I’m starting to realize that life is more and more about connections. Whether it’s who you know, or information you know, etc. it’s all connected. Well, my husband and I recently got a puppy. As we learn more and more about caring for a puppy there are three principles of care that Cesar Millan, aka the dog whisperer, advocates for that I can relate directly to teaching. He says that with dogs you must first have exercise, then training and finally affection. I believe that in the classroom:

1. Exercise = Hard Academic Work

2. Training = Firm Classroom Management

3. Affection = Your Students Realizing You Push Them Because You Care

Tada! That’s my big connection…and the reason I’ve been horrible about keeping up this blog…besides the fact that I have 5 grad school final projects and 60 kids to teach…fab! 

I finally realized who two of my students remind me of…drumroll please:

1. One of my third graders sits at his desk every day, in the front row mind you, with his hands folded and smiling adoringly up at me. Loves. He’s a bit of a pudge and one of the hardest working kids I have. He is Manny from Modern Family to a t! 

2. One of my other third graders talks exactly like Tracy Morgan in 30Rock…I told him he sounded like a movie star and he beamed…half truths are always nice. 

I asked my third grader Kahil how he was going to do on our test today. He replied:

“I’m going to ROCK it!!! Let’s get this party started!”

If only we could all share the same enthusiasm for standardized tests!!!

I’m white. I’m as pale and pasty white as they get. I didn’t choose to be white. I didn’t choose to be born into the culture of power. I didn’t create societal standards or perpetuate them. And, I certainly would not have joined an urban teaching program if I was racist. I joined because I believe with all of my heart, that all children (red, brown, black, mocha, latte, tan, pasty white, blue, purple) deserve a top-notch education. I believe that every child is capable of greatness, and that education is a great equalizer.

That said, I am the minority in my program, the minority in applying for jobs, and not what they are looking for in the new district standards. “We’re looking for a certain type of candidate” is a good way to say I have the wrong color skin. It’s a cover for “you don’t speak the right language.” In class I’m told that I’ll never have the ability to be culturally responsive because of my skin color and social class. I see who gets attention, who they ask to speak at events, and who falls between the cracks.

I’m told the next cohort in my program will look and feel different than ours. Ours, where they realized they hired too many white people who aren’t getting hired by the district. I’m not marketable. I’m not many things they are looking for.

This is what other races have gone through for entirely too long. This is why I got into education. And, this is why I will remain in education.  

Pint-Sized Student: My birthday is coming up! Guess what we’re going to do?

Me: Hm…eat cake? 

Pint-Sized Student:

1. Go to the center of the Earth.

2. Go to Hollywood.

3. Go to the water park.

Me: As my friend Juno always says, “Dream Big.” 

This is my first Spring Break in over 5 years, and also the first time in 5 years I’ve had a week to myself without family/friends visiting, and vice versa. It’s bittersweet as I would LOVE to be with them, but it’s also allowed me to do some much needed work for grad school and planning for my class…and of course indulge in some seriously lazy behavior that is rarely acceptable! Here are some reflections on Spring Break 2010 as it rolls to an end:

• My husband likes it better when I’m not working…compliment or backhanded compliment? I’m clearly more relaxed, actually attempt to cook, clean, redecorate, go for bike rides after work, walk, etc. etc. etc. but this is not the 1950s!
• After a week of 3 p.m. “appointments” with Ellen, I can’t help but wonder if she ever gets sick of dancing.
• Every day’s a lunch date, which is fabulous for me and awful for my wallet. (Note for next year: start saving fun money early!)
• I thought I was being productive when I did my taxes, and filed my FAFSA, only to be reminded by my sister that I actually just called someone who does my taxes….
• I don’t function at all without a “to do” list, and if I don’t have one, I don’t “do.” 
• My alterations woman has a fascinating immigration story, and I should have taken the time to talk to her way before this. 

Race to the Top announced it’s winners yesterday. The apparent underdogs (Delaware and Tennessee) won! Delaware will receive approximately $100 million and Tennessee $500 million to implement their comprehensive school reform plans over the next four years. As with any federal grant program, budgets will be finalized after discussions between the grantees and the Department, and the money will be distributed over time as the grantees meet established benchmarks.

The U.S. Department of Education will have about $3.4 billion available for the second phase of the Race to the Top competition. (Apps due June 1, 2010)