Teacher Observations

1. I see all those snow days happening in the North while Texas just got a cold front. 1a. I don't think we need a weather day this early BUT I may very well need one at some point. Just one since that wouldn't require a make-up day. 1b. February should be the month for one... 2. Speaking of cold weather...why does maintenance do the absolute most with the thermostat? It's cold outside, they crank it up to hell on the inside. It's hot outside, they send you to Antarctica. Just give me a well ventilated 75 and I could make it. 2a. I have a work jacket that I change into like Mr. Rogers just to stay warm. 2b. Then I'm sweating during the winter wearing just a T-shirt... 3. There were visitors on campus today. I don't really get all paranoid about visitors like I did when I first started teaching and it was like you'll be fired if some strangers see some thing they don't like. Now I'm like you're going to get this authentic teaching and ...

1. Mondays are trash. So much so that I have figured out the plan to a four day work week that alternates between Mondays and Fridays off. Don't worry those days when teachers are "off" the kids can come in for extra duty pay and watch your kids do extracurriculars or study hall. This is just a fantasy, but the more I think education is done so wrong in K-12. 1a. "When you grow up you have to work five days, so schools should be five days a week." Completely negating college, community college or vocational training where your schedule is how you make it, totally disregarding a five day work week. 1b. Again fantasy but any education reform should consider these things. 2. The fact that I have the freedom to create my own pacing guide and moved the "easy" things to the second semester has made my life so much easier in regards to teaching and planning lessons. 2a. The fact that spring semester is a clusterfuck of shit however is not helping my z...

1. So the Friday this-is-the-weekend energy came and went today after 10 minutes in the building. It be like that sometimes. 2. Parents, y'all kids are telling on y'all at school again... Dry Snitchin' Children: Mrs. Washington, what is that alcoholic drink for breakfast? Me: Idk. I don't drink. DSC: Well my mama be drinkin' them every morning.... Me: Please stop.New topic. DSC: This one time I had Patro... Me: *staring in please don't say anything that requires me to anything other than teach* DSC: A Patronus. Harry Potter. Me: I love Harry Potter. Thank you for that. 3. A student had a crab leg in my class. ( from passing period) Smelled like a crab legs and musty boys. I was pissed. I had to let them know that although 'tis the season, cut the shit or else I would throw away the whole bag no matter how much it cost. 4. My students are doing their course selections and I am enjoying getting to impart knowledge of high school, college and thin...

1. Two weeks ago I was totally on the Spring Semester is waaayyyy better than Fall Semester train because it's basically like a countdown to summer...duh! This was after I had been a Fall Semester trooper for life. Now, I see I should stick to my guns because Spring Semester is t.rash! I've had three meetings that have overwhelmed and overworked me just by highlighting future events. Fall Semester is all about getting acclimated, fun sporting events, coloring, holidays, food, decorating and getting ready for Winter Break. Spring is testing, observations, getting things ready for testing, interventions, etc. Basically a bunch of stuff holding you hostage until Summer. Fall will forever be my favorite semester. I'm sorry I ever turned my back on you. 1a. Not to harp on things but OMG Spring is the worst. You hate all the kids, even the ones you like. The ones that hate you really extra hate you and the ones that like you cling to you like lint. A terrible time. 1b. Then, ...

My life has gotten back busy again and here I am...adding more to my plate. 1. So funny when a parent sends a message meant for their spouse about you, to you and it is a very negative comment. Then they have to retract and apologize. 1a. Even more funny when their child is bad as hell as they feel this is the gotcha moment. 2. Overheard conversations "My daddy in jail because...well he just gets so angry sometimes and then one time he got mad and hurt somebody. It's ok. He wrote me a letter and when he get out, he said I can stay with him." Child, what? Do you not care for your safety? *He might be a lovely man and learned from his mistake...but from the conversation this seemed more like a character trait than a one time mistake. 3. Houston is so big that your whole world can literally be the part of the city that you grew up. So it is very funny when a new kid comes from a distance in the greater Houston area and the kids are eating up every word they say. ...

So my wife did a thing. As an early Christmas present she gifted me with the domain for Teacher Observations so I was not limited to using my personal Facebook. ( I know that was a disaster waiting to happen lol, which is the reason for the switch) I have spent the past few weeks archiving my previous posts here and am finally complete! So everything will now be housed here. I have planned out some things and ideas for the direction of where I want to go and what I want to do. However, just like education... things are subject to change, so be flexible lol.  But welcome to the madhouse!

...clearly I've been busy lol 1. Everyone has reached break and nobody cares about anything educational anymore so short and sweet.. 2a. I got some dope gifts this year so I'm happy. Just three mugs this year! 2b. These kids are trash for cheating on finals (not my class), not bringing me tamales like I asked and bringing these trash ass cookies to the party. These are the nastiest cookies with this wannabe fondant icing.

1. The wisdom that comes with experience as a teacher is priceless. The Thanksgiving break made me realize that a potential burn out was coming and rather than trying to push through. I have relaxed and let the children be children, join in on the fun, give them "work days" and minimize my lessons so I can facilitate and come home relaxed.  2. I teach a majority of the "iss ue" kids because I just work well with them so I often get kids that are suffering from some emotional disturbances/mental health issues. It is always disheartening how parents push for their child to be normal rather than getting them the help they need. I'm not a parent so I can't understand the helplessness you feel towards your child but pushing them to be in as stressful environment as school, especially middle school, when they are mentally not right is not beneficial to anyone. You can learn at any age but your mind has to be right. 3. I am all about kids transferring for the best ...

Important announcement...if you are or know anybody that is certified in ELAR, don't mind middle school punks, like to work and would like to contribute to my teacher observation fodder at my campus...come holla at your girl. If you are trash or know some trash...leave them where they are at. I don't want to have to talk about anybody. 1. I feel much better today...Mondays  are hard...coming back from breaks are hard. But I'm good now. 2. When a parent emails me and mentions behavior first....they already know the answer is their bad ass child...leave me alone. You sent them this way. They are moody and cantankerous because of puberty. I know you wish they were better, I do too...they just need time. I'm cool. 2a. However, this mutual understanding does NOT mean I will freely call you at anytime because first, I have a job and can't call 80 parents all damn day and no....I would rather us not talk so you can underhandedly blame me for some nonsense. 2b. No I don...

1. Whew Chilay...I can't stand coming back from break. Kids come back hooting and hollering and always asking.. "Mrs....did you miss us?!?!" Me: HELL TO THE NO! 1a. I always say that...but this time I meant it. I did not think about work, a lesson plan, planning ahead, not a child. I felt good about my kids having shelter, food and clothes so no worries about that. I only ca red about myself and that felt amazing! 2. Keeping with the theme why whY wHY WHY...were parents emailing me over the break?!?!?! Parents have hemed and hawed about us not assigning work over the break because they have to vacation and spend time with their families...yet here they are with this new found free time emailing me about this work these kids are doing wrong. Next year I will have my out of office reply ready! 3. I'm so tired and want to rest by myself that I can't even finish this today...but know that theses raggedy ungrateful kids asked me...an adult...to stay after an addition...

*I'm on vacation but that doesn't mean we can't have some fun! 1. Teacher pay sucks, let's be honest. We are underpaid severely however living in Houston compared to the cost of living my salary isn't TERRIBLE considering teachers in Austin are starting at like 46K and it is expensive as hell there. Also, I get taxed out the wazoo and the state keeps borrowing money from my p ension plan and I can't get social security no matter how much I paid....I still need a raise don't get it twisted...anyways... 1a. My district has this DUMB rule to make payday the 10th and 25th...everybody else is on an every other week thing or the 1st and 15th like normal but nah we always have to be different for the wrong reasons. The 10th never poses a problem....you know what does the 25th...because of the holidays that fall during that time. Thanksgiving and Christmas. That means I get paid early. Wow! A blessing....WRONG. 1b. I got paid on the 9th(because the 10th fell on a we...

1. This has been one hell of a time. So be prepared for this long summation... 2. *Deep Breath* In the past two weeks the following has occurred a. Teacher has a stroke at school...is in the hospital for two days and then back at work...Teachers are Super Heros don't tell me anything different b. Kid have been hospitalized for an emergency appendectomy, kidney stones (kid almost waited too late to say anything), and a student broke their leg by just walking (her story) and everybody has tendonitis in their knees...that Taki and Hot Cheeto diet is not good on the body. c. Kids are vaping B12...in school and in class...WHHHHHYYYY? d. Some girls threw another students clothes in the toilet during gym...again WHHHHYYY??? Let me clarify MULTIPLE toilets 3. A full on brawl occurred after school yesterday. High school and middle school kids fighting each. Should have been 3 people max involved but these suburban kids want a little bit of action and everybody starting jumping in and gettin...

Keeping it short and sweet....this is the word problem that gets me in an awkward situation every year. This question is good fodder because no one wants to pay for anybody at their wedding and the kids realizing it's they would have to pay for their wedding is a hilarious reality check. Anywho...I make it to the last class of the day...which is my "urban" class ( we know wha t that code word means 😉 ). Then I hear "you want me to ask her?" Aww hell...I know what's coming. * cue the young Cardi B meme* "Miss, are you married to a boy or a girl?" Anytime I tell this story everyone has an opinion about what I should do....write the student up. When that happens an administrator has to call the parent. Then maybe a meeting with these parents and when they see me..a gay...it may get real ugly from there. I'm not closeted at my school but I don't want things to be an issue when they don't have to be. Also, representation matters so it ...

1. I'm not sure why kids feel that we should have Halloween off...it's literally never been off as a holiday your entire educational career. So no need to start now.  2. Having a tornado warning immediately after dismissal was a blessing and a curse. Blessing I dismissed my kids and got them out of there! Curse...any kids left had to be shoved into a class to shelter in plac e. I directed kids to every room but mine...sounds like a team player to me. 3. If anybody wants to be a substitute so you too can write your own set of sub observations PLEASE let me know. If I have to cover or get materials for another class I'm going to scream! 4. I have amended this observation because it was personally mean rather than an observation so... the abridged version 4a. You can't be behind in your curriculum and suddenly ahead in your curriculum in a span of two weeks...by ahead I mean two weeks ahead. 4b. Using the curriculum from another district rather than the one I wrote and spe...

1. Man talk about a case of the Mondays...6 teachers out. Some teachers were out because a certain HBCU's homecoming was this weekend but that ain't none of my business. Rock star lifestyle might don't make it....to work on Monday 1a. Low on subs so we had to play that crazy coverage game. Lost a good, consistent sub this year too because of kids crying wolf because they  were being bad... 1b. These kids are wild on Mondays...easily the worst day of the week. 2. Minority parents....the school-to-prison pipeline is real! BUT when your child does something that warrants legal action i.e. weapons, drugs, assault that is not the "man" out to get them. Luckily most offenses are punished via probation so a student can grow out of a bad mistake. 3. I like being an ear for my students but when your student tells you how their parents are prominent drug lords, with long rap sheets, and multiple police chases and assaults, AND how their parents are running the prison......I...

1. I'm so glad, professionally, that October is almost over. This month is always a cluster fuck for a teacher.  2. Parent-Employees are CRAZY! They don't care about their jobs I'm convinced. Using company time to abuse other people...a mess! 3. Regular parents....I don't understand why they refuse to reprimand or assist their child. Your child is bad, they not that cute, t heir hair is uneven and they look dusty! I believe that children should be uplifted and supported HOWEVER if somebody tells them that they look dusty with uneven hair there comes a time when you need to let them figure it out.Kids are fearless at school because they know all they need to do is call up their parents and everybody gets in trouble but them. They are fearless but fragile and will be broken when Mama can't yell at anybody for them anymore. 3a. I think people don't understand that public school is FREE. Minimal federal and state funding and some property taxes mixed in. If I pulled...

1. Fall is a great time for school, with sports and homecoming and other festivities HOWEVER October is hell as a teacher. ( I love October in real life though...just not work-wise) 1a. There is no hyperbole when I say you get sh!t thrown at you all month. 1b. Hurricanes and flooding are destructive and triggering so I won't wish for that BUT winter needs to bring me some  snow days. I need unscheduled breaks! 2. Contacting parents about their child shouldn't be a pain. Don't block the school number just answer. Why are there only absentee or helicopter parents? Where is the middle ground? 3. 70% of my success as a teacher can be attributed to building relationships with my students. ( I'm probably underestimating that percentage). This is a blessing and a curse. 3a. Blessings: I get ALLLLLL the tea! No wild behavior problems. Fun classes. Kids talk to me freely 3b. Cons: Kids talk to me freely. Annoying students refuse to leave me alone. Even when I stop being their te...

1. Update: The boy confessed that he was not attending tutorials to his mom before she read my email. Crisis Averted.  2. Scenario: A kid's grade is a 12. Parents will email "Is my child struggling in your class?" 2a. There are only two ways to get that grade...failing every assignment miserably or not turning in work 2b. So yes...I do believe your child is struggling. 3. Teacher: How is math going this year? "Favorite" Student: Man that class is just like the government? They just want you to think how they want you to think? 45 got these kids messed up 4. So I play a singers music on my birthday just to keep my class fun....a student said play "Lil Mama because it's her birthday today." I should fail her just for saying that. 5. So we got an updated social media policy yesterday sent to the staff...one question...who's out here snitchin'? 6. So I provide most of the materials for the 8th grade math team. I slave*no chattel*....mmmm let...

1. *Sigh* Who's going to tell this mom in my email that there is no need for a conference about her child's grade because he lied to her about attending tutorials for the past month and simply does not complete his assignments? Children setting parents up for failure. 2. I cannot meet with that scatter-brained "lady" anymore. Her mind is all over, she's throwing off my met iculously made pacing guide for no reason..."my kids don't get it so I'm moving the test back a day." 2a.How ma'am???? You're saying your kids didn't get the first part of the lesson....the basic part. How did you just keep on teaching the rest of the unit but your kids don't "get it?" 2b. If your kids don't understand it then why do your scores look on par with the other teachers? Is it oochie wally or one mic??? 2c. I breakdown a lesson, give hints and tricks. Then she teaches however the hell she wants to...ok. 2d. Ask for help and pay attenti...

1. These students have some personal issues going on....like some real things. Send good vibes to them.  2. A piece of teacher burnout is that if you are good you will get voluntold to do EVERYTHING!  2a. It's not fair. I want to go home and work my office hours and leave just like everybody else. 2b. I do not want to work anymore for free than I have to! 2c. Networking is not payment. 2d. Am I networking with Oprah? Beyonce? Lebron? The Obamas? I'm not so ok I'm not talking with people that have the power to change my life like I need them too. 3. Dating in the workplace...nobody gives a crap. But don't make it so obvious if you don't want people in your business. Then don't attack people who you feel like should know the business and most important......DO YOUR JOB INSTEAD OF TRYING TO DATE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HALLWAY! 4. I like to bring fun to my class because it's math and ya know....so I play music if it is a singers birthday. I have reached the time w...

1. Teachers are often never acknowledged for their work. Then when they are, it becomes a curse as you are then asked to do everything. I am in the latter group. I'm trying to be better and take my roses now... 2. Trying to mentor someone that is focused on other things...or people....is for the birds. Making me look bad because you are saying you're good and I'm like ok.  3. I'm not sure why these people think writing a lesson plan as detailed as they want it will be anything other than words on paper. Plans change , kids ask question and I get off the lesson. I have a base plan but freestyling keeps me stress free. 4. I hate when kids repeat what their parents say. I hate it even more when the parent is a co-worker....EYE know what EYE can do and I SEE what you can do. Let's not get besides ourselves now... 5. OMG READ TO YOUR CHILDREN. Your children can't write because they can't read. It is a cycle that is hard to break the older they get. 6. Talking to ...

1. Whew! There is a law that Special Education kids cannot be suspended more than 10 days. Any kind of suspension at that. Anything beyond 10 days requires an official meeting every time you want to discipline the student. 1a. This kid tells people all day everyday some variation Fuck you, Suck my dick and bitch, bitch, bitch. 1b.I'm not sure what disability beyond Toure tte's makes you use profanity to this degree. (This kid doesn't have it) 1c. The other kids are tired of being verbally assaulted and see that this kid is never punished and suddenly you're losing the crowd. 2. Hearing a teacher that doesn't have to work and you wanted to quit during the year start having those "I can't do this" moments and all you hear is the amount of work you'll have to do once she ups and leaves....Jesus be a fence. 3. Kids failing...parents and students alike bothering the heck out of me. I've assigned these assignments since August 28....I told them to ...

1. I promise I will not turn in the crazy Educator Parent when I have kids. I will give you permission to beat their ass, I will hire a tutor if they are slow and I will not be played by lies these kids told me about how the teacher completely ignores them each day and hates them.  1a. I'm also prepping my wife that this exceptionalism we exhibit may not run down to our chil dren and we will have unexceptional, bad ass kids. It's really a roll of the dice...BUT they will not have me out here looking crazy emailing teachers all willy nilly like I don't know what the jig is. 2. Lice outbreak at school. Black girls out here thinking they are in the clear....no your REAL hair may be oily and such but this Malaysian and Peruvian is equal opportunity for those critters. 3. *Me showing the relationship of volume between cylinders and cones* What changed class? Girl: The shape of the water changed! *Normally I Family Feud kids with good answer but this time..* Me:....ooook. So answ...

1. I had a jolt of Friday energy. Also, making today a "work" day benefited everybody greatly! 2. I've been exhausted this entire week but baby this was a doooozzzzzzyyyyyy! 3. Open House things... 3a. The rain did not stop the parents from coming...darn. Not that I don't like to meet them but I do like to go home. 3b. Open house is T. Rash though...you're at school all damn day. There should at least be a late start the next day! 3c. I wear Jeans 60% of the week...essentially every other day...having to be business casual two days in a row for Open House was torture. 3d. Some of these parents are certified crazy...I can see both sides of the coin as to why the kids act they way they do at school. 3e. Parents telling me your child will attend every tutorial session...let's me know one thing. You need to hire a tutor. I will help your child to the ends of the Earth but when you say they struggle and we have a standing appointment every week for tutorials, my on...

1. Nothing like being in what should be a run of the mill ARD and then the diagnostician or parent starts talking and the whole thing goes to hell... 1a. Diagnostician: "The student performs reads on a third grade level, has a disability in math ...performs math on a 1st grade level"....Ma'am! 1b. "This child is under a BIP is a danger to others" And ya'll didn't notify me  of this immediately?! 1c. Parent mentions something ridiculous about home life that is a detriment to the continuity the kid needs between home and school to be successful. 1d. "Student needs to be allotted time to pleasure themselves (privately) or reminded not to pleasure themselves during class" 1e. These things happen every year so none of it is a true shocker. Sometimes the meetings do go left and you just have to sit with a straight yet supportive face. People rarely mention these type of things we have to deal with in regards to teaching. 2. Cardi B and Nick Minaj h...

1. It's Friday. My energetic Friday feeling never came. I felt a small joy that I would not have to wake up early or could go home and rest but no fun energy. I stayed until 4pm doing work. Yuck! 2. So that "lady"...said she couldn't come to our annual department fish fry...before we even set the date. She said she didn't have anyone to watch her kids. Her kids are teenagers . 2a. Her husband would also be in Japan. We said bring the kids. She said the kids never want to go anywhere with them...ma'am! Your lies suck! You are an adult....just say you don't like black people and keep it moving lol 2b. She teaches her "loud" class with a headset microphone like she's doing an infomercial... 3. A parent asked me about what do I mean by tutorials... 3a. Odd situation. Girl from the African continent ( she's said about 15 words the month that we've been in school. She just points and nods. I've dealt with selective mutes before so I kee...

1. Teachers that work for fun with spouses that are CEOs, Engineers, Doctors, etc can kick rocks. Complaining all day about having to do work..."that's not in my contract...I can't stay late...my son has a football game...I'm not doing it...I didn't know I had a mentor!" Look Kathy, nobody told you to work so damn far away from home. You chose that Katy to Mo City commute. Y our son has a game as well as other people's kids. You are not special and do not get to remove yourself from work because you are busy. Your kids are in middle school teach them how to become latch key kids or hire a nanny since you the disposable income. Frustrating to no end that a person that does not have to work ruins my mood every day during conference period. 2. Normally I love seeing my gay students, helping them grow and seeing that being gay is only a small fraction of who they are. The lgbtq this year....naw. Nope. They are coo-coo and bad as hell. There is only one that ca...

1.Student 1: Did ya'll watch the Bobby Brown movie? Girl it was a mess! Student 2: Mrs. Washington is that how it was back then? Me: I have no idea. I wasn't born yet but short answer yes. I'm not sure what they think I'm super old. They have deduced that I am still in my 20s. The 80s was 40 years ago! 2. I believe in cultural learning because book smarts without cultural awareness is trash. So far we have celebrated the life of Aretha Franklin and Michael Jackson and Beyonce's birthday. I thought better of the celebrating Aaliyah because...the revisionist history has their minds twisted. But we enjoy it! 3. My absentee student showed up today. Small victories. 4. I've mentioned this before but seriously it's killing me...if I get one more requirement I'm going to scream! I need days off just to complete all the tasks they need me to do. 4a. I don't understand how you get a promotion to a made up job title and I'm still doing the data myself. The...

1. How did Labor Day come and go so quickly?!?! 2. A student has missed 11 of the 14 days we have been in school thus far.  2a.The child was "sick". (No doctor's excuse given or reason until today) 2b. I have to catch said student up on work during tutorials. My tutorials are on Mondays. 2c. There is a test...Thursday. The Student has missed the entire unit. How...what...when...why???? 2d. The mom is one of those moms so... 2e. I am a bomb ass teacher but I CANNOT teach through absences. 3. Why are all the know-nothing kids so rude. Acting like Sofia "All my life I had to fight!" from The Color Purple. You don't know anything! You need my help! Don't be rude to me! 3a. The rude child wanted a bandaid I already said I didn't have because they cut themselves with scissors...because they were playing with them inappropriately. A 14-year old.... 4. Hmm...a students parent is a teacher...listed their school email address and phone number...interesting...I...

1. I can't stand a parent that feels they can email the principal to tattle. Ma'am they are forwarding me the emails you could have just cc'd me boo!  1a. I can't stand tattling parents that also make up fake coalitions of disapproval " Myself as well as a few parents have a few concerns..." NO! YOU have a concern. What if my principal calls your bluff and wants you to round  up the mob what are you going to do now? I hate anonymous he said, she said. Put some names down or shut up. Also some people just talk in confidence, they don't want to be dragged down with your mess. 2. I love when parents work at the school and jack their kids up on sight. Nothing starts my day off better than hearing " I'm not fucking with you about your damn grades." YES! KEEP THAT ENERGY. 3. The one thing I as a teacher cannot combat is an absent student. I can't teach what isn't there. I can't label a student under special populations if they are never...

1. I've said it before but...what the hell were we doing during inservice?? I have gotten more emails about doing some non instructional work that could have been done during that week of training I have already forgotten. 2. I hate entering in grades. The parent emails just fly in. 'Can you explain this failing grade?' Ma'am check the note I said on the assignment. Why don' t parents send me emoji filled emails when I put these 100s in? 3. I love being able to just slide into offices and ask for things I need and get a resolution or explanation why it didn't happen... 4. A kid decided he didn't like his schedule change so he's been following his old schedule. He's been "absent" for four days now. Kids are weird. 5. Girls are so FRAGILE!! ME: "______ can you come outside for a sec?" STUDENT: "why you always picking on me? So-and-so was talking too!" ME: " All I said was come outside. I didn't say anything about ...