC Riverside and hang out at the library and grade work. I noticed something different about him that I'm sure his kids will point out tomorrow:
"You shouldn't have gotten a haircut," I said.
"Why not? I needed it, and today was the perfect day to get my errands done."
"I mean, you went out and got a haircut. You must have been really sick today."
Realization hit. "Damn it! I didn't even think of that! Argh!"
New teachers. So much to learn...
Leaving kids with a sub is not always the greatest thing for some teachers. I felt like a parent leaving their toddler with a babysitter for the first time. I laid out explicit instructions for the day's lesson plan, I even thought about leaving my cell phone number just in case of emergency. I told my kids to be good and all that jazz. My goodness... I am a parent.
After that conference, I called up the twin and asked him if he wanted to go to UC Riverside and hang out at the library and grade work. I noticed something different about him that I'm sure his kids will point out tomorrow:
"You shouldn't have gotten a haircut," I said.
"Why not? I needed it, and today was the perfect day to get my errands done."
"I mean, you went out and got a haircut. You must have been really sick today."
Realization hit. "Damn it! I didn't even think of that! Argh!"
New teachers. So much to learn...
Monday, December 06, 2004
Update
I'm still here. I'm just extremely busy. Teachers have no social lives between September to June. I'm so ready for the holiday break.
So far, my only accomplishment--besides surviving these past four months-- is that I've finally converted my fellow colleague and geek compadre into further geekdom; I got him to watch the first DVD of Escaflowne and he actually likes it. We just hadn't had time to watch the rest of the DVDs... all those classes and those kids are in the way.
So far, my only accomplishment--besides surviving these past four months-- is that I've finally converted my fellow colleague and geek compadre into further geekdom; I got him to watch the first DVD of Escaflowne and he actually likes it. We just hadn't had time to watch the rest of the DVDs... all those classes and those kids are in the way.
Friday, November 12, 2004
Comments I Wish I Could Put On a Report Card
1. Your child is a waste of my time.
2. Your child is such a f**king loser.
3. Your child doesn't care about his/her grade, so why should I?
4. Corporal punishment needed.
5. Your child need not bother come to school. No one wants him/her here.
6. Home schooling is highly encouraged.
7. Alternative/Continuation school recommended.
8. Birth control is highly recommended for your idiot kid to prevent procreation.
9. May I whoop your child upside the head?
10. School/Classroom environment would be better improved without the presence of your moronic spawn of a child.
2. Your child is such a f**king loser.
3. Your child doesn't care about his/her grade, so why should I?
4. Corporal punishment needed.
5. Your child need not bother come to school. No one wants him/her here.
6. Home schooling is highly encouraged.
7. Alternative/Continuation school recommended.
8. Birth control is highly recommended for your idiot kid to prevent procreation.
9. May I whoop your child upside the head?
10. School/Classroom environment would be better improved without the presence of your moronic spawn of a child.
Tuesday, November 02, 2004
Bad American
Some of you are going to be mad.
I didn't vote. I wanted to, but I couldn't leave school early enough to make it to my polling place (damn kids...).
My students were actually curious about who I was going to vote for. It's funny how they think that voting is as simple as counting ballots. They imagine that the card I punch holes on will actually have the question, "Who do you want for President: Bush or Kerry?" and that I simply check my choice. That's all they were asking me. What about the propositions? I don't know why those interested me this year.
I try not to talk about religion and politics in the classroom; those are ugly cans of worms. If I get too involved in the debate, I supposedly "taint" students by influencing or impressing my own beliefs to them, for which I can get into trouble with administrators.
FYI, I was for Bush. I have Republican tendencies, contrary to many of the Democratic-ilk of my kind, and much to the hate of my students who are young radicalist Democrats in the making.
I didn't vote. I wanted to, but I couldn't leave school early enough to make it to my polling place (damn kids...).
My students were actually curious about who I was going to vote for. It's funny how they think that voting is as simple as counting ballots. They imagine that the card I punch holes on will actually have the question, "Who do you want for President: Bush or Kerry?" and that I simply check my choice. That's all they were asking me. What about the propositions? I don't know why those interested me this year.
I try not to talk about religion and politics in the classroom; those are ugly cans of worms. If I get too involved in the debate, I supposedly "taint" students by influencing or impressing my own beliefs to them, for which I can get into trouble with administrators.
FYI, I was for Bush. I have Republican tendencies, contrary to many of the Democratic-ilk of my kind, and much to the hate of my students who are young radicalist Democrats in the making.
Monday, November 01, 2004
Monday, October 25, 2004
I Used To Have a Crush On Him In the 80's
I don't know why James Spader has always been typecast to play smarmy perverted characters, but he does it so well in Boston Legal.
Thursday, October 21, 2004
Feeling Guilty
If a student fails, it's because they are not doing their part. That's what I keep telling myself. Every single day, I give it my all. I'm trying to teach, I'm trying to be creative, I'm trying to teach discipline, I'm trying to help, I'm trying to call parents, I'm trying every thing I could think of, and the kid just sits there and still doesn't do anything. I can't force a kid to do his homework. I can't make him take notes. And then when I express a little bit of anger at them, I felt that I failed everything because yelling doesn't accomplish anything either.
It hurts teachers more whenever we give out an F. Students think we give them F's because we hate them.
It hurts teachers more whenever we give out an F. Students think we give them F's because we hate them.
Monday, October 18, 2004
The Next 24 Hour Meal
Pizza.
I've been craving it a lot lately. I don't know if it's wishful thinking, but I think pizza is the perfect 24-hour meal. You can eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I wouldn't really do that though because it's not really healthy. But I do crave it as an afternoon snack, like right around 3:30 when school is out. I have yearnings for pizza or anything with pizza flavoring-- whether it's that cheap taquito at 7-11's, or pizza flavored potato chips, or an actual slice of pizza. What is it about that pizza flavor that makes me yearn nearly every day?
I've been craving it a lot lately. I don't know if it's wishful thinking, but I think pizza is the perfect 24-hour meal. You can eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I wouldn't really do that though because it's not really healthy. But I do crave it as an afternoon snack, like right around 3:30 when school is out. I have yearnings for pizza or anything with pizza flavoring-- whether it's that cheap taquito at 7-11's, or pizza flavored potato chips, or an actual slice of pizza. What is it about that pizza flavor that makes me yearn nearly every day?
Monday, October 11, 2004
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