One down, 179 more to go (sorry, that is teacher talk). Day ONE of my career at North Canton came and went.
What a ride.
Up at 5:30. At school by 6:30. Home around 4:00.
Just one of many 9 1/2 hour days.
To be honest though, it went really well. I felt comfortable and "with-it" for most of the day. The hardest part was actually collecting all the forms, fees, etc. The kids were very well mannered and seem very intelligent and eager to learn. Hopefully, the other classes prove to be the same. This week is the awkward getting to know you stage. Not much learning, but a lot of organization and "here's how it's gonna be" talk. Next week is when we start to ease into the material. That is the easy part.
I love NC schools. Surprisingly, it is a very Christian-oriented school. Many of the administratiors and teachers are practicing Christians and I can see how that ties into the school being so highly rated. It's not because they teach the Gospel, but it is because the school follows its Christian values.
My schedule is awesome too:
Homeroom
Period 1 - English
Period 2 - English
Period 3 - English
Period 4 - Team Planning
Period 5 - Lunch
Period 6 - Personal Planning
Period 7 - Academic Assist
Period 8 - English
Period 9 - English
That two hour chunk in the middle of the day is AWESOME! You can get so much accomplished during that time. My team is very cool. I am the only male and the youngest by at least 10 years. As a whole, there are 5 male teachers in the entire sixth grade. It is nice to finally be with some testosterone. Every Friday our team even goes out to lunch! Even though I have a TON of stuff to do, it is comforting to know that I have people around me to lean on for support.
I really took my job for granted at SPJ. I was bored out of my mind and lost my creative edge because I was teaching something I didn't want to be teaching. I feel like I could have done a lot better. However, Hoover has re-energized me. I am no longer the slacker I let myself become.
Teaching is an unbelievable gift. The relationships that are built. The way the kids look up to you and admire you. The way you see growth on an everyday basis. The way you can reach kids that no one else thought were reachable. Every day is a new challenge and new opportunity. One of the reasons I wanted to become a teacher is because I hate consistency. My job is never the same.
Never.
Thank you God for allowing me and trusting me with this gift.
If I teach for the normal 30 years (I'll be retired at 52!), I will have had a direct impact on about 3,800 kids. That of course, is if I teach around 130 kids each school year.
How cool is that?
~An unedited version of myself.~
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Sunday, August 26, 2007
The Face of Love...
I've seen your face on stained glass, in colored lights
In pictures of you looking to the sky
You've been portrayed a thousand different ways
But my heart can see you better than my eyes
Cause it's love that paints the portrait of your life
The face of love
The face of love
You look more like love everyday
I've read your words in the pages of your life
And I've imagined what you were like
I may not know the shape of your face
But I can feel your heart changing mine
And your love still proves that you're alive
You are the face that changed the whole world
No one too lost for you to love
No one too low for you to serve
So give us the grace to change the world
No one too lost for me to love
No one too low for me to serve
Let us see
Let us be your face
I love this song by Sanctus Real. The "substance" of this song is so rich and powerful that I could go on and on about the relevance of each point.
However, I wanted to draw your attention to the last verse of this song: "Let us be your face." No matter how many translations of Your Word. No matter how many different artists draw, paint, or sculpt You. No matter what we imagine You to be or look like.
No matter what, Your love is still the same.
How true it is that we, the Church, are the face of God. I love knowing that when I see a child smile, I see the face of God. I love knowing that when I see friends laughing and hanging out, I see the face of God. I love knowing that when I see the love of a parent for their child, I see the face of God. I love knowing that when I see a married couple fifty years strong, I see the face of God. I love knowing that when I see a sunset, I see the face of God.
Our actions and our love for one another is what makes the world go 'round. In reality, the face of God is something that we cannot physically see. But, since we are made in the image of God...I have a pretty good idea. Just look around and see the good in all things and there He will be :)
In pictures of you looking to the sky
You've been portrayed a thousand different ways
But my heart can see you better than my eyes
Cause it's love that paints the portrait of your life
The face of love
The face of love
You look more like love everyday
I've read your words in the pages of your life
And I've imagined what you were like
I may not know the shape of your face
But I can feel your heart changing mine
And your love still proves that you're alive
You are the face that changed the whole world
No one too lost for you to love
No one too low for you to serve
So give us the grace to change the world
No one too lost for me to love
No one too low for me to serve
Let us see
Let us be your face
I love this song by Sanctus Real. The "substance" of this song is so rich and powerful that I could go on and on about the relevance of each point.
However, I wanted to draw your attention to the last verse of this song: "Let us be your face." No matter how many translations of Your Word. No matter how many different artists draw, paint, or sculpt You. No matter what we imagine You to be or look like.
No matter what, Your love is still the same.
How true it is that we, the Church, are the face of God. I love knowing that when I see a child smile, I see the face of God. I love knowing that when I see friends laughing and hanging out, I see the face of God. I love knowing that when I see the love of a parent for their child, I see the face of God. I love knowing that when I see a married couple fifty years strong, I see the face of God. I love knowing that when I see a sunset, I see the face of God.
Our actions and our love for one another is what makes the world go 'round. In reality, the face of God is something that we cannot physically see. But, since we are made in the image of God...I have a pretty good idea. Just look around and see the good in all things and there He will be :)
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
New Teacher Orientation
Today was day one of my new teacher orientation. WOW! I will officially have no life starting one week from today. I am beginning to see how easy I had it at Saints Philip and James. I guess there is a reason why North Canton is one of the best school districts in the state of Ohio.
I don't even know where to start. On many levels.
I am teaching a new subject. The grading program is new and online for parents to view (so no more slacking). The paperwork is overwhelming. The insurance, salary specifics, retirement funds, and life insurance buried me up to my neck (My whole life was explained to me in less than an hour and a half). The website was simple enough. The technical workshop was a three hour nightmare.
This is going to be a great experience. However, it will be really frustrating, tiring, stressful, and crazy before there is any glimpse of hope. There are many bright spots too. I am in the best school district in Stark County. I am in a school that treats you like family. I am surrounded by many helpful colleagues. The students are willing and eager to learn. The parents are involved and caring. My pay almost doubled. I'm actually paying into a retirement (one of the best in the world). This is the best place to teach, so why am I so stressed and frustrated?
North Canton is going to mold me into one of the best teachers around. I just hope it is sooner rather than later.
I don't even know where to start. On many levels.
I am teaching a new subject. The grading program is new and online for parents to view (so no more slacking). The paperwork is overwhelming. The insurance, salary specifics, retirement funds, and life insurance buried me up to my neck (My whole life was explained to me in less than an hour and a half). The website was simple enough. The technical workshop was a three hour nightmare.
This is going to be a great experience. However, it will be really frustrating, tiring, stressful, and crazy before there is any glimpse of hope. There are many bright spots too. I am in the best school district in Stark County. I am in a school that treats you like family. I am surrounded by many helpful colleagues. The students are willing and eager to learn. The parents are involved and caring. My pay almost doubled. I'm actually paying into a retirement (one of the best in the world). This is the best place to teach, so why am I so stressed and frustrated?
North Canton is going to mold me into one of the best teachers around. I just hope it is sooner rather than later.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Smelly Pine Trees
I was on my way to a meeting today and I saw an interesting sight that isn't so uncommon. A couple of guys pull up next to me at a traffic light, windows down and smoking, and their review mirror has about 10 of those smelly pine tree things that you can buy at about any store for a couple of bucks.
What the heck is the purpose of those things for a smoker? I can understand if I would use one, it would actually smell like what the label said. For a smoker, not so lucky. With a smoker, a pine scented tree smells like smoke and pine trees. A blueberry scented pine tree smells like blueberries and a cigarette. Even a "upper-scale" yankee barn scent (i.e. warm vanilla sugar) smells like that scent and a bar pre smokers ban days.
But hey, I wish I was that smelly pine tree inventor guy. Genius.
What the heck is the purpose of those things for a smoker? I can understand if I would use one, it would actually smell like what the label said. For a smoker, not so lucky. With a smoker, a pine scented tree smells like smoke and pine trees. A blueberry scented pine tree smells like blueberries and a cigarette. Even a "upper-scale" yankee barn scent (i.e. warm vanilla sugar) smells like that scent and a bar pre smokers ban days.
But hey, I wish I was that smelly pine tree inventor guy. Genius.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Lincoln
Lincoln is our cat.
He is named Lincoln for several reasons. First, good ol' Abe Lincoln is my favorite president. Second, our favorite show (Prison Break) has a character with the same name that was setup and wrongfully accused of murder. How did we get his name based on a murder you say? Well, he looks guilty but is really innocent. Just like our Lincoln (sometimes).
I was never really a cat person before. To me, a cat was just a stupid pet that hid under the bed and didn't know his/her name. I was always a dog guy, you know, man's best friend (I'd still love a dog). But then Lincoln came along. He isn't like those cats I knew before. He is, surprisingly, more like a dog.
I love Lincoln.
There was a dog in our neighborhood today, we assumed he/she was lost, and it made me think about my love for Lincoln. Yes, I love my cat OK?
I began to think about what my emotions would be like if he was lost. I would probably spend hours upon hours looking for him. Yelling out his name. Shaking his treat box that he always comes running for. I'd probably even cry alittle.
Ya, I'm man enough to admit that. I'd cry over my cat.
He is part of our family now and we have grown accustomed to all of his actions, reactions, routines, etc. If he was lost, I wouldn't be able to function (sleep, eat, etc.) until I knew he was safely back home.
This got me thinking. Is this the same way God feels when he has lost one of his children? Does he frantically search for them, calling out there name? Is he not able to function until they are safely back in his arms? Does he cry?
I think yes. To all four questions.
And that gives me a feeling of great comfort.
He is named Lincoln for several reasons. First, good ol' Abe Lincoln is my favorite president. Second, our favorite show (Prison Break) has a character with the same name that was setup and wrongfully accused of murder. How did we get his name based on a murder you say? Well, he looks guilty but is really innocent. Just like our Lincoln (sometimes).
I was never really a cat person before. To me, a cat was just a stupid pet that hid under the bed and didn't know his/her name. I was always a dog guy, you know, man's best friend (I'd still love a dog). But then Lincoln came along. He isn't like those cats I knew before. He is, surprisingly, more like a dog.
I love Lincoln.
There was a dog in our neighborhood today, we assumed he/she was lost, and it made me think about my love for Lincoln. Yes, I love my cat OK?
I began to think about what my emotions would be like if he was lost. I would probably spend hours upon hours looking for him. Yelling out his name. Shaking his treat box that he always comes running for. I'd probably even cry alittle.
Ya, I'm man enough to admit that. I'd cry over my cat.
He is part of our family now and we have grown accustomed to all of his actions, reactions, routines, etc. If he was lost, I wouldn't be able to function (sleep, eat, etc.) until I knew he was safely back home.
This got me thinking. Is this the same way God feels when he has lost one of his children? Does he frantically search for them, calling out there name? Is he not able to function until they are safely back in his arms? Does he cry?
I think yes. To all four questions.
And that gives me a feeling of great comfort.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Hank Aaron, Still the King
Last night, I saw history being made.
On August 7, 2006, Barry Bonds broke the all-time home run record. However, in my mind (and the minds of many others), Hank Aaron is still the "Home run King."
There is a HUGE difference between Hank Aaron and Barry Bonds. Hank Aaron was an advocate for racial diversity in a time when the game needed an African-American athlete to step in after the death of Jackie Robinson. Hank Aaron was so consistent. He was a great outfielder, a great teammate, a great leader, and passionate about the game of baseball. He hit home runs with the flick of his wrists rather than enhanced muscles.
Now, what Barry Bonds has done is never to be over looked. For anyone to hit 756 home runs, steroids or not, is a feat in itself. The hand-eye coordination needed in order to hit like that cannot be enhanced through performance enhancers. Unfortunately, the power from your body can. The strength of your forearms, biceps, and hips can generate baseballs to travel further. However, you have to look at some of the other major leaguers being busted around the league. Most of them can hardly hit home runs...still. So, with that being said, Barry Bonds is still a home run hitter.
In some respects, Bonds has dealt with more scrutiny than Aaron. He is hated by almost every baseball fan in America. He is constantly questioned. He is constantly followed. He is constantly doubted. Barry Bonds is one person that I would never want to be. His life must be in constant chaos. However, Bonds has done a lot to bring this negativity on himself. He isn't media friendly, fan friendly, teammate friendly, or baseball friendly. In an age where sports is seen through the media...Barry Bonds is seen as the "anti-Christ" of baseball.
If anything, Hank Aaron is going to be bigger than ever. It must be a gratifying feeling to know that a new generation of baseball fans still love you and consider you the best. What Hank Aaron did, by giving a personalized message after Bonds broke the record, only adds to the legend of his name.
Bonds may have more home runs number wise, but nobody hit them quite like Hammerin' Hank.
On August 7, 2006, Barry Bonds broke the all-time home run record. However, in my mind (and the minds of many others), Hank Aaron is still the "Home run King."
There is a HUGE difference between Hank Aaron and Barry Bonds. Hank Aaron was an advocate for racial diversity in a time when the game needed an African-American athlete to step in after the death of Jackie Robinson. Hank Aaron was so consistent. He was a great outfielder, a great teammate, a great leader, and passionate about the game of baseball. He hit home runs with the flick of his wrists rather than enhanced muscles.
Now, what Barry Bonds has done is never to be over looked. For anyone to hit 756 home runs, steroids or not, is a feat in itself. The hand-eye coordination needed in order to hit like that cannot be enhanced through performance enhancers. Unfortunately, the power from your body can. The strength of your forearms, biceps, and hips can generate baseballs to travel further. However, you have to look at some of the other major leaguers being busted around the league. Most of them can hardly hit home runs...still. So, with that being said, Barry Bonds is still a home run hitter.
In some respects, Bonds has dealt with more scrutiny than Aaron. He is hated by almost every baseball fan in America. He is constantly questioned. He is constantly followed. He is constantly doubted. Barry Bonds is one person that I would never want to be. His life must be in constant chaos. However, Bonds has done a lot to bring this negativity on himself. He isn't media friendly, fan friendly, teammate friendly, or baseball friendly. In an age where sports is seen through the media...Barry Bonds is seen as the "anti-Christ" of baseball.
If anything, Hank Aaron is going to be bigger than ever. It must be a gratifying feeling to know that a new generation of baseball fans still love you and consider you the best. What Hank Aaron did, by giving a personalized message after Bonds broke the record, only adds to the legend of his name.
Bonds may have more home runs number wise, but nobody hit them quite like Hammerin' Hank.
Sunday, August 5, 2007
NFL Nework
I am a pawn to one of the biggest corporations in the United States.
The NFL.
As I was searching for what channel the game was on, I noticed something. It wasn't on. Yes, that is right. As a citizen of Stark County, I cannot watch the HOF game from the comfort of my own home. The tax money that I pay doesn't buy me a couple of hours on a Sunday night to relax with the opening of the NFL season. Instead of allowing cable viewers to watch the game, the NFL decided to rake in the money.
Not surprised.
Just a little ticked.
Steelers fans, Saints fans (people still reeling from the Katrina effects), and NFL super fans are emptying their pockets to watch a game we should be watching on cable. This is a major blow to the NFL franchise.
Imagine if the Browns were playing!
The NFL.
As I was searching for what channel the game was on, I noticed something. It wasn't on. Yes, that is right. As a citizen of Stark County, I cannot watch the HOF game from the comfort of my own home. The tax money that I pay doesn't buy me a couple of hours on a Sunday night to relax with the opening of the NFL season. Instead of allowing cable viewers to watch the game, the NFL decided to rake in the money.
Not surprised.
Just a little ticked.
Steelers fans, Saints fans (people still reeling from the Katrina effects), and NFL super fans are emptying their pockets to watch a game we should be watching on cable. This is a major blow to the NFL franchise.
Imagine if the Browns were playing!
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