Penny Thoughtful: All Things Books and Running
-
We Can’t All Be Bad Teachers, Can We?
A new coworker expressed this thought a couple weeks ago when a few of us gathered to chat after school. Sometimes we call these “vent sessions” or “unloading.” This particular session stemmed partially from decisions out of our control. This year the administration decided to split the school on the basis of test scores. Each…
-
Race 13.1 Charlotte 2017 – Race Recap
Race #134 Half Marathon #42 North Carolina Half Marathon #7 2017 Race #17 2017 Half Marathon #7 Race 13.1 Charlotte Half Marathon #1 I had no intention of running another half marathon two weeks out from Chicago. Then I registered for 13.1 Greenville and got sucked in with the offer of additional bling. If I…
-
Connotation versus Denotation
As an English teacher and an author, words are my area of expertise, my happy place. My love for words goes way back. I often revel in the rich texture and complexity of words, the layers of connotation added by culture and personal experience. Recently, I once again delved into discussions of connotation and denotation…
-
Words Have Power
The night before the first day of school I had my second brilliant eureka moment concerning this school year. The idea turned into a monologue that set the stage for what will no doubt be my best school year yet. During our last teacher workday my principal held up a handful of pencils and told…
-
Race 13.1 Greenville Race Recap
Race #133 Half Marathon #41 South Carolina Half Marathon #30 2017 Race #16 2017 Half Marathon #6 Race 13.1 Greenville Half Marathon #1 I went into this race with the goal of making this a test race for Chicago training. At almost exactly a month out, this race fit perfectly into the schedule. Of course,…
-
Statistical Manipulation
On August 28, 2017, the Greenville News published an article on the salaries of many administrators in the Greenville County School District, my employer. I do not, however subscribe to the Greenville News and thus discovered the article two days later. I will start this entry with a disclaimer. I hold no personal grudge against…
-
When Funding Falters
I teach in a Title 1 middle school. Those in education know the lingo. Others likely have little understanding of the label and its ramifications. Certain subjects hog the spotlight. Poverty, especially in a region of growing affluence, is not one of them. Title 1 provides additional funding for schools with significant populations of students…
-
Back to School
Today marks the first day of my fourth year of teaching or year two of my teaching career reboot. I am excited for what this year will bring. For the first time I feel confident. This time around I know the curriculum and the school. Every positive lesson I documented in my reflection provides incredible…
-
When Reality Intrudes – Homelessness
Every time I travel to San Francisco for the marathon, I encounter homelessness on a scale that I have not encountered any where else in my travels. Obviously, San Francisco is not the only city in the United States with a significant homeless population or even the city with the highest population. However, I see…
-
Loss Examined
On Sunday, July 9th, my grandmother passed away unexpectedly. According to the doctors, she suffered a silent heart attack the day before. Her body simply could not recover. Obviously, I am not the first person to write on the subject of loss, nor will I share any unique or profound insights. However, I feel compelled…
Got any book recommendations?