On more than one occasion, I’ve listened to people complain about how much money teachers get paid. Maybe you’ve been part of such a conversation – it usually involves noting the short work day teachers enjoy, the health insurance and other benefits they’re given, and the excellent calendar which allows me them to have summers … Continue reading Pay attention
Category: politics
April Fool me
If I had known 25 years ago that choosing a career as a public school teacher would mean fighting for survival against a megalomaniac governor, I might have elected to simply stay full-time in the hospitality industry. During my college days, I imagined my biggest challenge would be landing a job in what is a … Continue reading April Fool me
New St. Patrick’s Day parade rules
I couldn't be happier about the new rules announced this morning regarding Albany's St. Patrick's Day parade. In years past this event has been an absolute sh*t show and I haven't felt comfortable taking my kids there in many years. If you know me, you know I'm all about having fun and a couple of … Continue reading New St. Patrick’s Day parade rules
Feeling testy about NYS assessments
How much do you know the mandated state exams administered to elementary school students in New York State? What do you know about these tests and their significance? Have you heard about Assemblymember Jim Tedisco's bill proposal to allow parents to "opt out" of the required tests? If these three questions were on a test … Continue reading Feeling testy about NYS assessments
Cuomo: failing to understand the problem
Governor Cuomo has released a report which concludes that many of New York State's public schools are failing. As I skimmed the lengthy document online, I noticed a consistency which, to me, was critical in understanding why these schools are struggling. With only two exceptions (Amsterdam and Buffalo's South Park), the schools which have been deemed failing are attempting … Continue reading Cuomo: failing to understand the problem
The State of our State makes me angry
I'm angry that Sheldon Silver was given the courtesy of sitting in a position of prestige at this week's State of the State address when the state's teachers are not invited to sit at the table and truly participate in education reform and improvement. I'm angry that Sheldon Silver, along with the governor and other … Continue reading The State of our State makes me angry
12/13/14
Yesterday's date was remarkable because it was the last time in our lifetime, barring some crazy medical advances, that we will see a consecutive numbers date. What begin with 1/2/3 is now over for the current century. Pretty momentous, don't you think? I've learned there are occasions which demand recognition for various reasons - holidays, … Continue reading 12/13/14
DelSo 