While making dinner last night, I needed to cut chicken. So I walked across the kitchen. I opened a drawer. And I picked up the can opener. To cut the chicken. Worse, it didn’t occur to me that I’d chosen…
So much for casual Fridays
Last year, I made a big deal out of turning thirty – not because I was upset to be growing older, but because I was absolutely thrilled. And now that I’m officially in my thirties as of last week, I’m…
On Being Unforgettable
Teaching grade 8s is always entertaining. But teaching linear grade 8 classes – getting to see the kids all year long, in the same environment – is a different kind of fascinating. See, they’re in the big time now. High…
Who I am as a teacher is in those boxes.
One of the issues that came to light with the months of job action that just ended was how much teachers subsidize the education system. Many teachers have shared photos of how bare their rooms look when they remove all…
Nobody’s happy with compromise.
So, I don’t love the tentative deal between the BCTF and BCPSEA. But I don’t hate it either. Which means that it’s probably about as fair as it’s going to get. Because wishing that it was better while feeling like…
Picket Line Perils
Ever seen a tornado? I hadn’t until today. Okay, okay, this wasn’t a REAL twister. Helen Hunt and Dorothy would have been less than impressed. But my colleagues and me? It was the most exciting part of the day! Even…
I’d rather swallow exhaust than pretend.
As I take to the picket lines each day, standing on a main thoroughfare, swallowing mouthfuls of exhaust fumes, I hear honk after honk. I return countless waves. I share smiles with people as they drive by. But sometimes, infrequently,…
Reminder: you’re important.
On what should be the fifth day of work on my 2014-2015 contract, I’m sitting at home. And I’m wearing a staff t-shirt from the first school I taught at. As a pyjama top. Back then, I wore the shirt…
I’d rather be at work.
This morning, I’ve already gone through stages of sadness, frustration, determination, heartache, worry, despondency, and hope. I should be at work. But I’m not. And, for once, I’m going to say what many of you have been wanting to hear:…
I tried to understand the “other side.” And I failed.
With the announcement that Vince Ready, the mediator, declared an impasse in today’s talks between the BCTF and BCSPEA, emotions are high – on both sides. But here’s the thing. I really only understand one side: the side of public…