Smitty’s Soapbox

June 11, 2007

Drama!

There was so much drama involved in the production of our literary magazine this year (we had an all-girl editorial staff, made up of artists and poets), but it turned out well. I can’t say that it will win a Pullitzer, but it looks good. And most importantly, it provides young people with a voice. [...]

Filed by rsmith at June 11th, 2007 under Uncategorized
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June 5, 2007

Closing the year

Less than a week to go before summer begins, and I am feeling the pressure. Finals, parent phone calls, last-minute grading… it all adds up. I wonder how many teachers are like me– I take piles of work home, intent on grading, and it ends up on the couch unread. What is it about finding [...]

Filed by rsmith at June 5th, 2007 under Uncategorized
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May 28, 2007

Field Trip Fun

It felt like walking on hot coals to get this field trip going, but once we got to NYC to see “Moon for the Misbegotten,” it was worth all the effort. The chaperones were amazing, the students were wonderful, and the play was phenomenal. I had struggled getting tickets, approval, students, a bus– everything under [...]

Filed by rsmith at May 28th, 2007 under Uncategorized
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May 18, 2007

Grace

While this week was hard, I learned a valuable lesson.  I though that not getting enough students to come on my field trip might have endangered my job. I have walked through hell since January putting together this trip, and had many cancellations. Needless to say, we’re short a lot of money. My principal made [...]

Filed by rsmith at May 18th, 2007 under Uncategorized
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The trials of teaching

It’s so not about teaching. If we were able to focus on teaching I think the education system would be more effective.
I drove home today with tears in my eyes. This week has been hard. A parent blames me for the failure of her son, who has not turned in one writing assignment the whole [...]

Filed by rsmith at May 18th, 2007 under Uncategorized
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