tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5489583182385276767.post1546508323174345495..comments2023-10-31T10:26:34.348-06:00Comments on Evolving English Teacher: Dear Administrator: Please Don't Ask Me...Glenda Funkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07020745976555044975noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5489583182385276767.post-61406080516426217662012-01-28T11:16:18.518-07:002012-01-28T11:16:18.518-07:00Glenda -- I'm humbled by the illustrious comp...Glenda -- I'm humbled by the illustrious company you've lumped me in with. I count you among the brightest of our profession. Your insights, pluck, and common sense make me always click anything that has your name attached to it. <br /><br />I'm in the classroom for my 32nd year. I have two more to go after this one. In the first part of the present century, I took a position (department chair) that lessened my time in the classroom. Although I enjoyed some aspects of that position, I wanted to get back in the classroom full-time. I've never regretted that decision one bit. <br /><br />In the meantime, we've had a revolving door on our principal's and superintendent's offices, not to mention two other fine people have served as our department chair. <br /><br />My work in the classroom is largely independent of the machinations of those above me. They have their jobs to do, and I have mine. I regret that they rarely intersect these days, but I know I'm in the right place. <br /><br />These days I try to say Yes to anything that involves (1.) direct benefits to students; (2.) enhancing the teaching of writing; or (3.) the opportunity to develop or deliver authentic professional development. I'll do any of those things with a full head of enthusiastic steam. Knowing my parameters makes it easy to say No to everything else.<br /><br />Whenever somebody starts pestering me to do something that doesn't fit my interests, I feel a bit like Huck Finn as he signs off his book: "But I reckon I got to light out for the Territory ahead of the rest, because Aunt Sally she's going to adopt me and sivilize me, and I can't stand it. I been there before." <br /><br />For me, "the Territory" is and always will be the classroom.<br /><br />GaryAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5489583182385276767.post-73676626377002188312012-01-22T15:08:03.397-07:002012-01-22T15:08:03.397-07:00Aw, Glenda, you rock. My letter to my former admi...Aw, Glenda, you rock. My letter to my former administrator would have included far more four letter words, but then you've always had much more tact than I, haha. :)smoneilhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09345628034403520056noreply@blogger.com