The First Week
The parents – Perhaps the most vivid impression for me the first week was observing the parents as they watched their children exit the car and walk into the school. Certainly, these parents do this every day and it becomes somewhat routine.
Seriously? Full-time?
There are 85 million teachers in the world. Many teach in wealthy communities with impressive resources, and many others in areas and countries of despair and poverty. They are men and women, and some are certainly nonbinary. All races, all ages,
Grooving to the Beat
I looked to the back of the room and saw Emma (names changed) whispering to her classmate Julie. They were both in the middle of a written math exercise. Walking over, I observed that Emma had finished the first 15 questions,
Delivery – On the Way
My assignment with these fascinating 5th graders has been extended a week. I have the same kids every minute for about 7 hours a day teaching them English, grammar, vocabulary, math, history, writing – the whole shebang. It’s a bit jarring
Math – And my Dad
“Tom, be sure you study hard and do well – especially in math. And you’ll never have to work like this.” These words came from my Dad when I was very young. He delivered Table Talk pies to restaurants and grocery
Cringe Worthy – Can’t believe I did that
New substitute teachers inevitably make mistakes. Hard to believe mistakes. Here are three instances in my brief career so far which actually happened. AGE – IT’S ONLY A NUMBER: I actually mistook a student teacher for a 7th grader. Yes, I
Although happily retired, I was intrigued by my wife’s suggestion to try substitute teaching. Why not? We both thought it might be an enriching retirement activity perhaps twice a week. My journey took an unexpected path, and I signed a full-time teaching contract with one of the most highly regarded schools in the Bay Area in December. Here is my story.
