Thursday, December 11, 2008
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Monday, November 10, 2008
INDEX TO POSTINGS ON THIS SITE
Welcome to 'Class Action' - a site for parents, teachers and students to interact.
Just click on any of the titles below to access their posting. Enjoy reading them; share your school stories and feel free to leave your comments.
Click here to contact me personally. For more information about me, click here to visit my website. -Nellie Jacobs
Just click on any of the titles below to access their posting. Enjoy reading them; share your school stories and feel free to leave your comments.
Click here to contact me personally. For more information about me, click here to visit my website. -Nellie Jacobs
- ACKNOWLEDGING GREAT TEACHERS
- ACKNOWLEDGING GREAT TEACHERS-Part 2
- A PARENT'S LETTER TO THE TEACHER #1
- A PARENT'S LETTER TO THE TEACHER #2
- "CLASS ACTION" FLYER
- COMMUNICATION
- FOUNDATION PHILOSOPHY
- GRADING THE STUDENT: NEGOTIATING CONTRACTS AND ASSESSMENTS
- GRADING THE TEACHER
- HUMOUR: SCHOOL PRANKS
- LEGACIES LEFT BY TEACHERS
- RESOURCES
- RESPECT THE CHILD
- SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES
- SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS: THE CHALLENGE
- TEACHER'S PET
- TEACHERS: REPERCUSSIONS
- 10 WAYS TO CELEBRATE CREATIVITY & INNOVATION DAY AT SCHOOL
- THE TEACHER PROSPECT
- WHAT’S YOUR ‘TEACHER’S PET’ STORY?
- WHAT TEACHERS MAKE
- VISIT MY OTHER BLOGS
Thursday, March 20, 2008
INTRODUCTION
COPYRIGHT NELLIE JACOBS, 2008 "The primary interest of everybody involved in the education of children is to help each child be as successful as possible..." Nellie Jacobs, Grading the Teacher
The beginning of each school year is normally a tense time for everyone involved in education. Students anxiously anticipate a new school, grade, classmates and teachers. Teachers hope their carefully prepared lessons will be challenging to, as well as absorbed by, their pupils. It takes time for both to adjust to each other's expectations - and peculiarities. Parents worry whether their children are starting the year on the right foot, making a good impression on the teacher, and keeping up with the workload.
These times, however, are definitely not normal. Their uncertainties are the reason for this column. Consider the following contentious issues: funding cutbacks, public school closings, reduction of teachers' aides to students with special needs, fewer extra curricular activities, unprecedented retirements of experienced educators, and massive hiring of new graduates.
What does all this mean? If we are parents of school-age children, more than ever we must be diligent about the quality of their education. If we are teachers, we must solicit the involvement and support of our students' parents. If we are students, we must be particularly responsible and communicative in order to get the best education possible.
"CLASS ACTION" is an evolving, interactive forum open to anyone interested in our children's education. Are you a parent, student or educator with school solutions, opinions, experiences and stories you want to share? Please contribute. I invite experts in the field to discuss pressing issues in education. We'd love to hear from each one of you. Humour is welcome.
Parents: If you are having problems, perhaps we can help you find solutions.
Teachers: What are five rules parents or students should follow when dealing with schools or teachers? What are your expectations of your students, parents, yourself?
Students: What makes a good teacher and lesson? What would you like to see improved at your school?
Participate in our discussions; click on the "Post a Comment" button below. If you prefer to communicate with me directly, email nellie@nelliejacobs.com
-Nellie
Thursday, October 26, 2006
"CLASS ACTION" FLYER
Distribute this Class Action handout to your school community. To read a larger version,
1) Left click when the curser on the flyer
2) In the new window, click again on the small icon that appears in the lower right corner of the flyer
For a full size PDF copy to download and print, email nellie@nelliejacobs.com with the Subject Line: "Please Send Flyer"
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
RESOURCES
Help build a list of valuable education resources on this site. Here is a start ..
BOOKS
Grading the Teacher-A Canadian Parent's Guide
by Nellie Jacobs. Penguin Books. 1996 (Available for loan from school and public libraries or for purchase online at http://www.gradingtheteacher.com/)
Teachers With Class...True Stories Of Great Teachers
by Marsha Serling Goldberg and Sonia Feldman. Andrew McMeel Publishing
Why I Teach: Inspirational True Stories from Teachers Who Make a Difference
Prima Publishing. 1999
PROGRAMS
Teacher Appreciation:
http://www.childcarelounge.com
Lists of dozens of ways to ways to acknowledge your teacher for Teacher Appreciation Day/Week; Links to sources for teacher gifts; Sample press releases, proclamations; Teacher Appreciation E-Cards; Fun staff recognition treats; Child care resources; Training (online classes); Consultation; Tools; Networking; Library and literacy; and printables.
ORGANIZATIONS & ASSOCIATIONS
National PTA:
http://www.pta.org/
"...the largest volunteer child advocacy organization in the United States. A not-for-profit association of parents, educators, students, and other citizens active in their schools and communities..."
EDUCATIONAL WEBSITES
Free Printable Games for Your Child, Childcare or Preschool Classroom:
http://www.childcarelounge.com/printform/Gamesindex.htm
Free Stuff for Canadian Teachers:
http://www.thecanadianteacher.com/
"...a site where educators can find the latest links to free resources, materials, lesson plans, software, samples and computers"
TeacherNet:
http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/usefulsites/
" ...lists hundreds of sites with free information and resources for education professionals."
Teachnet.com:
http://www.teachnet.com/
Lesson plans, ideas and services, contributions from teachers
Education World:
http://www.education-world.com/a_curr/curr156.shtml
Offers hundreds of practical teacher tips and links to countless resources
Norman Labush’s Links to Learning:
http://www.netrox.net/~labush/tchlinks.html
4Teachers.org:
Works to help you integrate technology into your classroom by offering FREE online tools and resources
The Teacher’s Guide:
http://www.edhelpernet.com/cgi-bin/ednet.cgi?site=ttgu
Offers resources and top education and teacher sites
A Web Portal for Teachers:
http://teachers.teach-nology.com/index.html
Educator's Reference Desk:
2,000+ lesson plans, 3,000+ links to online education information, and 200+ question archive responses.
Educational Organizations:
http://www.learning.ca/schools.html
A to Z Teacher Stuff:
http://www.atozteacherstuff.com/
ONLINE ARTICLES
Positive or Negative?
A school's culture is always at work, either helping or hindering adult learning. Here's how to see it, assess it, and change it for the better.
By Kent D. Peterson:
http://www.nsdc.org/library/publications/jsd/peterson233.cfm
Come back soon. Help this list grow. Post them in comments below or e-mail your favourite(s) to nellie@nelliejacobs.com with the subject line "Education Resources".
Monday, May 01, 2006
SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES
Contribute stories to Teacher's Pet, a book-in-progress. Post them to the comments section below or e-mail nellie@nelliejacobs.com with the subject line "Teacher's Pet."
Here are some ideas you might address:
* Describe the very best teacher you ever had.
* Describe a school dilemma you resolved.
* What advice can you give parents, students and teachers about learning and school?
* Describe the funniest school incident that happened to you.
* Describe your most embarrassing school experience.
* Describe your most emotional or touching school experience.
For other ideas, read some previous posts on this blog.
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
WHAT TEACHERS MAKE
The following was submitted by email:
The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life. One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued, "What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?"
He reminded the other dinner guests what they say about teachers "Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach."
To stress his point he said to another guest; "You're a teacher, Susan. Be honest. What do you make?"
Susan, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, "You want to know what I make?"
"I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.
I make a C+ feel like the winner of the Congressional Medal of Honor.
I make kids sit through 40 minutes of study hall in absolute silence."
"You want to know what I make?"
"I make kids wonder.
I make them question.
I make them criticize.
I make them apologize and mean it
I make them write.
I make them read, read, read.
I make them show all their work in math and perfect their final drafts in English.
I make them understand that if you have the brains, and follow your heart, and if someone ever tries to judge you by what you make, you must pay no attention because they just didn't learn."
Susan paused and then continued. "You want to know what I make? I MAKE A DIFFERENCE. What do you make?"
The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life. One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued, "What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?"
He reminded the other dinner guests what they say about teachers "Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach."
To stress his point he said to another guest; "You're a teacher, Susan. Be honest. What do you make?"
Susan, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, "You want to know what I make?"
"I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.
I make a C+ feel like the winner of the Congressional Medal of Honor.
I make kids sit through 40 minutes of study hall in absolute silence."
"You want to know what I make?"
"I make kids wonder.
I make them question.
I make them criticize.
I make them apologize and mean it
I make them write.
I make them read, read, read.
I make them show all their work in math and perfect their final drafts in English.
I make them understand that if you have the brains, and follow your heart, and if someone ever tries to judge you by what you make, you must pay no attention because they just didn't learn."
Susan paused and then continued. "You want to know what I make? I MAKE A DIFFERENCE. What do you make?"
Sunday, March 26, 2006
WHAT'S YOUR 'TEACHER'S PET' STORY?
Do you have a 'teacher's pet' story you'd like to share? Tell us.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
GRADING THE TEACHER
Grading the Teacher: A Canadian Parent's Guide is available for loan from most public or school libraries close to you.
To purchase a copy of this best-selling book, order online at www.gradingtheteacher.com.
For more information about Nellie, visit www.nelliejacobs.com .To book Nellie as a speaker, e-mail nellie@nelliejacobs.com
Thursday, February 16, 2006
FOUNDATION PHILOSOPHY
COPYRIGHT NELLIE JACOBS, 2005
Nellie Jacobs
Author. Speaker. Consultant.
www.gradingtheteacher.com
www.nelliejacobs.com
"Unfortunately, there are teachers who wield their control thoughtlessly.” Nellie Jacobs, Grading the Teacher
Harry van Bommel, Executive Director of Legacies Inc. (www.legacies.ca) sent in the following: "We home school our children based on their request nearly five years ago. Each year they get to choose whether to continue or to go back to school. One of the foundational philosophies we use is in the following quote:
"On the first day of the new school year, all the teachers in one private school received the following note from their principal.
’Dear Teacher: I am a survivor of a concentration camp. My eyes saw what no man should witness: Gas chambers built by learned engineers. Children poisoned by educated physicians. Infants killed by trained nurses. Women and babies shot and burned by high school and college graduates. So, I am suspicious of education. My request is: Help your students become human. Your efforts must never produce learned monsters, skills psychopaths, educated Eichmanns. Reading, writing, arithmetic are important only if they serve to make our children more humane.’*
“ …I could go on forever as learning is such an integral part of what I do personally, within our family and community and in my work. …I love it when I hear more successes than failures when it comes to learning. School can be such a wonderful place. I loved teaching. … It remains one of the highest callings, I believe.”
What do you think about this 'Dear Teacher' letter? Click on the "Post a Comment" button below. If you prefer to communicate with me directly, e-mail nellie@nelliejacobs.com with "Class Action" in the subject line.
(*Source from Michael Steer reproduced in the TIPS Newsletter Vol. 14, No. 2, Aug. 1994: by the Training Institute of Syracuse, New York, 13244-2280.)
-Nellie
Nellie Jacobs
Author. Speaker. Consultant.
www.gradingtheteacher.com
www.nelliejacobs.com
"Unfortunately, there are teachers who wield their control thoughtlessly.” Nellie Jacobs, Grading the Teacher
Harry van Bommel, Executive Director of Legacies Inc. (www.legacies.ca) sent in the following: "We home school our children based on their request nearly five years ago. Each year they get to choose whether to continue or to go back to school. One of the foundational philosophies we use is in the following quote:
"On the first day of the new school year, all the teachers in one private school received the following note from their principal.
’Dear Teacher: I am a survivor of a concentration camp. My eyes saw what no man should witness: Gas chambers built by learned engineers. Children poisoned by educated physicians. Infants killed by trained nurses. Women and babies shot and burned by high school and college graduates. So, I am suspicious of education. My request is: Help your students become human. Your efforts must never produce learned monsters, skills psychopaths, educated Eichmanns. Reading, writing, arithmetic are important only if they serve to make our children more humane.’*
“ …I could go on forever as learning is such an integral part of what I do personally, within our family and community and in my work. …I love it when I hear more successes than failures when it comes to learning. School can be such a wonderful place. I loved teaching. … It remains one of the highest callings, I believe.”
What do you think about this 'Dear Teacher' letter? Click on the "Post a Comment" button below. If you prefer to communicate with me directly, e-mail nellie@nelliejacobs.com with "Class Action" in the subject line.
(*Source from Michael Steer reproduced in the TIPS Newsletter Vol. 14, No. 2, Aug. 1994: by the Training Institute of Syracuse, New York, 13244-2280.)
-Nellie
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
HUMOUR: SCHOOL PRANKS
COPYRIGHT NELLIE JACOBS, 2005
Nellie Jacobs
Author. Speaker. Consultant.
www.gradingtheteacher.com
www.nelliejacobs.com
"Humour is more than just telling jokes or being corny. It’s being at ease with the students. It’s being able to laugh with them and perhaps sharing stories related to the issues being taught. " Nellie Jacobs, Grading the Teacher
One of the essential ingredients of a great teacher is a sense of humour. It diffuses tense situations, adds a perspective and can provide comfort in topics that may be difficult. Donna Rouzaud submitted the following story sent by a friend in San Francisco. “He’s originally from Nova Scotia but has been living in the US for many years. …He is quite a storyteller and is great at imitating accents, so it was hilarious when he told us in person.”
Donna's friend and his classmates played this prank on their uptight teacher:
“John Marsters was my high school English teacher. He was a mountain of a man, barrel-chested, ramrod straight in stature, but beneath it all a somewhat humorless man.
“If one of his students rose to answer a question and chose to rest one hand on the desk for support, Mr. Marsters would invariably say, 'Now son, that desk has been there for over fifty years. It’s not necessary for you to support it. Please stand up straight.'
“A few of us decided to test his theory. After school, carefully and methodically, we removed every nut, bolt and screw from the desk of one of his better-behaved students (a young lad named Byron), who would never be suspected of any kind of foolishness. The scene was set.
“English was the first class the following day. As Mr. Marsters entered the classroom, our foil rose to his feet to ask stoic Mr. Marsters a question. Mr. Marsters, noticing that Byron was resting one hand on the desk, repeated his favorite refrain, 'Now Byron, that desk has been there for over fifty years. It’s not necessary for you to support it. Please stand up straight.' As Byron complied with Mr. Marsters’ request, he gently pushed the desk sideways, causing the desk to collapse and crash to the floor in a dozen different pieces.
“Stoic John Marsters smiled.”
Have you ever participated in or witnessed a harmless school prank? Tell us your funny school stories. Click on the "Post a Comment" button below. If you prefer to communicate with me directly, email nellie@nelliejacobs.com with "Class Action" in the subject line.
-Nellie
Nellie Jacobs
Author. Speaker. Consultant.
www.gradingtheteacher.com
www.nelliejacobs.com
"Humour is more than just telling jokes or being corny. It’s being at ease with the students. It’s being able to laugh with them and perhaps sharing stories related to the issues being taught. " Nellie Jacobs, Grading the Teacher
One of the essential ingredients of a great teacher is a sense of humour. It diffuses tense situations, adds a perspective and can provide comfort in topics that may be difficult. Donna Rouzaud submitted the following story sent by a friend in San Francisco. “He’s originally from Nova Scotia but has been living in the US for many years. …He is quite a storyteller and is great at imitating accents, so it was hilarious when he told us in person.”
Donna's friend and his classmates played this prank on their uptight teacher:
“John Marsters was my high school English teacher. He was a mountain of a man, barrel-chested, ramrod straight in stature, but beneath it all a somewhat humorless man.
“If one of his students rose to answer a question and chose to rest one hand on the desk for support, Mr. Marsters would invariably say, 'Now son, that desk has been there for over fifty years. It’s not necessary for you to support it. Please stand up straight.'
“A few of us decided to test his theory. After school, carefully and methodically, we removed every nut, bolt and screw from the desk of one of his better-behaved students (a young lad named Byron), who would never be suspected of any kind of foolishness. The scene was set.
“English was the first class the following day. As Mr. Marsters entered the classroom, our foil rose to his feet to ask stoic Mr. Marsters a question. Mr. Marsters, noticing that Byron was resting one hand on the desk, repeated his favorite refrain, 'Now Byron, that desk has been there for over fifty years. It’s not necessary for you to support it. Please stand up straight.' As Byron complied with Mr. Marsters’ request, he gently pushed the desk sideways, causing the desk to collapse and crash to the floor in a dozen different pieces.
“Stoic John Marsters smiled.”
Have you ever participated in or witnessed a harmless school prank? Tell us your funny school stories. Click on the "Post a Comment" button below. If you prefer to communicate with me directly, email nellie@nelliejacobs.com with "Class Action" in the subject line.
-Nellie
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
LEGACIES LEFT BY TEACHERS
COPYRIGHT NELLIE JACOBS, 2005
Nellie Jacobs
Author. Speaker. Consultant.
www.gradingtheteacher.com
www.nelliejacobs.com
"As a teacher, I possess tremendous power … I can humiliate or humour, hurt or heal...." Haim Ginott, teacher, pyschotherapist, writer. Nellie Jacobs, Grading the Teacher
Darr Maqbool submitted several wonderful stories about his best and worst teachers. Through another source, we discovered that Darr is a “mini-celebrity” in Calgary, Alberta: A-Channel weatherman, he was voted “most beloved Calgarian” and “sexiest man.” Interestingly, Darr has fond memories of a childhood teacher who didn’t hesitate to apply corporal punishment to students.
Darr was born in Nairobi, Kenya and schooled under the "British System" where, he says, there wasn’t much room for independent thinking but instead a propensity for cramming and memorizing methodology. Four teachers stand out miles apart from the rest in his high school years. In Nairobi, a math teacher called "Master Hashmee" ("To this day I don't know what his full name is!! - like Hulk Hogan; what's his name??!!"), and Joey D'Souza, an English teacher who now resides in Toronto. Upon moving to Toronto as a student, he had to undertake grade 13 for university preparation and at George S. Henry High School he recalls Ms Killpatrick, a math teacher and Miss Bird, another English teacher:
Master Hashmee
"Master Hashmee": the "scariest" of all teachers.... since corporal punishment was/(still is?) the norm in a colonial school, it wasn't surprising to receive a lightening speed slap from Hashmee during his class if you didn't do his homework or were being mischievous. During his reign over me I was the recipient of one such slap right in front of everybody in the class.
“Once I saw his loafer fly by me and find its target a few desks behind me!! Chalk dusters were common projectiles in his classes. That’s the way it was and it produced results: Hashmee would take labelled "dumb" students and make them shine with distinctions at the end of the year.
“Students lived in "guarded" fear of him and the ONLY way to skip the wrath of Hashmee was to work diligently in his class and do his homework. The homework had to be done and, if you copied someone else's - it didn't take him long to ascertain that - then he would uncoil and you were dead meat!! At least, that was the thought and feeling. Essentially Hashmee was a concerned teacher; wanted the best of you.
"I think he believed and proved that if you acquired good study habits you could do anything especially math. He was a kind man and a religious man. When he gave you a sly smile when he was pleased with what you did, that mere tiny curl of his smile made you think the world of yourself.
"In short, you have just proven to Hashmee that you are in tune with his material and life's going to be okay. I attained that level of "nirvana" with Hashmee about a third of the way of the total time that I had him as a teacher (about 3 yrs) and thereafter life was beautiful. I came out of high school with a distinction in math. From the parents’ side: they all wanted their kids to have Hashmee as a teacher!! He had the ability to put the kids on the right tracks....."
Joey d'Souza
"Joey d'Souza in short has hip!!! He wore Ray Ben shades (with the case strung on his belt) and smoked a pipe; he was/is cool!! His approach was to talk to you if you were off the tracks regarding work/studies, etc. He was also a Scout leader and heavily involved with the East African car rallies He was well versed with his English material and taught you ways to express yourself using the English language. He would talk to you as if you were equal to him, always showed concern if you were troubled and always was there to dish out advice. I’m still in contact with him and his wife Dianne: we hook up in Toronto or Calgary during visits."
Ms Kilpatrick
"Ms Kilpatrick was a prettier and gentler version of Hashmee except the slaps and flying high heels. [She was] an expert in math, so my liking towards her was a continuation of Hashmee's set foundation. She was very good at conveying her material to the class. The other thing I liked about her was the way she carried herself: always dressed well and looking fresh with a smile."
Miss Bird
"The first time I sat in her very, very informal class (post-hippie era in Toronto), I was at a loss: she would take a sentence out of a book (Milton’s Paradise [frkn] Lost!! or Leonard Cohen’s Beautiful Losers), then throw it to the students to discuss, dissect and elaborate. My mind that had been trained in the colonial schools was never asked to do that and I sat in a few of these classes feeling like a dimwit, unable to utter a word. The other students would come up with or hold a discussion of her request and I'd sit back and say to myself, 'How are they able to think that?'
"During this time, Miss Bird would prod me for an answer or explanation and I'd fumble my way through it. After a few weeks of this prodding and fumbling, something happened - like a dam giving way. Thereafter and to this day, you would be hard pressed to shut me up with independent thought and speech!!
"All of these teachers (except Miss Bird) were "cut'n'dry" regarding the material they taught - and damn good at it. Miss Bird appeared "wishy-washy" re her material but I think that was the nature/style of her course and she was instrumental in making me think - and think independently - which was/is extremely rewarding."
DARR
And then, Darr became an instructor himself…
“Oh yes, from the other side ... For some 3 years, I taught aviation meteorology at Mount Royal College (Calgary) to commercial pilots. [My] attitude, as a soccer coach of many years and perhaps [through] Hashmee's influence, was/is that if you don't put out, then get out. [It] was a tough course and taught extremely well as indicated by Transport Canada examiners; [I] was asked by the course chairman once to soften my stance on the failure rate. [I] told him to go fly a kite and have a nice day!! [My] thinking was and still is that if “Joe” goes and plasters himself against the mountains because he didn't want to learn meteorology then I'd say "poor Joe died in an air crash accident," but if Joe was carrying 250 passengers with him and slammed into the mountains, then I'd say "What a shmuck - should have done better in class!"
Let’s hear your stories about best/worst teachers. Click on the "Post a Comment" button below or contact me directly at nellie@nelliejacobs.com.
-Nellie
Nellie Jacobs
Author. Speaker. Consultant.
www.gradingtheteacher.com
www.nelliejacobs.com
"As a teacher, I possess tremendous power … I can humiliate or humour, hurt or heal...." Haim Ginott, teacher, pyschotherapist, writer. Nellie Jacobs, Grading the Teacher
Darr Maqbool submitted several wonderful stories about his best and worst teachers. Through another source, we discovered that Darr is a “mini-celebrity” in Calgary, Alberta: A-Channel weatherman, he was voted “most beloved Calgarian” and “sexiest man.” Interestingly, Darr has fond memories of a childhood teacher who didn’t hesitate to apply corporal punishment to students.
Darr was born in Nairobi, Kenya and schooled under the "British System" where, he says, there wasn’t much room for independent thinking but instead a propensity for cramming and memorizing methodology. Four teachers stand out miles apart from the rest in his high school years. In Nairobi, a math teacher called "Master Hashmee" ("To this day I don't know what his full name is!! - like Hulk Hogan; what's his name??!!"), and Joey D'Souza, an English teacher who now resides in Toronto. Upon moving to Toronto as a student, he had to undertake grade 13 for university preparation and at George S. Henry High School he recalls Ms Killpatrick, a math teacher and Miss Bird, another English teacher:
Master Hashmee
"Master Hashmee": the "scariest" of all teachers.... since corporal punishment was/(still is?) the norm in a colonial school, it wasn't surprising to receive a lightening speed slap from Hashmee during his class if you didn't do his homework or were being mischievous. During his reign over me I was the recipient of one such slap right in front of everybody in the class.
“Once I saw his loafer fly by me and find its target a few desks behind me!! Chalk dusters were common projectiles in his classes. That’s the way it was and it produced results: Hashmee would take labelled "dumb" students and make them shine with distinctions at the end of the year.
“Students lived in "guarded" fear of him and the ONLY way to skip the wrath of Hashmee was to work diligently in his class and do his homework. The homework had to be done and, if you copied someone else's - it didn't take him long to ascertain that - then he would uncoil and you were dead meat!! At least, that was the thought and feeling. Essentially Hashmee was a concerned teacher; wanted the best of you.
"I think he believed and proved that if you acquired good study habits you could do anything especially math. He was a kind man and a religious man. When he gave you a sly smile when he was pleased with what you did, that mere tiny curl of his smile made you think the world of yourself.
"In short, you have just proven to Hashmee that you are in tune with his material and life's going to be okay. I attained that level of "nirvana" with Hashmee about a third of the way of the total time that I had him as a teacher (about 3 yrs) and thereafter life was beautiful. I came out of high school with a distinction in math. From the parents’ side: they all wanted their kids to have Hashmee as a teacher!! He had the ability to put the kids on the right tracks....."
Joey d'Souza
"Joey d'Souza in short has hip!!! He wore Ray Ben shades (with the case strung on his belt) and smoked a pipe; he was/is cool!! His approach was to talk to you if you were off the tracks regarding work/studies, etc. He was also a Scout leader and heavily involved with the East African car rallies He was well versed with his English material and taught you ways to express yourself using the English language. He would talk to you as if you were equal to him, always showed concern if you were troubled and always was there to dish out advice. I’m still in contact with him and his wife Dianne: we hook up in Toronto or Calgary during visits."
Ms Kilpatrick
"Ms Kilpatrick was a prettier and gentler version of Hashmee except the slaps and flying high heels. [She was] an expert in math, so my liking towards her was a continuation of Hashmee's set foundation. She was very good at conveying her material to the class. The other thing I liked about her was the way she carried herself: always dressed well and looking fresh with a smile."
Miss Bird
"The first time I sat in her very, very informal class (post-hippie era in Toronto), I was at a loss: she would take a sentence out of a book (Milton’s Paradise [frkn] Lost!! or Leonard Cohen’s Beautiful Losers), then throw it to the students to discuss, dissect and elaborate. My mind that had been trained in the colonial schools was never asked to do that and I sat in a few of these classes feeling like a dimwit, unable to utter a word. The other students would come up with or hold a discussion of her request and I'd sit back and say to myself, 'How are they able to think that?'
"During this time, Miss Bird would prod me for an answer or explanation and I'd fumble my way through it. After a few weeks of this prodding and fumbling, something happened - like a dam giving way. Thereafter and to this day, you would be hard pressed to shut me up with independent thought and speech!!
"All of these teachers (except Miss Bird) were "cut'n'dry" regarding the material they taught - and damn good at it. Miss Bird appeared "wishy-washy" re her material but I think that was the nature/style of her course and she was instrumental in making me think - and think independently - which was/is extremely rewarding."
DARR
And then, Darr became an instructor himself…
“Oh yes, from the other side ... For some 3 years, I taught aviation meteorology at Mount Royal College (Calgary) to commercial pilots. [My] attitude, as a soccer coach of many years and perhaps [through] Hashmee's influence, was/is that if you don't put out, then get out. [It] was a tough course and taught extremely well as indicated by Transport Canada examiners; [I] was asked by the course chairman once to soften my stance on the failure rate. [I] told him to go fly a kite and have a nice day!! [My] thinking was and still is that if “Joe” goes and plasters himself against the mountains because he didn't want to learn meteorology then I'd say "poor Joe died in an air crash accident," but if Joe was carrying 250 passengers with him and slammed into the mountains, then I'd say "What a shmuck - should have done better in class!"
Let’s hear your stories about best/worst teachers. Click on the "Post a Comment" button below or contact me directly at nellie@nelliejacobs.com.
-Nellie
Monday, February 13, 2006
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
TEACHERS: REPERCUSSIONS
COPYRIGHT NELLIE JACOBS, 2005
Nellie Jacobs
Author. Speaker. Consultant.
www.gradingtheteacher.com
www.nelliejacobs.com
"As a teacher, I possess tremendous power to make a child’s life miserable or joyous." Haim Ginott, teacher, pyschotherapist, writer, quoted in Grading the Teacher
Lesley Soden submitted the following story about a devastating experience she had with a teacher; how it affected her well into her adult life; and how she finally overcame the repercussions. We expect that teachers today are more understanding and, therefore, sensitive to the possible ramifications of their actions or words on individual students. Here is what Leslie has to say:
“I had a music teacher in grade 8. I wanted special attention from her (I think I was emotionally needy) and had written her home phone number on the chalk board (which I learned through a private piano teacher). The lady became so incensed with what I'd done that she hauled me out of class, chewed me out and even called my parents. She said I had to learn to respect boundaries (or something along those lines). I was filled with deep shame.
“I carried that image in my mind for over forty years until I realized that I needed to heal it. Had I been the teacher, I'd like to think I would have quietly taken the student aside and said, "Seems to me you need a little extra attention" and then made a point to focus on her. I have visualized this kinder version of the story countless times over the past year ...and I believe that it's undoing the damage that the early experience had on me and my feelings of being not good enough. “
Do you have a memory of an unpleasant experience with a teacher that you ultimately resolved? Tell us your story. Click on the "Post a Comment" button below. To contact me directly, e-mail nellie@nelliejacobs.com.
-Nellie
Nellie Jacobs
Author. Speaker. Consultant.
www.gradingtheteacher.com
www.nelliejacobs.com
"As a teacher, I possess tremendous power to make a child’s life miserable or joyous." Haim Ginott, teacher, pyschotherapist, writer, quoted in Grading the Teacher
Lesley Soden submitted the following story about a devastating experience she had with a teacher; how it affected her well into her adult life; and how she finally overcame the repercussions. We expect that teachers today are more understanding and, therefore, sensitive to the possible ramifications of their actions or words on individual students. Here is what Leslie has to say:
“I had a music teacher in grade 8. I wanted special attention from her (I think I was emotionally needy) and had written her home phone number on the chalk board (which I learned through a private piano teacher). The lady became so incensed with what I'd done that she hauled me out of class, chewed me out and even called my parents. She said I had to learn to respect boundaries (or something along those lines). I was filled with deep shame.
“I carried that image in my mind for over forty years until I realized that I needed to heal it. Had I been the teacher, I'd like to think I would have quietly taken the student aside and said, "Seems to me you need a little extra attention" and then made a point to focus on her. I have visualized this kinder version of the story countless times over the past year ...and I believe that it's undoing the damage that the early experience had on me and my feelings of being not good enough. “
Do you have a memory of an unpleasant experience with a teacher that you ultimately resolved? Tell us your story. Click on the "Post a Comment" button below. To contact me directly, e-mail nellie@nelliejacobs.com.
-Nellie
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
SCHOOL ANSWERING MACHINE
RECEIVED BY E-MAIL
The following message is a rumor circulating cyberspace. The actual incident from which the rumor arises raises real issues about attitude and responsibility in children's education. You can read more information at: http://www.truthorfiction.com/rumors/p/pacificpalisadeshigh.htm
- Nellie
Here's how the story goes:
This is the message a high school voted unanimously to record on their school telephone answering machine. This came about because they implemented a policy requiring students and parents to be responsible for their children's absences and missing homework. The school and teachers are being sued by parents who want their grades changed to passing grades though those children were absent 15-30 times during the semester and did not complete enough school work to pass their classes.
This is the actual answering machine message for the school:
"Hello! You have reached the automatic answering service of your school. In order to assist you in connecting to the right staff person, please listen to all your options before making a selection.
To lie about why your child is absent - Press 1
To make excuses for why your child did not do his work - Press 2
To complain about what we do - Press 3
To swear at staff members - Press 4
To ask why you didn't get information that was already enclosed in your newsletter and several flyers mailed to you - Press 5
If you want us to raise your child - Press 6
If you want to reach out and touch, slap or hit someone - Press 7
To request another teacher for the third time this year - Press 8
To complain about bus transportation - Press 9
To complain about school lunches - Press 0
If you realize this is the real world and your child must be accountable and responsible for his/her own behavior, class work, homework, and that it's not the teacher's fault for your child's lack of effort ... hang up and have a nice day!"
- Nellie
Here's how the story goes:
This is the message a high school voted unanimously to record on their school telephone answering machine. This came about because they implemented a policy requiring students and parents to be responsible for their children's absences and missing homework. The school and teachers are being sued by parents who want their grades changed to passing grades though those children were absent 15-30 times during the semester and did not complete enough school work to pass their classes.
This is the actual answering machine message for the school:
"Hello! You have reached the automatic answering service of your school. In order to assist you in connecting to the right staff person, please listen to all your options before making a selection.
To lie about why your child is absent - Press 1
To make excuses for why your child did not do his work - Press 2
To complain about what we do - Press 3
To swear at staff members - Press 4
To ask why you didn't get information that was already enclosed in your newsletter and several flyers mailed to you - Press 5
If you want us to raise your child - Press 6
If you want to reach out and touch, slap or hit someone - Press 7
To request another teacher for the third time this year - Press 8
To complain about bus transportation - Press 9
To complain about school lunches - Press 0
If you realize this is the real world and your child must be accountable and responsible for his/her own behavior, class work, homework, and that it's not the teacher's fault for your child's lack of effort ... hang up and have a nice day!"
Saturday, January 28, 2006
TEACHER'S PET
NELLIE JACOBS
Author. Speaker. Consultant.
www.gradingtheteacher.comwww.nelliejacobs.com
"Teachers who are '''Favourers' fancy certain students to the exclusion of the others. Often it's the bright kids, the high-achievers and self-motivators, who shine in the class and are chosen as 'pets.'" Grading the Teacher (Penguin Books Canada) by Nellie Jacobs
Do you have a true story about "teacher's pets"? Tell us about it.
-Nellie
Author. Speaker. Consultant.
www.gradingtheteacher.comwww.nelliejacobs.com
"Teachers who are '''Favourers' fancy certain students to the exclusion of the others. Often it's the bright kids, the high-achievers and self-motivators, who shine in the class and are chosen as 'pets.'" Grading the Teacher (Penguin Books Canada) by Nellie Jacobs
Do you have a true story about "teacher's pets"? Tell us about it.
-Nellie
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