I can't believe our holidays are half over already. I still haven't graded the projects the students were working on before the break, nor have I written the pacing guide/task analysis for the Earth/Environmental Science course [regular and honors], due about two weeks ago.
Today I did some light grocery shopping, not looking for anything in particular. Of course, Monday (the 26th) would have been the better day to find post-Christmas deals, but I am no longer fond of standing in long line-ups for unreasonable amounts of time to save a few dollars.
25.12.05
...Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Season's Greetings...
My first Christmas away from home. The couple left for Suffolk, VA to visit relatives on Friday morning, leaving the whole house to myself!
Last night I was at A. and R.'s house; they were hosting Christmas dinner for the family this year. I met R.'s parents this time around, who drove up from Florida, and his sister's family [with two kids], from Minnesota. R.'s parents spend their year in three different places: Charlotte, New Bern, and Fort Lauderdale, depending on the season.
Dinner consisted of turkey, stuffing, gravy, creamed onions, green beans, cranberries, and, of course, pie! Three different varieties. I drank a little bit of white wine. I am still not a big fan of alcoholic beverages.
We watched Meet the Fockers, a gift to Mr. Bob [R.'s brother-in-law] from A. and R.. Everyone in the family received loads of presents, children and grown-ups alike. Personally, I was just happy to be around friends at this time of year.
My first Christmas away from home. The couple left for Suffolk, VA to visit relatives on Friday morning, leaving the whole house to myself!
Last night I was at A. and R.'s house; they were hosting Christmas dinner for the family this year. I met R.'s parents this time around, who drove up from Florida, and his sister's family [with two kids], from Minnesota. R.'s parents spend their year in three different places: Charlotte, New Bern, and Fort Lauderdale, depending on the season.
Dinner consisted of turkey, stuffing, gravy, creamed onions, green beans, cranberries, and, of course, pie! Three different varieties. I drank a little bit of white wine. I am still not a big fan of alcoholic beverages.
We watched Meet the Fockers, a gift to Mr. Bob [R.'s brother-in-law] from A. and R.. Everyone in the family received loads of presents, children and grown-ups alike. Personally, I was just happy to be around friends at this time of year.
19.12.05
Coincidence? After all of the events of today, I just received this message from VIF today:
Hang in there
To: All Teachers
Date: Dec 19 2005
Author: VIF Staff
We hope you enjoyed the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday and are preparing to celebrate the upcoming holidays either here in the States or back in your home country. In addition to holiday festivities, successfully completing the first semester of your school year is another reason to celebrate!
Year after year, participating VIF teachers, especially initial term teachers, report that the first semester of the school year is the most challenging adjustment they experience. They also report that the second semester and the years to follow are significantly easier and more enjoyable. In fact, second semester has been referred to as a "rejuvenation phase." Teachers sense more self-confidence and relief that half the year is complete. We are confident that by spring, each of you will have become very comfortable in your host school and community.
Below is a sampling of the benefits, as gathered from current and former VIF teachers, of remaining with your host school for a second and/or third year:
1. It gets better! The hardest part is over. You have already adapted to a school's curriculum, regulations, student population and community norms and quirks. The vast majority of second- and third-year teachers are pleased they have returned and feel that school is even better than their first year.
2. Establishment. You have already made wonderful friends within VIF and local communities. Furthermore, you have established relationships with fellow teachers, administrators and students that will strengthen in years two and three. Relocating, in most cases, means starting over, just like a first-year teacher.
3. Familiarity. You know your way around, the local customs, the best places to eat, where to go to the movies and, on top of all that, likely have a nice, furnished place to live.
4. Opportunity. First-year participants sometimes receive challenging assignments and have less authority. Returning teachers often command additional respect and may be offered additional leadership opportunities in their schools, communities and through VIF.
5. No worries. Going back to the same place means you know what to expect in your school and community. You'll be able to spend the summer relaxing at home or traveling without the worries of what community you'll call home, where you will live or what your students will be like.
If you like your host community, but believe the challenges you've encountered with the environment in your host school or your current teaching assignment cannot be resolved, you should check with your host district transfer policy. In some locations, you can pursue a transfer within your current host district. This policy is district specific, and some do not allow any placements changes, but you can contact them to find out. If your district allows for these types of changes and you are able to secure a new position in the district, please notify VIF when the subsequent assignment is secured so we can update our placement and contact records.
Hang in there! The entire VIF staff congratulates you and wishes you the best of luck as you finish out the first half of the school year! As always, we are available to assist you in any aspect of your VIF experience. Congratulations on your successes and thanks for your commitment to cultural exchange and excellence in education.
Thank you,
The entire VIF Staff
Hang in there
To: All Teachers
Date: Dec 19 2005
Author: VIF Staff
We hope you enjoyed the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday and are preparing to celebrate the upcoming holidays either here in the States or back in your home country. In addition to holiday festivities, successfully completing the first semester of your school year is another reason to celebrate!
Year after year, participating VIF teachers, especially initial term teachers, report that the first semester of the school year is the most challenging adjustment they experience. They also report that the second semester and the years to follow are significantly easier and more enjoyable. In fact, second semester has been referred to as a "rejuvenation phase." Teachers sense more self-confidence and relief that half the year is complete. We are confident that by spring, each of you will have become very comfortable in your host school and community.
Below is a sampling of the benefits, as gathered from current and former VIF teachers, of remaining with your host school for a second and/or third year:
1. It gets better! The hardest part is over. You have already adapted to a school's curriculum, regulations, student population and community norms and quirks. The vast majority of second- and third-year teachers are pleased they have returned and feel that school is even better than their first year.
2. Establishment. You have already made wonderful friends within VIF and local communities. Furthermore, you have established relationships with fellow teachers, administrators and students that will strengthen in years two and three. Relocating, in most cases, means starting over, just like a first-year teacher.
3. Familiarity. You know your way around, the local customs, the best places to eat, where to go to the movies and, on top of all that, likely have a nice, furnished place to live.
4. Opportunity. First-year participants sometimes receive challenging assignments and have less authority. Returning teachers often command additional respect and may be offered additional leadership opportunities in their schools, communities and through VIF.
5. No worries. Going back to the same place means you know what to expect in your school and community. You'll be able to spend the summer relaxing at home or traveling without the worries of what community you'll call home, where you will live or what your students will be like.
If you like your host community, but believe the challenges you've encountered with the environment in your host school or your current teaching assignment cannot be resolved, you should check with your host district transfer policy. In some locations, you can pursue a transfer within your current host district. This policy is district specific, and some do not allow any placements changes, but you can contact them to find out. If your district allows for these types of changes and you are able to secure a new position in the district, please notify VIF when the subsequent assignment is secured so we can update our placement and contact records.
Hang in there! The entire VIF staff congratulates you and wishes you the best of luck as you finish out the first half of the school year! As always, we are available to assist you in any aspect of your VIF experience. Congratulations on your successes and thanks for your commitment to cultural exchange and excellence in education.
Thank you,
The entire VIF Staff
A student decided it would be fun to light sugar cubes on fire underneath a sink in the science lab on the Gibson side. I just can't believe the thought processes and rationality of these students. First the boys' restroom, then the girls'; now this. Unfortunately, the most dangerous one (today's) was started by one of my students. Thankfully, we do not store any chemicals in the lab.
A student took the fire extinguisher and put out the fire. Something that was quite amazing to watch, actually. He tells me afterwards that he was scared of the fire.
We are having a door decorating contest on our side, and at lunch today, some foolish student decided to tear one of the entries off the wall. Just stupid.
I was so upset at all the goings on today that I skipped the academy teachers' potluck lunch. I just couldn't eat.
A student took the fire extinguisher and put out the fire. Something that was quite amazing to watch, actually. He tells me afterwards that he was scared of the fire.
We are having a door decorating contest on our side, and at lunch today, some foolish student decided to tear one of the entries off the wall. Just stupid.
I was so upset at all the goings on today that I skipped the academy teachers' potluck lunch. I just couldn't eat.
16.12.05
I can't wait for the holidays.
On top of the regular discipline issues we face at school, our team is working on a project where all subjects are integrated into a common theme. This semester's theme is Renaissance: Discovery and Exploration. Which is great if you're teaching English or World History.
In science, students worked on a 'wanted' poster of an astronomer from the Renaissance (or ancient times), a travel brochure and postcard from a planet other than Earth, and a short report on a NASA mission. That is as good as I could blend course objectives and this thematic unit stuff, a requirement for the 'talent development high school' program that our school has implemented and the grant money that comes along with it.
Competency testing also took place this week, so classes were extended and shuffled to accomodate this. If I were a young Buckaroo (a Team 500 student), I would be overwhelmed with all these projects for each class just before the holidays, and the odd scheduling.
It wasn't any easier as a Team 500 teacher, either. The class that I had to teach for an extended period of time was my troublesome second period. Thankfully, I made it through all five days. Now only if 1 inch (2.5 cm) of snow would fall on Monday or Tuesday...
On top of the regular discipline issues we face at school, our team is working on a project where all subjects are integrated into a common theme. This semester's theme is Renaissance: Discovery and Exploration. Which is great if you're teaching English or World History.
In science, students worked on a 'wanted' poster of an astronomer from the Renaissance (or ancient times), a travel brochure and postcard from a planet other than Earth, and a short report on a NASA mission. That is as good as I could blend course objectives and this thematic unit stuff, a requirement for the 'talent development high school' program that our school has implemented and the grant money that comes along with it.
Competency testing also took place this week, so classes were extended and shuffled to accomodate this. If I were a young Buckaroo (a Team 500 student), I would be overwhelmed with all these projects for each class just before the holidays, and the odd scheduling.
It wasn't any easier as a Team 500 teacher, either. The class that I had to teach for an extended period of time was my troublesome second period. Thankfully, I made it through all five days. Now only if 1 inch (2.5 cm) of snow would fall on Monday or Tuesday...
11.12.05
Wait a minute. At this time of year, Edmonton is supposed to be the city with strong winds, heavy snowfall and cold temperatures. It looks like today would be a good day to go out in shorts.
Speaking of temperature, I regret to say that after more than three months, I still haven't adapted to use of the Fahrenheit scale. If you tell me it is 50°F, the numbers don't mean anything to me until I have converted it back to Celsius, and then I have an idea of what you're talking about.
10.12.05
I attended an "Integration" workshop at school, which was being held in my classroom and lab. Our principal said that he hoped there were two reasons why we came: 1) the sausage biscuits for breakfast; and 2) the $100 stipend. Of course, he's got a sense of humor. It would have been more useful if I had the handouts, but a relatively easy day at work.
My friend G. finally got his passports back from Immigration Canada - so now he and his wife have visas to enter Canada for the Christmas holidays. I helped him map out his itinerary to Toronto from Fayetteville.
Afterwards I had supper at Tony Roma's with a teaching colleague, K., a first-year world history and U.S. history teacher from the HAPS Academy.
Points for:
- long table - a table for two that could have seated four, possibly six
- the Chicken Tenderloin Platter (my order), which came with honey mustard sauce, fries and coleslaw
- warm bread with garlic butter
- the wet towelette the server brings you afterwards to clean your hands
Deductions:
- presence of celery in the coleslaw
- no drink refills
- server offered another bread with the meal, but by the time it came around, we had finished
- excessive long wait for the bill
My friend G. finally got his passports back from Immigration Canada - so now he and his wife have visas to enter Canada for the Christmas holidays. I helped him map out his itinerary to Toronto from Fayetteville.
Afterwards I had supper at Tony Roma's with a teaching colleague, K., a first-year world history and U.S. history teacher from the HAPS Academy.
Points for:
- long table - a table for two that could have seated four, possibly six
- the Chicken Tenderloin Platter (my order), which came with honey mustard sauce, fries and coleslaw
- warm bread with garlic butter
- the wet towelette the server brings you afterwards to clean your hands
Deductions:
- presence of celery in the coleslaw
- no drink refills
- server offered another bread with the meal, but by the time it came around, we had finished
- excessive long wait for the bill
6.12.05
I spoke with the EC consultative science/social studies teacher today, and she agreed to come and work with me during the 2nd period class every day until the end of the semester. Until today, I have been teaching a class of 26 students, of which 16 have are classified as ADD, ADHD, BED, ESL, LD, EMD, or just B-A-D. OTM-OTM (on the mind, out the mouth), ghetto, I have them all.
Now, I am one of the few teachers who have to deal with all of them at once. Although my team has common students and classes, the math and English teachers don't have to deal with all of 'em at once, because if the students in the class have math during this semester, some of them go to TAMS (Transition to Advanced Math), TAMS for special needs students, or Algebra I. Same goes for English (English I, Strategic Reading). No such variety exists for the science classes, so they all reassemble here for second period.
Now, I am one of the few teachers who have to deal with all of them at once. Although my team has common students and classes, the math and English teachers don't have to deal with all of 'em at once, because if the students in the class have math during this semester, some of them go to TAMS (Transition to Advanced Math), TAMS for special needs students, or Algebra I. Same goes for English (English I, Strategic Reading). No such variety exists for the science classes, so they all reassemble here for second period.
3.12.05
During the Thanksgiving weekend, I went with A. and her husband to Huntersville to have Thanksgiving dinner with her family. We went out for a walk in the neighborhood, watched football and played dominoes. A. is my next-door neighbor at school, and teaches world history.
Since then, I've been dealing with ups and downs at school. Thursday was one of the worst days in my life. The second period class was throwing things during class, and one student had the audacity to throw an orange in my direction, but missed and hit a student instead. The next day, eight students were missing from my class (the throwers).
Today I decided to rearrange the classroom, and I went out with E. and her daughter (a cute Grade 1 student) for lunch and shopping at School Tools in between. I found a couple of science books. E. is a math teacher on our team, and works with exceptional (special needs) children.
I am happy to have these two teachers as supportive friends. Without them, I probably would have jumped off a bridge by now.
P.S. A VIF teacher was killed in a car crash earlier this week. She was a second-year teacher in Salisbury, NC. Unfortunate timing: a car in the other direction crossed the median and hit her car head-on. She leaves behind a husband and a young daughter.
Since then, I've been dealing with ups and downs at school. Thursday was one of the worst days in my life. The second period class was throwing things during class, and one student had the audacity to throw an orange in my direction, but missed and hit a student instead. The next day, eight students were missing from my class (the throwers).
Today I decided to rearrange the classroom, and I went out with E. and her daughter (a cute Grade 1 student) for lunch and shopping at School Tools in between. I found a couple of science books. E. is a math teacher on our team, and works with exceptional (special needs) children.
I am happy to have these two teachers as supportive friends. Without them, I probably would have jumped off a bridge by now.
P.S. A VIF teacher was killed in a car crash earlier this week. She was a second-year teacher in Salisbury, NC. Unfortunate timing: a car in the other direction crossed the median and hit her car head-on. She leaves behind a husband and a young daughter.
22.11.05
Thanksgiving is upon us in the United States. This Thursday, I am headed to Charlotte with a teacher and her husband to have dinner with her family. She's definitely one of the sweetest teachers I have met.
Today is also the day we got our November checks! And the bonus, too! I'm ready to go shopping this weekend.
Today is also the day we got our November checks! And the bonus, too! I'm ready to go shopping this weekend.
19.11.05
Most overpriced objects on Earth: plastic hubcaps with automotive manufacturer's logo.
You can get a 10 L wastebasket made of recycled plastic for $1.44, but if it happens to be molded into the shape of a hubcap, the cost becomes $35.
EDIT: Did I say $35? I called Leith Mitsubishi in Fayetteville and they told me the cost would be around $80.
You can get a 10 L wastebasket made of recycled plastic for $1.44, but if it happens to be molded into the shape of a hubcap, the cost becomes $35.
EDIT: Did I say $35? I called Leith Mitsubishi in Fayetteville and they told me the cost would be around $80.
14.11.05
I received a rather strange piece of mail today. There it was, addressed to myself from the Selective Service System, an "independent federal agency operating with permanent authorization under the Military Selective Service Act (50 U.S.C. App. 451 et seq.)."
Male? Yes.
Between the ages of 18 and 25? Yes.
After poking around the web site, I learned that they probably got a hold of my information from the North Carolina DMV list (when I registered for a driver license), but (thankfully) I do not have to serve in the military should the need arise because I am a nonimmmigrant with a valid visa. Now I have to send documentation proving this fact. (I-94!)
Male? Yes.
Between the ages of 18 and 25? Yes.
After poking around the web site, I learned that they probably got a hold of my information from the North Carolina DMV list (when I registered for a driver license), but (thankfully) I do not have to serve in the military should the need arise because I am a nonimmmigrant with a valid visa. Now I have to send documentation proving this fact. (I-94!)
13.11.05
I am waiting for MWSF 2006 (MacWorld San Francisco), in January. According to AppleInsider, this is the day when Steve will be up on-stage to introduce the first Intel-based Macintosh computers.
I've got some money saved up for a PowerBook, let's hope I'll still have some remaining afterwards.
I've got some money saved up for a PowerBook, let's hope I'll still have some remaining afterwards.
5.11.05
30.10.05
I went to visit The Streets at Southpoint in Durham yesterday after my classroom management workshop. I got a little lost trying to find I-40 on the way there, because some sign told me to turn left, which went against my geographical intuition, and ended up in downtown Cary. Nonetheless, I saw the Apple Store, and tried an iPod (the new fifth generation) for the first time in my life. The click wheel is too sensitive for me for scrolling, and the video playback was a little jumpy, so I will pass on it. The store had sold out of the 30 GB iPod and the 4 GB iPod nano last night. Anyhow, I think the Nano is the better product, despite its tendency to, um, scratch easily.
The second store that I went to was Barnes & Noble. VERY Chapters/Indigo-like. In fact, I'd be darned if they weren't affiliated. Didn't really need any books, but nice to find a place where intellectual Americans hang out. They also proudly serve Starbucks in a café at the back of the store.
I love this shopping center! There's two floors in the mall, and opens into an outdoor pedestrian mall (known as Main Street). Probably the best mall I've visited since I've arrived here.
29.10.05
This past Thursday morning, I went to my car, expecting the usual condensation of water vapor on the windshield. Turning on the wipers did not help. Yes, it was frost -- in North Carolina! I did not bring a windshield scraper from home, so taking a cue from a Visa commercial, I took out my Visa check card and started scraping enough to peer out (running late). By the time the windshield had defrosted, I had arrived at school. Imagine driving 3 km without being able to see a thing. Good thing it was Raeford, and most people actually turn on their headlights.
Today I am off to the Triangle area [Chapel Hill/Durham/Raleigh/Cary] for a workshop on classroom management and maybe a little bit of shopping afterwards.
Today I am off to the Triangle area [Chapel Hill/Durham/Raleigh/Cary] for a workshop on classroom management and maybe a little bit of shopping afterwards.
19.10.05
12.10.05
1. King receives $400 cheque from the Government of Alberta because of higher-than-expected oil revenue and the province's 2005 centennial, and told to spend it as he wishes.
2. The new iPod, announced today by Apple, is a portable multimedia unit capable of playing audio, displaying graphics as well as video content, is available for $269 US + tax.
Okay, I must stop thinking about this!
2. The new iPod, announced today by Apple, is a portable multimedia unit capable of playing audio, displaying graphics as well as video content, is available for $269 US + tax.
Okay, I must stop thinking about this!
9.10.05
Tomorrow is Columbus Day in the U.S., and Thanksgiving in Canada, but still a regular school day at Hoke County Schools.
Anyway, I thought I'd share a little piece of my world with you. These are two of the things where most of my monthly salary goes (apart from the FICA and state taxes). Clicking on an image will show you the full-size image (well, whatever setting that my digital camera was on at the time of shooting).
1) The house I live in [246 kb] and the bedroom that I rent out (the door leads to a bathroom) [1.73 Mb].
2) The car I drive, a leased 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer ES [245 kb]. That is my regular parking spot, on the front yard of the house, it is not in the middle of nowhere.
Anyway, I thought I'd share a little piece of my world with you. These are two of the things where most of my monthly salary goes (apart from the FICA and state taxes). Clicking on an image will show you the full-size image (well, whatever setting that my digital camera was on at the time of shooting).
1) The house I live in [246 kb] and the bedroom that I rent out (the door leads to a bathroom) [1.73 Mb].
2) The car I drive, a leased 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer ES [245 kb]. That is my regular parking spot, on the front yard of the house, it is not in the middle of nowhere.
8.10.05
3.10.05
Only in America.
We had our monthly staff meeting. I was overwhelmed with plans and benefits to sign up for regarding medical, dental, vision, prescriptions and all. Sign up for a health-care credit card! In Canada, you don't pay for these sorts of things, they're usually included as a "benefits package" when you are hired.
After the "presentation", we had pizza and pop as a treat. The pizza delivery was a little late because the store was robbed earlier today.
We had our monthly staff meeting. I was overwhelmed with plans and benefits to sign up for regarding medical, dental, vision, prescriptions and all. Sign up for a health-care credit card! In Canada, you don't pay for these sorts of things, they're usually included as a "benefits package" when you are hired.
After the "presentation", we had pizza and pop as a treat. The pizza delivery was a little late because the store was robbed earlier today.
2.10.05
Well, I have been in the United States for one whole month. Hurray! I still not have seen any guns yet, despite being close to the Fort Bragg military base.
This weekend marked the first in four where I didn't go further than Fayetteville. Shopping for the essentials this weekend at Wal-Mart: milk, juice, bread, pre-packaged dinners, cereal, soap.
I am continually learning new things about my profession; I have acquired more skills in this past month than I have in fourteen weeks of student teaching in Edmonton. I have my own mentor teacher, a special program for initially licensed teachers, and plenty of opportunities for professional development. It's a lot of work, but I'm surviving.
The image above was submitted to a recent worth1000.com contest for mythical creatures in our everyday lives. I thought this one was among the best.
28.9.05
Below is one of the best Slashdot posts I have ever read, posted from BrandonK in a discussion about VoIP for cellular technology. Humourous, yet quite true.
--
One or more of the following must apply for a post to be accepted:
a. Does the post concern Google?
b. Does the post concern VOIP?
c. Does the post concern Microsoft in a negative manner?
d. Does the post concern Apple and/or Linux in a positive manner?
e. Does the post concern any randomly picked open source product?
e2. Bonus points if nobody has ever heard of it before.
f. Does the post rate Firefox as the best internet browser?
g. Does the post blatantly state or strongly suggest that the modern world is stripping away our rights?
h. Does the post discuss a minor nuisance that IT geeks may or may not have personally experienced?
i. Is the post asking a question that can only truly be answered by a lawyer, or other professional, who would likely not be found on Slashdot?
--
One or more of the following must apply for a post to be accepted:
a. Does the post concern Google?
b. Does the post concern VOIP?
c. Does the post concern Microsoft in a negative manner?
d. Does the post concern Apple and/or Linux in a positive manner?
e. Does the post concern any randomly picked open source product?
e2. Bonus points if nobody has ever heard of it before.
f. Does the post rate Firefox as the best internet browser?
g. Does the post blatantly state or strongly suggest that the modern world is stripping away our rights?
h. Does the post discuss a minor nuisance that IT geeks may or may not have personally experienced?
i. Is the post asking a question that can only truly be answered by a lawyer, or other professional, who would likely not be found on Slashdot?
25.9.05
I went to Pembroke, NC today for a workshop for science teachers. The Oxendine building (for the science students) at UNC Pembroke is new with all the latest technology built into the classroom. I learned about lab safety today and the legal issues surrounding scientific inquiry.
14.9.05
Hurricane Ophelia, where are thou? The schools in Cumberland County hath closed their doors to save souls living on the coast (not that it is located anywhere near the ocean).
Hoke County was still open for business today, to the dismay of several students I was teaching. But today was picture day for the yearbooks, which meant another lost day of teaching.
Hoke County was still open for business today, to the dismay of several students I was teaching. But today was picture day for the yearbooks, which meant another lost day of teaching.
10.9.05
I just came back from Raleigh with three fellow teachers. The drive wasn't too bad; since we didn't have a good map, we made U-turns of all types while getting around. We went to La Fiesta del Pueblo, which was highly overrated. There was some entertainment, but nothing that I could understand. But there were advertising booths of all kinds, including political parties.
In the end we walked around the state fair, ate at McDonald's, drove around downtown Raleigh (and got lost), visited a shopping centre, and stopped at a Pizza Hut in Aberdeen for supper.
In the end we walked around the state fair, ate at McDonald's, drove around downtown Raleigh (and got lost), visited a shopping centre, and stopped at a Pizza Hut in Aberdeen for supper.
8.9.05
I've been teaching at Hoke County High School for a few days now, and still have not (formally) met the principal. I have met the assistant principal of my academy "HAPS" (Health and Public Service), which means that my students are in the stream focused on careers in the health sciences and social services sector (lawyers, teachers, social workers, government bureaucrats, etc.) when they get out of school or head to college/university.
My computer has finally been set up in my classroom (completed while I was teaching), but the cables are all over the floor and pose a tripping hazard. Until today, I didn't even have a username and password (aided by a call by an administrator of the school board). Now all I need is a parking pass, a key to my classroom, a telephone code, a photocopier code, some textbooks for the biology classes...on top of that, meetings, meetings and more meetings.
I can't wait for the weekend to come.
My computer has finally been set up in my classroom (completed while I was teaching), but the cables are all over the floor and pose a tripping hazard. Until today, I didn't even have a username and password (aided by a call by an administrator of the school board). Now all I need is a parking pass, a key to my classroom, a telephone code, a photocopier code, some textbooks for the biology classes...on top of that, meetings, meetings and more meetings.
I can't wait for the weekend to come.
5.9.05
I arrived in Raeford, NC on September 1. I was greeted by my 'local advisor', an ESL elementary teacher named Veronica, from Chile. She helped me and my roommate Gyorge find accomodations.
Gyorge, from Hungary, exempt from paying US taxes and bringing his wife and dog (a Hungarian Sheep Dog) here, decided on a beautiful $666/month, two bedroom apartment in Fayetteville with swimming pool. I didn't want to drive that far every day, so I decided to rent out the other bedroom where my advisor is staying. It's furnished, and contains all the basics that I would need.
I picked up my new leased car when I arrived in Raeford, as well. It's a little expensive to lease, but at least I have something to drive. Raeford is a little town with no public transportation, and some communities are far out, so it's essential. I was given a 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer, graphite colo(u)red. It's really easy to drive, since most of my previous driving experience involved minivans and station wagons.
School resumes tomorrow, since today is the Labo(u)r day holiday. I had the opportunity to see my classes last week, and it's going to be a challenging year, I can see it already. My teaching assignment for this year includes one chemistry class and two biology classes. I'm working on my lesson plans at the moment.
Gyorge, from Hungary, exempt from paying US taxes and bringing his wife and dog (a Hungarian Sheep Dog) here, decided on a beautiful $666/month, two bedroom apartment in Fayetteville with swimming pool. I didn't want to drive that far every day, so I decided to rent out the other bedroom where my advisor is staying. It's furnished, and contains all the basics that I would need.
I picked up my new leased car when I arrived in Raeford, as well. It's a little expensive to lease, but at least I have something to drive. Raeford is a little town with no public transportation, and some communities are far out, so it's essential. I was given a 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer, graphite colo(u)red. It's really easy to drive, since most of my previous driving experience involved minivans and station wagons.
School resumes tomorrow, since today is the Labo(u)r day holiday. I had the opportunity to see my classes last week, and it's going to be a challenging year, I can see it already. My teaching assignment for this year includes one chemistry class and two biology classes. I'm working on my lesson plans at the moment.
30.8.05
Today I am in Durham, NC. I flew from Edmonton yesterday to Raleigh-Durham via Chicago. Let me tell you that I absolutely love the moving walkways in Chicago...I've never seen a busier airport.
Americans love their cell phones. Once the pilot or flight attendant tells the passengers that it's okay to send/receive calls, you can hear cell phones being turned on and people chatting away, all while the plane is still arriving at the airport.
The guy who met me at the airport is the designated VIF representative at the airport. His responsibility is to meet the VIF teachers and call the Millennium Hotel (where I am staying) shuttle. His name is Cecil and he recently graduated from UNC in Chapel Hill, in Electrical Engineering. I asked him about the school system, weather and sports. He knows that Edmonton has a hockey team but not much else. We talked about football, and I mentioned that the CFL plays with three downs (unlike the NFL).
There was a man on the shuttle from Alabama going to the hotel. I'm not sure whether he was escaping Katrina, but that's a mighty fine accent you got going on there...
The hospitality has been great so far. I have thrown out all previous opinions I had about the United States. But only time will tell.
My first VIF lesson took place last night. We reviewed the driving rules and watched an old video called "The National Driving Test". The test itself was pretty easy, maybe because I'm from Canada, after all and the rules are very similar.
My roommate arrived late last night, after I had settled into bed. His name is George and he will be teaching in Raeford as well at the elementary level. He arrived from Hungary, a good 19 hour trip from his home town, and his wife is coming later this week. He's got a British accent, perhaps because he lived in London for a couple of years.
This morning, I had my driving test with a gentleman by the name of Davey Knight, who is from Greensboro. We got to drive around Durham. I didn't have much trouble, only with the seat adjustment and the speedometer (which is in units of miles per hour). He told me the weather hasn't been this hot in years (can you imagine 76°F = 24°C in the early morning?). He was a history and biology teacher before becoming a driving instructor. He told me I shouldn't have any trouble driving around Raeford when I get there.
After a short break, I was in the hallway in front of the VIF office and I talked with a lady named Milly, who schedules the driving tests. She told me about how her son had a substitute for science for three (of four) terms and didn't do very well. But now he's in a charter school and wants to go to the NC School of Math and Science (a high school with its own highway sign) and has an interest in cryogenics.
I skipped the dinner part (which was uneventful, except for the fact that I now hate olives and green chili peppers more than ever), but that's a synopsis of my adventure in America thus far.
Americans love their cell phones. Once the pilot or flight attendant tells the passengers that it's okay to send/receive calls, you can hear cell phones being turned on and people chatting away, all while the plane is still arriving at the airport.
The guy who met me at the airport is the designated VIF representative at the airport. His responsibility is to meet the VIF teachers and call the Millennium Hotel (where I am staying) shuttle. His name is Cecil and he recently graduated from UNC in Chapel Hill, in Electrical Engineering. I asked him about the school system, weather and sports. He knows that Edmonton has a hockey team but not much else. We talked about football, and I mentioned that the CFL plays with three downs (unlike the NFL).
There was a man on the shuttle from Alabama going to the hotel. I'm not sure whether he was escaping Katrina, but that's a mighty fine accent you got going on there...
The hospitality has been great so far. I have thrown out all previous opinions I had about the United States. But only time will tell.
My first VIF lesson took place last night. We reviewed the driving rules and watched an old video called "The National Driving Test". The test itself was pretty easy, maybe because I'm from Canada, after all and the rules are very similar.
My roommate arrived late last night, after I had settled into bed. His name is George and he will be teaching in Raeford as well at the elementary level. He arrived from Hungary, a good 19 hour trip from his home town, and his wife is coming later this week. He's got a British accent, perhaps because he lived in London for a couple of years.
This morning, I had my driving test with a gentleman by the name of Davey Knight, who is from Greensboro. We got to drive around Durham. I didn't have much trouble, only with the seat adjustment and the speedometer (which is in units of miles per hour). He told me the weather hasn't been this hot in years (can you imagine 76°F = 24°C in the early morning?). He was a history and biology teacher before becoming a driving instructor. He told me I shouldn't have any trouble driving around Raeford when I get there.
After a short break, I was in the hallway in front of the VIF office and I talked with a lady named Milly, who schedules the driving tests. She told me about how her son had a substitute for science for three (of four) terms and didn't do very well. But now he's in a charter school and wants to go to the NC School of Math and Science (a high school with its own highway sign) and has an interest in cryogenics.
I skipped the dinner part (which was uneventful, except for the fact that I now hate olives and green chili peppers more than ever), but that's a synopsis of my adventure in America thus far.
28.8.05
Well, it is my last day in Edmonton for now.
I met up with my friend Karl and we walked over to his new apartment, which is still under renovations. He's been working pretty hard since the strike at his company began one month ago, completing 12-hour shifts in the daytime and another four-plus hours in the evening. Afterwards, we went out for a nice lunch at Sherlock Holmes. Well, he had a nice lunch. I had breakfast, so I wasn't that hungry.
My favourite radio station, the CBC, has locked out its unionized workers for the past two weeks. It's a shame that much of the summer programming was cut, and some of the familiar voices have gone off the air. However, they have not conceded to total silence, thanks to the Internet. This will satisfy my ears for a bit while I am down in the USA.
I met up with my friend Karl and we walked over to his new apartment, which is still under renovations. He's been working pretty hard since the strike at his company began one month ago, completing 12-hour shifts in the daytime and another four-plus hours in the evening. Afterwards, we went out for a nice lunch at Sherlock Holmes. Well, he had a nice lunch. I had breakfast, so I wasn't that hungry.
My favourite radio station, the CBC, has locked out its unionized workers for the past two weeks. It's a shame that much of the summer programming was cut, and some of the familiar voices have gone off the air. However, they have not conceded to total silence, thanks to the Internet. This will satisfy my ears for a bit while I am down in the USA.
24.8.05
Today is the 10th anniversary of the release of Microsoft Windows 95. I remember wanting to use the operating system very much, but thought I should wait a while for the bugs to be worked out. Microsoft issued Service Pack 1 at the end of December, and I bought Windows 95 and the Plus! pack in April 1996. They did not even bother to slipstream the Service Pack into the original media. That was the last time I was paying money for an operating system that did not come preinstalled on my computer. If I had a choice though, I wish we could have the option of other operating systems preinstalled, instead of the "Microsoft tax".
Here's a gem I found from Slashdot today: "I thought they wrote 32-bit extensions and a graphical shell for a 16-bit patch to an 8-bit operating system originally coded for a 4-bit microprocessor written by a 2-bit company that can't stand 1-bit of competition."
The Win32s extensions were a set of files that were supposed to be installed on top of Windows 3.1, which ran on top of MS-DOS, which was programmed for the Intel 8088 processor. Win32s was useless, since there was hardly any software that could use them until Windows 95 came along.
Here's a gem I found from Slashdot today: "I thought they wrote 32-bit extensions and a graphical shell for a 16-bit patch to an 8-bit operating system originally coded for a 4-bit microprocessor written by a 2-bit company that can't stand 1-bit of competition."
The Win32s extensions were a set of files that were supposed to be installed on top of Windows 3.1, which ran on top of MS-DOS, which was programmed for the Intel 8088 processor. Win32s was useless, since there was hardly any software that could use them until Windows 95 came along.
23.8.05
All right. So I am going (= moving) to the USA this weekend. Forms here, forms there. Fees here, fees there. In the spirit of list-making, I offer the following:
- state certification fee ($60 US = $75)
- criminal record check ($30)
- passport ($87)
- passport photos ($10.69)
- SEVIS fee ($100 US = $125)
Why does the US have such cryptic codes for their forms?
I-901 SEVIS (I-797 issued for receipt of payment), DS-2019, J-1 visa, I-94 arrival/departure card, Form 8840 (to be attached to Form 1040NR).
- state certification fee ($60 US = $75)
- criminal record check ($30)
- passport ($87)
- passport photos ($10.69)
- SEVIS fee ($100 US = $125)
Why does the US have such cryptic codes for their forms?
I-901 SEVIS (I-797 issued for receipt of payment), DS-2019, J-1 visa, I-94 arrival/departure card, Form 8840 (to be attached to Form 1040NR).
20.8.05
BREAKING NEWS
Alberta teacher headed south
EDMONTON - The author of this piece, a first-year teacher from Edmonton, will be departing for the United States in a little over a week to begin as a high-school chemistry teacher at Hoke High School in Raeford, NC. The tentative agreement was reached over the telephone early Friday afternoon.
The interview was brief and took less than 60 seconds. The school year begins in Hoke County this coming Thursday and the candidate they had initially chosen couldn't get to the U.S. The entire interview, given by the vice-principal of the school, consisted of two questions: "Can you teach chemistry?" and "How did you get the experience?". Given satisfactory answers, a position was immediately offered.
Raeford has a population of approximately 3,500 and is located near the Fort Bragg Military Reservation. Less than 20 miles away is Fayetteville, a city which is considerably larger and hosts a variety of services, including a Wal-Mart store. Details of the agreement were not disclosed.
Alberta teacher headed south
EDMONTON - The author of this piece, a first-year teacher from Edmonton, will be departing for the United States in a little over a week to begin as a high-school chemistry teacher at Hoke High School in Raeford, NC. The tentative agreement was reached over the telephone early Friday afternoon.
The interview was brief and took less than 60 seconds. The school year begins in Hoke County this coming Thursday and the candidate they had initially chosen couldn't get to the U.S. The entire interview, given by the vice-principal of the school, consisted of two questions: "Can you teach chemistry?" and "How did you get the experience?". Given satisfactory answers, a position was immediately offered.
Raeford has a population of approximately 3,500 and is located near the Fort Bragg Military Reservation. Less than 20 miles away is Fayetteville, a city which is considerably larger and hosts a variety of services, including a Wal-Mart store. Details of the agreement were not disclosed.
13.8.05
I received a call last night from a principal for a telephone interview, in regards to an application I submitted for a teaching position in the tiny hamlet of Ardmore (pop. 234), located between Bonnyville and Cold Lake. The interview took place over speakerphone this morning.
The posting had been modified from 1.0 FTE Science Teacher to 0.5 Science Teacher + 0.5 Elementary Math Teacher. Ah, I can handle addition and subtraction...
In the evening, the vice-principal called me and told me that (unfortunately) I finished second (out of four candidates). The incumbent won out because s/he had special needs experience, but we were tied in all other categories (apparently).
As they say, second place is the first loser.
The posting had been modified from 1.0 FTE Science Teacher to 0.5 Science Teacher + 0.5 Elementary Math Teacher. Ah, I can handle addition and subtraction...
In the evening, the vice-principal called me and told me that (unfortunately) I finished second (out of four candidates). The incumbent won out because s/he had special needs experience, but we were tied in all other categories (apparently).
As they say, second place is the first loser.
8.8.05
I like Eisenhower's creations. Now, all I need is a fuel-efficient car with shock-absorbent-but-indestructible bumpers to experience it safely.
I finished reading Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince this past weekend. Harry is not killed by Lord Voldemort in this book, therefore, there will be a Book Seven after all (oops...spoiler). But somebody is killed, could it be ... the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot?
I finished reading Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince this past weekend. Harry is not killed by Lord Voldemort in this book, therefore, there will be a Book Seven after all (oops...spoiler). But somebody is killed, could it be ... the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot?
2.8.05
Mobile phone users:
Talking on your phone from Downtown to Mill Woods (or reverse trip) is NOT COOL. Just because you're on an unlimited plan doesn't mean you get to talk as much as you want, it annoys the other 90% of the bus riders. Also, it's not your private vehicle, you paid $2 for the ride, and we don't care where the hell you are, or where the bus is at the moment.
Checking your phone for messages while riding the LRT is NOT COOL. You are essentially disconnected from the network once you enter the second set of escalators at University Station due to poor reception. What difference does it make if you checked once you get back onto surface level, where your services are restored?
Playing games on your phone is NOT COOL. Maybe it was in 1998, when getting the highest score in 'Snakes' gained yourself popularity among your friends, but when you play anything on-board public transportation it makes you look like you are holding your best friend.
Proud to be a non-owner of a mobile phone for 24 years. (I had a phone for a little over three months last summer at work. But it wasn't my fault I wasn't given a desk phone. My personal/non-business usage over this period was under 20 minutes.)
Talking on your phone from Downtown to Mill Woods (or reverse trip) is NOT COOL. Just because you're on an unlimited plan doesn't mean you get to talk as much as you want, it annoys the other 90% of the bus riders. Also, it's not your private vehicle, you paid $2 for the ride, and we don't care where the hell you are, or where the bus is at the moment.
Checking your phone for messages while riding the LRT is NOT COOL. You are essentially disconnected from the network once you enter the second set of escalators at University Station due to poor reception. What difference does it make if you checked once you get back onto surface level, where your services are restored?
Playing games on your phone is NOT COOL. Maybe it was in 1998, when getting the highest score in 'Snakes' gained yourself popularity among your friends, but when you play anything on-board public transportation it makes you look like you are holding your best friend.
Proud to be a non-owner of a mobile phone for 24 years. (I had a phone for a little over three months last summer at work. But it wasn't my fault I wasn't given a desk phone. My personal/non-business usage over this period was under 20 minutes.)
30.7.05
With my favourite co-worker and the director on vacation for the past couple of weeks at my job, work has been pretty slow. The regular staff are booking their summer vacation time (up to three weeks!), so I have lots of free time in between my normal duties + my co-worker's share. This includes fun tasks such as watering plants, finding the coffee, searching the extensive filing system for letters and opening the mail.
One of my friends moved earlier this week from his house to an apartment (temporarily; this is his mother's new one, while he is still renovating his own). Lots of open space, providing an ambience similar to that at the Citadel Theatre. We managed to cram all of the belongings from his home into a 26-foot U-Haul. My friend Jer and I lost the use of our arms after that night. Luckily, Karl's girlfriend knows a construction worker who helped lift the super-heavy stuff (accompanied by his girlfriend?). We worked past midnight. The highlight of the evening was looking for my fleece which Jer buried under a pile of stuff when he was trying to make space in the living room. I couldn't go home without it because it contained my work ID and my bus pass.
One of my friends moved earlier this week from his house to an apartment (temporarily; this is his mother's new one, while he is still renovating his own). Lots of open space, providing an ambience similar to that at the Citadel Theatre. We managed to cram all of the belongings from his home into a 26-foot U-Haul. My friend Jer and I lost the use of our arms after that night. Luckily, Karl's girlfriend knows a construction worker who helped lift the super-heavy stuff (accompanied by his girlfriend?). We worked past midnight. The highlight of the evening was looking for my fleece which Jer buried under a pile of stuff when he was trying to make space in the living room. I couldn't go home without it because it contained my work ID and my bus pass.
22.7.05
During my lunch break today, I was sitting in a quiet section of the Stanley A. Milner library reading the daily newspapers when a man approached me and asked: "Excuse me, may I read you two quotes from the Bible?" I asked why. He said: "Because the Lord loves you." Now, I used to be shy about declining when people like this approach me. But now that I'm a little older and realize that listening to other people spread the Good News is not a requirement for being a good citizen, I told him no, thanks. He walked away, a little disgruntled.
12.7.05
...the nerds on Slashdot were discussing a topic near and dear to my heart today.
I was at Second Cup today for an Italian Soda. I chose the watermelon flavour. The cashier said: "Because I care about my customers, I don't recommend watermelon. It's our least popular flavour. I've had people tell me it doesn't taste really good." I went for it anyway. She put more squirts of syrup than I can remember, so the beginning was actually quite sweet. After that, it tasted like soda water. I guess I didn't mix well enough, but it's not as bad as she made it out to be.
I was at Second Cup today for an Italian Soda. I chose the watermelon flavour. The cashier said: "Because I care about my customers, I don't recommend watermelon. It's our least popular flavour. I've had people tell me it doesn't taste really good." I went for it anyway. She put more squirts of syrup than I can remember, so the beginning was actually quite sweet. After that, it tasted like soda water. I guess I didn't mix well enough, but it's not as bad as she made it out to be.
9.7.05
Today I woke up a little tired after a full day's worth of activities yesterday.
In the morning, I was removing the carpet from the stairs. This was a task I decided to apprehend without gloves. Bad idea. I had those carpet grippers (wooden strips with nails punctured through them) scratch my hands and wrists, giving the impression that I've been attacked by cats.
During the late afternoon, I met my friend John, who was my 4th year education buddy and came up all the way from his camp at Crowsnest Pass (with his wife Lauranne) for a friend's wedding. He's a past counsellor and current administrator at the camp. We went to a little acreage where a friend of Lauranne's is spending the summer. John and I were responsible for the barbecue, which was a bad idea, because we didn't let the skewers sit on the flame long enough. The meat was soft and pink! I hope nobody got Salmonella. (I avoided the meat.)
In the evening, we went to Dairy Queen for a Dilly Bar and then played hacky-sack until the mosquitoes became overly irritating.
In the morning, I was removing the carpet from the stairs. This was a task I decided to apprehend without gloves. Bad idea. I had those carpet grippers (wooden strips with nails punctured through them) scratch my hands and wrists, giving the impression that I've been attacked by cats.
During the late afternoon, I met my friend John, who was my 4th year education buddy and came up all the way from his camp at Crowsnest Pass (with his wife Lauranne) for a friend's wedding. He's a past counsellor and current administrator at the camp. We went to a little acreage where a friend of Lauranne's is spending the summer. John and I were responsible for the barbecue, which was a bad idea, because we didn't let the skewers sit on the flame long enough. The meat was soft and pink! I hope nobody got Salmonella. (I avoided the meat.)
In the evening, we went to Dairy Queen for a Dilly Bar and then played hacky-sack until the mosquitoes became overly irritating.
5.7.05
An interview with the Devil
Joyce NAPIER [interviewer, Radio-Canada]:
Are you going to work?
Karla HOMOLKA:
Yes, I'd like to.
JN:
What kind of work would you like to do?
KH:
I'm ready to do anything, except the only things important to me are first that it be legal. Second that it is moral. And third that it doesn't go against my conditions.
So, if you are an organization in Quebec, and receive a resumé from an applicant who has a BA from Queen's and has no work history for the past 12 years, guess who it is?
Joyce NAPIER [interviewer, Radio-Canada]:
Are you going to work?
Karla HOMOLKA:
Yes, I'd like to.
JN:
What kind of work would you like to do?
KH:
I'm ready to do anything, except the only things important to me are first that it be legal. Second that it is moral. And third that it doesn't go against my conditions.
So, if you are an organization in Quebec, and receive a resumé from an applicant who has a BA from Queen's and has no work history for the past 12 years, guess who it is?
29.6.05
The domino effect on the regular morning bus ride.
I left home this morning a little earlier than usual, but couldn't "feel" my bus pass inside my pocket. I returned home to retrieve it. When I was a few steps from my home, I unzipped my pocket and realized I had it the whole time. Running a little back to the bus stop, I saw the express bus (#64) stopped at the light a couple of blocks ahead. Then the regular route (#8) decided to whiz by my stop since the driver thought I was going to board the bus which had stopped (#73) so I had to get on the #73 to get to the transit centre. The #8 starts to pull away from the stop as I approach it, but luckily the driver saw me jump to the curb. Along the way, we approach the train tracks and along the crossing is one of the longest trains I have ever encountered (one of the cars owned by the Government of Canada had "F*ck the" preceeding it, compliments of a graffiti artist). Total bus ride time (including waits): 55 minutes, which is over 20 minutes longer than usual. So if I'm acting strange today, you know why.
I left home this morning a little earlier than usual, but couldn't "feel" my bus pass inside my pocket. I returned home to retrieve it. When I was a few steps from my home, I unzipped my pocket and realized I had it the whole time. Running a little back to the bus stop, I saw the express bus (#64) stopped at the light a couple of blocks ahead. Then the regular route (#8) decided to whiz by my stop since the driver thought I was going to board the bus which had stopped (#73) so I had to get on the #73 to get to the transit centre. The #8 starts to pull away from the stop as I approach it, but luckily the driver saw me jump to the curb. Along the way, we approach the train tracks and along the crossing is one of the longest trains I have ever encountered (one of the cars owned by the Government of Canada had "F*ck the" preceeding it, compliments of a graffiti artist). Total bus ride time (including waits): 55 minutes, which is over 20 minutes longer than usual. So if I'm acting strange today, you know why.
26.6.05
Do you know where Garden River, Alberta is? I had never heard of it before last Wednesday. On my 1991 official Alberta road map (the newest one I have), it isn't even on the map. After some looking up in other sources, I found it.
It is located inside Wood Buffalo National Park, and takes ~10 h to reach Garden River from Edmonton by car. First, you need to get to Highway 58 (the northernmost east-west highway in Alberta) via Highway 35 (which is paved) or Highway 88 (which is partly gravel road, but the distance is ~170 km shorter). After that you need to travel east on Highway 58 until the official end, and then continue further on an unimproved road for ~50 km. In the winter, your only option out is by private charter plane.
The reason why I mention this is because I received a phone call from the principal of a First Nations school in Garden River. We had a friendly little chat, and she told me about the school and community. If it weren't for the extreme isolation, I would have considered it.
It is located inside Wood Buffalo National Park, and takes ~10 h to reach Garden River from Edmonton by car. First, you need to get to Highway 58 (the northernmost east-west highway in Alberta) via Highway 35 (which is paved) or Highway 88 (which is partly gravel road, but the distance is ~170 km shorter). After that you need to travel east on Highway 58 until the official end, and then continue further on an unimproved road for ~50 km. In the winter, your only option out is by private charter plane.
The reason why I mention this is because I received a phone call from the principal of a First Nations school in Garden River. We had a friendly little chat, and she told me about the school and community. If it weren't for the extreme isolation, I would have considered it.
21.6.05
10.6.05
Okay, so I'm at home on the computer rather than biking to Rundle Park. I left my house once, only to come back after a little rain. About five minutes later I thought, "What the heck", and set out again. The rain started going really hard, so I turned back. I never made it past 36th Avenue (three blocks).
Nothing like rain to spoil a good day. It's stopped now, but I guess I'll have to wait for another time. In honour of today's rainy day, I can cross the Lethbridge School District No. 51 off of my list - they're done hiring for the upcoming year.
Nothing like rain to spoil a good day. It's stopped now, but I guess I'll have to wait for another time. In honour of today's rainy day, I can cross the Lethbridge School District No. 51 off of my list - they're done hiring for the upcoming year.
6.6.05
Ouch! When I read an article about hardware torture tests earlier this week in the library, I winced.
At least flash memory cards are more durable than digital cameras.
At least flash memory cards are more durable than digital cameras.
2.6.05
A larger pension makes superintendents happy. But what about the teachers? Is Elk Island going to do any hiring this year?
As of today, I've decided I'm going to broaden my horizons and start applying for jobs in B.C. as well. I don't know how successful it will be, but it's worth a try.
As of today, I've decided I'm going to broaden my horizons and start applying for jobs in B.C. as well. I don't know how successful it will be, but it's worth a try.
31.5.05
I've received two letters in the past two days pertaining to my teaching career.
1. My first "thanks, but no thanks" letter (Calgary Board of Education) - I wasn't holding my breath on this one
2. My very own Alberta Education interim professional certificate
Yesterday, I went to a birthday party disguised as a night out with friends hosted by two people, one a dental student (one year to go), another a chemical engineer (unemployed, but holding out for a better job). They went to the same high school that I did. I saw people I haven't seen for some two years. We ate at a Thai restaurant. We didn't order enough food. After some delicious frozen DQ ice cream cake, we went to Kinpark (at Kinsmen Park), where they have great slides and swinging equipment for schoolage children. It wasn't my idea.
1. My first "thanks, but no thanks" letter (Calgary Board of Education) - I wasn't holding my breath on this one
2. My very own Alberta Education interim professional certificate
Yesterday, I went to a birthday party disguised as a night out with friends hosted by two people, one a dental student (one year to go), another a chemical engineer (unemployed, but holding out for a better job). They went to the same high school that I did. I saw people I haven't seen for some two years. We ate at a Thai restaurant. We didn't order enough food. After some delicious frozen DQ ice cream cake, we went to Kinpark (at Kinsmen Park), where they have great slides and swinging equipment for schoolage children. It wasn't my idea.
24.5.05
Tomorrow morning, according to the schedule of events, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh will be strolling in Churchill Square. A memorandum was sent out to all city employees (that I originally typed out) letting them know they are allowed to take some time off to see the Royal couple. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
I sent off two more brown envelopes to unsuspecting school boards this afternoon, bringing the total of applications submitted to six (all public jurisdictions): Edmonton, Calgary, Black Gold, Lethbridge, Red Deer and Elk Island.
Total cost of postage to date: $5.60.
I sent off two more brown envelopes to unsuspecting school boards this afternoon, bringing the total of applications submitted to six (all public jurisdictions): Edmonton, Calgary, Black Gold, Lethbridge, Red Deer and Elk Island.
Total cost of postage to date: $5.60.
20.5.05
19.5.05
Earlier this afternoon, there was a thunderstorm. That was noisy. A little over five minutes ago, I heard something that sounded like gunshots. That was noisier. Neighbours went outside to find out what's going on. I have no idea, but why would you want to stand outside at a moment like this. A few minutes before these noises, my heart was beating so heavily I couldn't breathe. Premonition?
18.5.05
I am at Knowledge Common at the moment, working on my applications once again. What does one need to do to get noticed by an employer? Excellent grades? Outstanding teacher evaluations? Strong reference letters? Neat handwriting? What?
Nowadays, finding a teaching position is best done electronically. I've created an account at District Office Online, which is free to register, but the account needs to be updated every fourteen days or else you need to pay a $25 reinstatement fee. And I guess you can't just create a new account, because some school boards use this system only to field aplications.
Work has been quiet so far. My co-workers tell me this is unusual. They're great to work with. Lots of free food, I can tell you that!
Nowadays, finding a teaching position is best done electronically. I've created an account at District Office Online, which is free to register, but the account needs to be updated every fourteen days or else you need to pay a $25 reinstatement fee. And I guess you can't just create a new account, because some school boards use this system only to field aplications.
Work has been quiet so far. My co-workers tell me this is unusual. They're great to work with. Lots of free food, I can tell you that!
13.5.05
I'm sitting at Knowledge Common this morning, doing some computer work. I don't have a high-quality flatbed scanner at home (the one I have is about eight years old), so I came here to scan my documents that will make up my electronic teaching portfolio. Oh, and the reason why I'm not at work is because today is my earned day off (EDO, also known as Leave Without Pay, or LWOP).
Sometimes, people treat inanimate objects as their "baby". These objects are usually items such as their notebook computer, their car, or their cell phone. Well, I have my own today. Earlier this week, I bought a digital camera from the UofA Bookstore. I couldn't resist, at less than half the price of its replacement, the PowerShot SD300.
Here are the advantages of my baby:
- better quality pictures, because the camera lens is larger than the SD300.
- uses CompactFlash memory cards, as opposed to the proprietary Secure Digital cards, which is what the SD series uses.
- less noise than the S500, its five-megapixel big brother which can take larger pictures but has the same sensor as the S410 (therefore contributing to the noise).
- made in Japan; I don't think there's much of a difference, but Canon now manufactures its digital cameras in China.
Sometimes, people treat inanimate objects as their "baby". These objects are usually items such as their notebook computer, their car, or their cell phone. Well, I have my own today. Earlier this week, I bought a digital camera from the UofA Bookstore. I couldn't resist, at less than half the price of its replacement, the PowerShot SD300.
Here are the advantages of my baby:
- better quality pictures, because the camera lens is larger than the SD300.
- uses CompactFlash memory cards, as opposed to the proprietary Secure Digital cards, which is what the SD series uses.
- less noise than the S500, its five-megapixel big brother which can take larger pictures but has the same sensor as the S410 (therefore contributing to the noise).
- made in Japan; I don't think there's much of a difference, but Canon now manufactures its digital cameras in China.
4.5.05
It was the third day at my new assignment at the City of Edmonton. I am working in the human resources department for the summer on the 9th floor of Century Place. I have been meeting a lot of new faces, but of course, my memory is not that great so I can't remember them all.
I am still waiting for the 'CR' to show up for EDFX 450 (field experience) so that my official GPA will be calculated on the transcript. There are a couple of applications I should start (Fort McMurray, Elk Island) - but I am waiting for (yet) another reference letter before proceeding. This one is from my university facilitator for this term.
I called the IT Help Desk a few times today and told them about all of the persistent problems I have had with my account (in particular, Microsoft Outlook) for the past year. The guy was really nice and fixed all of them. Should have phoned him sooner! I finished creating a database project using Microsoft Access today. The interface is a little ugly, but hey, it does what it's supposed to.
Today was the day that I submitted a form for a criminal record check. I went to the downtown police headquarters, where it costs $30 and the wait is 2-4 weeks, rather than going to the Sherwood Park RCMP (where it is free and results are immediately available). See, it does pay to live outside the city!
I am still waiting for the 'CR' to show up for EDFX 450 (field experience) so that my official GPA will be calculated on the transcript. There are a couple of applications I should start (Fort McMurray, Elk Island) - but I am waiting for (yet) another reference letter before proceeding. This one is from my university facilitator for this term.
I called the IT Help Desk a few times today and told them about all of the persistent problems I have had with my account (in particular, Microsoft Outlook) for the past year. The guy was really nice and fixed all of them. Should have phoned him sooner! I finished creating a database project using Microsoft Access today. The interface is a little ugly, but hey, it does what it's supposed to.
Today was the day that I submitted a form for a criminal record check. I went to the downtown police headquarters, where it costs $30 and the wait is 2-4 weeks, rather than going to the Sherwood Park RCMP (where it is free and results are immediately available). See, it does pay to live outside the city!
29.4.05
It's officially over. I have completed my BEd in Secondary Education with a major in physical sciences and a minor in biological sciences. This brings an end to six years of post-secondary education at the University of Alberta.
I was the last person to leave the science staff room, because I needed to mark the quizzes my Science 20 class completed today. I said good-bye to one of my mentor teachers, I have no idea where the other one was for the entire day. They were probably in a rush to get home for the weekend.
There was a slight bump in today's activities, but it's a little difficult to explain, but let's just say it was resolved peacefully. I observed a Science 24 class, an English 10-2 class and an Applied Math 30 class today before teaching my last class.
I need to submit a criminal record check to Alberta Education (because I was *randomly* selected) before I get my interim professional certificate (IPC). I'm going to do that sometime next week.
Now, on to the next stage of my life - finding a teaching job ...
I was the last person to leave the science staff room, because I needed to mark the quizzes my Science 20 class completed today. I said good-bye to one of my mentor teachers, I have no idea where the other one was for the entire day. They were probably in a rush to get home for the weekend.
There was a slight bump in today's activities, but it's a little difficult to explain, but let's just say it was resolved peacefully. I observed a Science 24 class, an English 10-2 class and an Applied Math 30 class today before teaching my last class.
I need to submit a criminal record check to Alberta Education (because I was *randomly* selected) before I get my interim professional certificate (IPC). I'm going to do that sometime next week.
Now, on to the next stage of my life - finding a teaching job ...
24.4.05
Yesterday, I went to McDonald's to purchase their special, two double hamburgers for $2. It was in the early evening, and hence, quite busy.
I saw a young woman with her friends in the line-up. She asked the cashier for more ice cream with her McFlurry. She got an extra whirl of soft-serve.
The woman behind me was quite rude. With one hour to go until her daughter's dance lesson, she was in line and decided to call her husband (I think) on her cell phone and whine about how long the line-up was. When it was her turn, she ordered two strawberry sundaes and one caramel one. Total was $3.18. She tendered $5.25 and got her change.
After she got her order, she told the cashier she ordered three strawberry sundaes. In the meantime, while another sundae was being made for her, she tossed the peanuts back on the counter, and made a remark about how one of the plastic spoons was dirty. She complained about the peanuts again, and simply gave the young cashier a dirty look as payment for the fourth sundae before removing the tray and leaving the counter.
I saw a young woman with her friends in the line-up. She asked the cashier for more ice cream with her McFlurry. She got an extra whirl of soft-serve.
The woman behind me was quite rude. With one hour to go until her daughter's dance lesson, she was in line and decided to call her husband (I think) on her cell phone and whine about how long the line-up was. When it was her turn, she ordered two strawberry sundaes and one caramel one. Total was $3.18. She tendered $5.25 and got her change.
After she got her order, she told the cashier she ordered three strawberry sundaes. In the meantime, while another sundae was being made for her, she tossed the peanuts back on the counter, and made a remark about how one of the plastic spoons was dirty. She complained about the peanuts again, and simply gave the young cashier a dirty look as payment for the fourth sundae before removing the tray and leaving the counter.
22.4.05
Week 8 of my student teaching round has been completed. I have learned so much throughout this field experience: unit planning, classroom management, organization.
I have Science 10, Science 20 and Chemistry 20. Of course, each class has its share of quirks. My favourite class is probably the Science 10 class (29 students). They're fun to teach, and there is a good balance of students. In the Science 20 class, there is 14 students, but 2 students ask all of the questions (not necessarily good questions, just annoying ones) and show obvious symptoms of ADHD.
"Mr. L., I think you're better suited to teaching academic classes." No kidding!
Today, I'm on campus for the "APT callback day". There was a little over half the class that even bothered to show up. We shared any interesting stories, and were done within half an hour. I talked to about two students, and that was it. A complete waste of time.
I have Science 10, Science 20 and Chemistry 20. Of course, each class has its share of quirks. My favourite class is probably the Science 10 class (29 students). They're fun to teach, and there is a good balance of students. In the Science 20 class, there is 14 students, but 2 students ask all of the questions (not necessarily good questions, just annoying ones) and show obvious symptoms of ADHD.
"Mr. L., I think you're better suited to teaching academic classes." No kidding!
Today, I'm on campus for the "APT callback day". There was a little over half the class that even bothered to show up. We shared any interesting stories, and were done within half an hour. I talked to about two students, and that was it. A complete waste of time.
9.4.05
I'm in SUB, right now. This is what I've been doing for the past hour:
- stream other people's music collections through iTunes. Now whether they're notified that I'm listening in, I'm not sure.
- download large files without having to sit through low download rates and capped bandwidth at home (e.g. linux distros).
- there are many fragmented networks, so you can't just walk across campus (well, at least I didn't try). The library has their own system, the Faculty of Education has their own, SUB has their own.
- the SUB is filled with people toting their notebook computers to chat with their friends online and work on essays (or play games).
- stream other people's music collections through iTunes. Now whether they're notified that I'm listening in, I'm not sure.
- download large files without having to sit through low download rates and capped bandwidth at home (e.g. linux distros).
- there are many fragmented networks, so you can't just walk across campus (well, at least I didn't try). The library has their own system, the Faculty of Education has their own, SUB has their own.
- the SUB is filled with people toting their notebook computers to chat with their friends online and work on essays (or play games).
29.3.05
I have been sitting at home for the last few days, so maybe I should get out and do something.
This is what I did this weekend.
1. Installed Ultimate Yahtzee on my notebook.
2. Played Ultimate Yahtzee for the next six hours (and lost six hours worth of games).
3. Started writing my professional growth plan and my midpoint self-evaluation for my field experience (both still in progress).
4. Removed Norton AntiVirus 2004 and MSN Messenger 6.2 to eliminate two more pieces of proprietary software that I don't need.
4a. Installed Gaim as a free, open source replacement for MSN Messenger.
5. Customized Windows XP desktop, since I can't configure FreeBSD to work properly on my computer.
This is what I did this weekend.
1. Installed Ultimate Yahtzee on my notebook.
2. Played Ultimate Yahtzee for the next six hours (and lost six hours worth of games).
3. Started writing my professional growth plan and my midpoint self-evaluation for my field experience (both still in progress).
4. Removed Norton AntiVirus 2004 and MSN Messenger 6.2 to eliminate two more pieces of proprietary software that I don't need.
4a. Installed Gaim as a free, open source replacement for MSN Messenger.
5. Customized Windows XP desktop, since I can't configure FreeBSD to work properly on my computer.
26.3.05
Well, my university facilitator from last year found my sheets, and wrote a great letter for me. Unfortunately, he was leaving on vacation with his wife the next day, so I had to go the west end (by ETS) to pick them up on Wednesday night. I didn't mind the trip at all, it was pretty effortless, and the system does work!
I received a call from the Calgary Board of Education recently, however, I have my practicum to worry about, and hence was unavailable for their pre-screening interviews this week in Edmonton. OK, that was an excuse. I didn't listen to my answering machine early enough (and subsequently missed out), at least for now. I am happy knowing that they noticed my application, though.
I am happy that spring break has arrived, now I can create a unit plan for the Science 20 class, write my midpoint evaluation, develop a professional growth plan, decide on a whole school project, and think a little about what to do once the term has ended.
I received a call from the Calgary Board of Education recently, however, I have my practicum to worry about, and hence was unavailable for their pre-screening interviews this week in Edmonton. OK, that was an excuse. I didn't listen to my answering machine early enough (and subsequently missed out), at least for now. I am happy knowing that they noticed my application, though.
I am happy that spring break has arrived, now I can create a unit plan for the Science 20 class, write my midpoint evaluation, develop a professional growth plan, decide on a whole school project, and think a little about what to do once the term has ended.
21.3.05
Today was a fun day (being sarcastic).
My university facilitator came to observe me, which went pretty well (of course, if everyone worked diligently, then it would have been better). Then, after class, my mentor teacher told me that he will take over the Chemistry 20 class after spring break and will pass his Science 20 class to me. That's the great thing about student teachers, they'll teach whatever you don't want to teach.
I also received an email from my university facilitator from my IPT, telling me that the stuff I left for him at USS was misplaced. Without it, he can't write my reference letter...and I gave away my original copies of my observation sheets...
My university facilitator came to observe me, which went pretty well (of course, if everyone worked diligently, then it would have been better). Then, after class, my mentor teacher told me that he will take over the Chemistry 20 class after spring break and will pass his Science 20 class to me. That's the great thing about student teachers, they'll teach whatever you don't want to teach.
I also received an email from my university facilitator from my IPT, telling me that the stuff I left for him at USS was misplaced. Without it, he can't write my reference letter...and I gave away my original copies of my observation sheets...
17.3.05
Happy St. Patty's Day!
Woosh! Another week has been completed. This past Tuesday, the school hosted an open house for prospective Page students. I 'helped' out in the chemistry room. There were a few interesting demos that current Chemistry 30 students were presenting. The room was filled with smoke from the burning potassium.
I got home at 21:20 (after a nice walk in the snow) and then worked on lesson planning until 02:00. The next day I was sleeping during my prep period. Unfortunately, all of the science teachers caught me napping. This puts me on par with my fellow student teacher, Dean, who does nap periodically, but only before lunch. :)
Tomorrow is professional growth day and I will be seeing my EDSE 460/461 classmates. I have no idea what the purpose of this session is. We'll see.
Woosh! Another week has been completed. This past Tuesday, the school hosted an open house for prospective Page students. I 'helped' out in the chemistry room. There were a few interesting demos that current Chemistry 30 students were presenting. The room was filled with smoke from the burning potassium.
I got home at 21:20 (after a nice walk in the snow) and then worked on lesson planning until 02:00. The next day I was sleeping during my prep period. Unfortunately, all of the science teachers caught me napping. This puts me on par with my fellow student teacher, Dean, who does nap periodically, but only before lunch. :)
Tomorrow is professional growth day and I will be seeing my EDSE 460/461 classmates. I have no idea what the purpose of this session is. We'll see.
13.3.05
Randy Ferbey's team from Alberta won the 2005 Tim Hortons Brier in Edmonton this evening with a 5-4 win over Shawn Adams' team from Nova Scotia. Interesting strategy in the ninth end, for sure.
I have added a second course to my teaching, Science 10. We're starting a new unit, and I'm planning everything from scratch (well, trying to). This means a lot of late night work and little time for sleep.
Last week was the last five-day school week for teaching until the first week of April. This Friday I have a "professional growth" day on campus, and next week is Good Friday, and that marks the beginning of spring break!
I have added a second course to my teaching, Science 10. We're starting a new unit, and I'm planning everything from scratch (well, trying to). This means a lot of late night work and little time for sleep.
Last week was the last five-day school week for teaching until the first week of April. This Friday I have a "professional growth" day on campus, and next week is Good Friday, and that marks the beginning of spring break!
7.3.05
Wi-Fi has arrived at my house. I installed a wireless router by my desktop computer. It took some time to configure it because I had to update the firmware (a problem that I discovered through trial-and-error).
3.3.05
I was at Teachers' Convention today. It was silly because both of the morning sessions that I had planned to go to were full. So I had to scramble and find a session that was half-decent without having to walk to another building.
There are actually some teachers who will go off-topic with their questions and complain about government funding, even when the presenters are in no capacity to address their issues. It happened when I was in a session for professional development with technology, and again during a talk presented by the ATA president. It upsets me when this kind of negativity exists.
I didn't plan on meeting anybody today, but I did run into Jesse outside Sunterra (after purchasing a terriyaki chicken wrap) and we watched the presentation on muons with a few other physical science APT students. I saw my IPT mentor teacher eating lunch at the Edmonton City Centre West food court, but he appeared to be busy with someone. I saw the two math teachers from Old Scona in the mall, so I nodded to them. Finally, I saw John just as he was about to leave the conference. Purely coincidental that I didn't see anybody else that I remotely recognized today.
There are actually some teachers who will go off-topic with their questions and complain about government funding, even when the presenters are in no capacity to address their issues. It happened when I was in a session for professional development with technology, and again during a talk presented by the ATA president. It upsets me when this kind of negativity exists.
I didn't plan on meeting anybody today, but I did run into Jesse outside Sunterra (after purchasing a terriyaki chicken wrap) and we watched the presentation on muons with a few other physical science APT students. I saw my IPT mentor teacher eating lunch at the Edmonton City Centre West food court, but he appeared to be busy with someone. I saw the two math teachers from Old Scona in the mall, so I nodded to them. Finally, I saw John just as he was about to leave the conference. Purely coincidental that I didn't see anybody else that I remotely recognized today.
1.3.05
I conducted a lab for my Chemistry 20 class today. Straightforward procedure. Dissolve solid in water. Stir. Measure conductivity. Use litmus paper and pH strips. Observe colour of solution. Repeat for remaining five solids. Use data to figure out unknowns.
For starters, only one student out of about thirty actually did their prelabs. Oops, so there goes a mark for practically everyone. You also won't believe how many grade 11 students don't know how what a manipulated variable is, how to measure conductivity with a multimeter, or what constitutes a colour change in the litmus paper. Just unbelievable. Maybe I'm just a little too naïve, and a very optimistic student teacher, but I thought all of those were covered in Science 10, if not earlier.
For starters, only one student out of about thirty actually did their prelabs. Oops, so there goes a mark for practically everyone. You also won't believe how many grade 11 students don't know how what a manipulated variable is, how to measure conductivity with a multimeter, or what constitutes a colour change in the litmus paper. Just unbelievable. Maybe I'm just a little too naïve, and a very optimistic student teacher, but I thought all of those were covered in Science 10, if not earlier.
27.2.05
Well, I have completed the first week of my advanced field experience (EDFX 450) at J. Percy Page. The walk to school from my house takes about ten minutes.
The science teachers hang out in the science office, and the place is full of unit binders, notes, and textbooks. I've had the chance to observe almost all of them in action this past week. I will get to teach my first class tomorrow (Chemistry 20). That will certainly be quite exciting. The boys in this class appear to be fixated on playing calculator games rather than listening. A recent development in classroom management, I'm sure. What could be better than having a monochrome video game system (TI-83+) disguised as a calculator?
I spent the weekend planning a week's (3 days) worth of lessons for chemistry, before the workload piles on the following week. Teacher's convention is taking place this week, so this marks the third consecutive week that the students haven't had a full week of classes.
The science teachers hang out in the science office, and the place is full of unit binders, notes, and textbooks. I've had the chance to observe almost all of them in action this past week. I will get to teach my first class tomorrow (Chemistry 20). That will certainly be quite exciting. The boys in this class appear to be fixated on playing calculator games rather than listening. A recent development in classroom management, I'm sure. What could be better than having a monochrome video game system (TI-83+) disguised as a calculator?
I spent the weekend planning a week's (3 days) worth of lessons for chemistry, before the workload piles on the following week. Teacher's convention is taking place this week, so this marks the third consecutive week that the students haven't had a full week of classes.
16.2.05
What is the formula for chemical spill mix?
A. sodium carbonate, bentonite and sand, proportional by mass
B. sodium bicarbonate, bentonite and sand, proportional by mass
C. sodium carbonate, bentonite and sand, proportional by volume
D. sodium bicarbonate, bentonite and sand, proportional by volume
(I didn't know the answer, either. There goes 1 mark on the final exam.)
Now it's time to rush and finish my cover letter and autobiographical statements for the teaching jobs I am applying for.
A. sodium carbonate, bentonite and sand, proportional by mass
B. sodium bicarbonate, bentonite and sand, proportional by mass
C. sodium carbonate, bentonite and sand, proportional by volume
D. sodium bicarbonate, bentonite and sand, proportional by volume
(I didn't know the answer, either. There goes 1 mark on the final exam.)
Now it's time to rush and finish my cover letter and autobiographical statements for the teaching jobs I am applying for.
11.2.05
8.2.05
I had the day off today, so I went to see my mentor teacher at J. Percy Page. The school is very spacious, and if she wasn't guiding me around, I'm sure I would have gotten lost. They have a lunchroom for math and science teachers at the east end of the school, where I met a few teachers. Then I went into my mentor teacher's classroom, which is a neat classroom because the lab benches are right there (no separate lab room required). We decided on my teaching assignments (Science 10 and Chemistry 20 and maybe Science 30) and then we went to the science prep room, where supplies and lab materials are kept, as well as work desks for the teachers. I was given my own desk! We then went to see the TeleLearning Centre and the library to visit the "textbook room", which is filled with textbooks for all subjects. She wouldn't let me have a worn-out copy of any textbooks, only ones in perfect condition.
Before I left, I was carrying, in addition to a notebook and the Science 10 program of studies, two textbooks, and two large binders filled with unit material. I weighed my load when I got home, and it was about 10 kg. This is with my shoulder bag, and my left shoulder was already hurtin'. Nonetheless, I managed to make it home in about 10 minutes.
Before I left, I was carrying, in addition to a notebook and the Science 10 program of studies, two textbooks, and two large binders filled with unit material. I weighed my load when I got home, and it was about 10 kg. This is with my shoulder bag, and my left shoulder was already hurtin'. Nonetheless, I managed to make it home in about 10 minutes.
5.2.05
2.2.05
Last night I met my university facilitator, and my "cohort", which consists of all of the students who are going to be completing their practicum at J. Percy Page. There are eight in all, in a variety of subjects.
My UF was giving her spiel for more than the hour we were alotted, and we didn't know there was an evening class afterwards, and the instructor was a bit upset with her. It appears that the course was ARAB 112. She stormed in with her class ten minutes after their class was due to start, and we had trouble getting out of the cramped classroom.
My UF was giving her spiel for more than the hour we were alotted, and we didn't know there was an evening class afterwards, and the instructor was a bit upset with her. It appears that the course was ARAB 112. She stormed in with her class ten minutes after their class was due to start, and we had trouble getting out of the cramped classroom.
30.1.05
Whew! I haven't added any entries for quite a while. The on-campus component of the APT is now 50% complete. The school where I will be completing my nine-week practicum is J. Percy Page School, which is really close to my house! No more daily commutes by bus! I will be teaching chemistry and science.
17.1.05
I dread interviews. A lot.
Yet, in the next few months, (hopefully) I will have some. These are for teaching positions (what else can you do with a BEd?). At the moment, after having attended the Education Career Fair, I learned every school board has their own application process, their own hiring process, their own requirements ... how am I supposed to keep track of all of these?
Stuff I still need to do on top of my APT:
- get reference letters
- fill out application forms to various school boards in Alberta, some online, some on paper
- develop a teaching statement
- send $200 and a form to Alberta Education for an interim teaching certificate
- send $60 to the ATA to have my professional qualifications evaluated
- write an introductory letter to my APT cooperating teacher
Yet, in the next few months, (hopefully) I will have some. These are for teaching positions (what else can you do with a BEd?). At the moment, after having attended the Education Career Fair, I learned every school board has their own application process, their own hiring process, their own requirements ... how am I supposed to keep track of all of these?
Stuff I still need to do on top of my APT:
- get reference letters
- fill out application forms to various school boards in Alberta, some online, some on paper
- develop a teaching statement
- send $200 and a form to Alberta Education for an interim teaching certificate
- send $60 to the ATA to have my professional qualifications evaluated
- write an introductory letter to my APT cooperating teacher
15.1.05
11.1.05
New iPod shuffle announced by Steve Jobs today at Macworld Expo SF 2005. I guess $129 ($1 discount for education students) for a 512 Mb USB 2.0 flash memory drive with a built-in audio player isn't too bad of a deal. You also get a free pair of white earbuds!
10.1.05
Dear Blog:
Today I returned to school, where I sat with twenty other students, sipping on a medium almond amaretto coffee. I received my syllabus. I had not written the last final of my career last month, after all. Final exam on February 16th!
Being a keener, I tried to log onto WebCT to do my first mini-assignment, but the course hasn't shown up on the list yet.
Today I returned to school, where I sat with twenty other students, sipping on a medium almond amaretto coffee. I received my syllabus. I had not written the last final of my career last month, after all. Final exam on February 16th!
Being a keener, I tried to log onto WebCT to do my first mini-assignment, but the course hasn't shown up on the list yet.
7.1.05
Alberta's Lieutenant-Governor, Lois Hole, has passed away at the age of 71. In the future, Mrs. Hole will be succeeded by a new representative, but will never be replaced.
I'm a bit behind on my applications for teaching jobs. I just don't know where to start...applications, resumés, letters, portfolios. The holidays are almost over!
Tell me this isn't the coolest digital camera you've ever seen...another item to add to my technology wish list.
I'm a bit behind on my applications for teaching jobs. I just don't know where to start...applications, resumés, letters, portfolios. The holidays are almost over!
Tell me this isn't the coolest digital camera you've ever seen...another item to add to my technology wish list.
4.1.05
3.1.05
Why does God cause things like tornadoes and train wrecks?
- lyric from Swimming In Your Ocean, Crash Test Dummies
The tsunami on 26 December in southeast Asia was a terrible disaster. With the death toll increasing with each passing day, take the time to reflect: the world is small and we are all connected ...
The tsunami on 26 December in southeast Asia was a terrible disaster. With the death toll increasing with each passing day, take the time to reflect: the world is small and we are all connected ...
... and a happy new year to you all.
I tried one of those self-checkout counters at Superstore today. I don't know how this is any faster or more efficient than a traditional cashier. Upon arrival, I had to get it reset by a cashier before starting (not my fault), and if you buy a dozen of something (like I did), you can't just type “12” or anything like that. Nope. You have to scan one, wait for the computer, then repeat the process eleven more times. Afterwards, you have to sign on a digital screen with a stylus (for credit card purchases). My signature was loopy and looked nothing like my autograph.
For groceries, Wal-Mart has the upper hand on Superstore, price-wise. However, if you wanted to return something at Wal-Mart customer services today, be prepared to wait in excess of 30 minutes. In addition, every checkout queue snaked across the main aisle into the clothing section. People with children holding French fries from McDonald's lined up steering shopping carts piled high with leftover Christmas wrapping and cards.
--
How evil are your favourite web sites? According to the Sect of Homokaasu, the web site I developed for my EDIT 486 course is 99% evil, 1% good. Maybe because it's organic chemistry.
I tried one of those self-checkout counters at Superstore today. I don't know how this is any faster or more efficient than a traditional cashier. Upon arrival, I had to get it reset by a cashier before starting (not my fault), and if you buy a dozen of something (like I did), you can't just type “12” or anything like that. Nope. You have to scan one, wait for the computer, then repeat the process eleven more times. Afterwards, you have to sign on a digital screen with a stylus (for credit card purchases). My signature was loopy and looked nothing like my autograph.
For groceries, Wal-Mart has the upper hand on Superstore, price-wise. However, if you wanted to return something at Wal-Mart customer services today, be prepared to wait in excess of 30 minutes. In addition, every checkout queue snaked across the main aisle into the clothing section. People with children holding French fries from McDonald's lined up steering shopping carts piled high with leftover Christmas wrapping and cards.
--
How evil are your favourite web sites? According to the Sect of Homokaasu, the web site I developed for my EDIT 486 course is 99% evil, 1% good. Maybe because it's organic chemistry.
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