Well, friends and neighbors, it's that time of year, again. That time when I complain about having to go to so many mandated workshops and seminars that tell me things I already know. Today, I had to attend a workshop for second year teachers, since, in this district, I am entering my second year. So, we spent the day going over a great deal of very useful information...for SECOND YEAR TEACHERS. I am not a second year teacher. Hell, I have a Master's degree. I hope I know how to set objectives and use good questioning strategies.
Of course, as a silver lining searcher, I'll tell you that it is always good to be reminded of the best practices involved in doing your job, no matter how basic. After all, Ted Williams didn't hit .344 lifetime with 521 home runs by forgetting about the basics of hitting. I am sure he practiced the rudiments of his craft more than anyone, even after he hit .406 in 1941. Mastering the basics is the first step to becoming a master.
I just wish I didn't have to spend all day on the last Friday before we went back to work, twisting in my chair over boredom. On the plus side, I knew the presenters, they were engaging and entertaining, and we got out an hour early!
In other news, the Great Biking Experiment of 2008 has begun. I know that I have vowed to bike to work every year since I started this blog, but, this is the year that it sticks. I biked to basketball on Wednesday evening, I biked to school and the grocery store on Thursday, and I biked to my workshop today. I haven't driven my car for three days, and Paul Dorn has become my new guru! The mornings have been cool, making for a pleasant ride, and I have figured out that I can make it to work in about twenty minutes with a modicum of effort. I can arrive to work only ten minutes later than had I driven, and, if I don't pedal like a banshee, I am not a funked-up mess. So, I've always heard that after three days, something becomes a habit. Let's hope so.
1 comment:
Rudimentary workshops = sucky suck. I'm glad you found a silver lining.
The biking commute is very admirable. I'd go with the less speed less funk strategem. Unless you want to be known by your students as Funky Mister Reda (which lends itself to a catchy hit circa 1989, if you follow).
What kind of bike gear do you have? Any compartments attached alongside the tires to transport isht? What are you doing about shoes? Let's see some pics!
Today marked the formal end to summer and start to the academic year for me too. I did a training session for the RAs, which was a lot of fun and well-received. Our new interns also arrived today. All I did was have lunch with them. They all seem nice enough. Next week is out of control, and I'm not ready for all the trainings I'm giving to the RAs and interns.
I just have to make it to Thanksgiving.
:)
Anon AMVB
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