Posts Tagged ‘teacher’

Teacher Teacher

Tuesday, September 30th, 2008

I’ll admit that through my writing, and my own big mouth, I’m known for giving teachers a hard time. Partly this is due to my jealousy over their summer break, and partly it’s because I have way too many close relatives in the field to ignore the easy jibes.

But this past week, it was my privilege to judge entries into Staples “Teacher Appreciation Contest” which rewards both the student entrant as well as the teacher with some fabulous prizes. I was blown away by some of the stories of dedication by the teachers, and the inspiration they provided for their students. We received entries from all across Canada – there are truly great teachers from coast-to-coast. Winners will be announced November 14th.

The truth is, my kids have had fabulous teachers who have laughed at my goofy son, comforted my shy daughter, and obligingly moved my chatty kids from one side of the room to the other…and back again.

So, to my sister, my two sisters-in-law, and two brothers-in-law who persevere in this vocation…well done. You’re setting a great example for my oldest daughter, now in Grade 12, who is applying to enter university next fall…in a teaching program.

Awesome. I’ll have someone to hang out with in the summer.

Pretend We’re Normal

Thursday, September 25th, 2008

This is advice that I often give to my children, my husband, and whisper like a mantra to myself when entering social situations where I am about to inflict my family on innocent bystanders. Such will be the case tonight, when we venture into the treacherous land of the Public School Open House.

I’m somewhat of a veteran at these affairs (given my oldest children are in high school), and I have insider knowledge from my sister-the-teacher, so I thought I’d share some tips for newbies.

1) This is an Open House, not a teacher/parent interview. Likely there are 25+ kids who are all clamouring to introduce the teacher to their Mom or Dad. Say hi and step aside. You’ll get the signal if they need to talk to you some more. They want to go home.

2) You’re there for the kids – admire the classroom, see their desk – you can gossip about whether you think the head of the school council had Botox or not later (chances are, she did – she fought to be head of the school council so we know she does weird things).

3) If you bring flowers or any sort of other butt-kissing present to the teacher, they will know that you think you need to apologize for your behaviour in advance. Yes, of course your child is more special.

Above all, avoid using the phrase “well I don’t know where he learned that!” in front of the teacher – she knows where he learned it.

Act normal.