Comments for G-Town Talks

Comment on Former Teacher Sentenced Today by Kevin

Kevin — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 13:18:20 +0000

It is very disheartening when a trusted member of an educational team does something unethical and illegal. It goes beyond the legal troubles and touches the emotions and sense of trust of the organization. As educators we try to have trust in our students, and by our very nature we’re more trusting than people in other fields. Perhaps it’s the “the glass is half-full” optimism that we must have to do the jobs we do. Working to rebuild the sense of trust that was lost will take time and a bit of effort; and hopefully someday the hurt will be healed.

Comment on Former Teacher Sentenced Today by flo.paterni

flo.paterni — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 03:45:04 +0000

In my district, they are finger-printing every single staff employee; there are over 10,000 teachers.
As a mom of a high-schooler, I thank you for taking the time to post.

Comment on Former Teacher Sentenced Today by ri

ri — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 02:49:11 +0000

I’m glad you were able to see justice done. We have a teacher who after many objections to her ways of humiliating her students - including cutting their hair against their will- was found guilty of a felony misdemeanor. It seems she indulged in a little road rage against a student. Her sentence - she cannot teach in any other district BUT she can continue to teach in ours.
She’s able to put on musicals, etc. and so is staying because of that ability. It looks like she’s teaching a lesson in civics to alll of us.

Comment on Former Teacher Sentenced Today by KarenSR

KarenSR — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 21:02:16 +0000

Hopefully, your district experience will be a learning tool for future administrators. I am working toward becoming a public school administrator and know the importance of checks and balances and fiduciary responsibility. I have always shared the phrase, “Policy upfront saves us from Police involvement later”.

As a new blogger, I reviewed your first entries, may I ask?
Do you still emal Ilana?

Comment on Former Teacher Sentenced Today by Lisa M.

Lisa M. — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 02:32:09 +0000

I just realized you had rejoined the blogosphere. Welcome back! I’m so pleased that I’ll be able to read your thoughts regarding education again. As someone who is also making the transition from high school principal to assistant superintendent, I completely identify with your recent posts about the new role.

I can’t imagine how hard it would be to deal with the court and sentencing processes for a former employee. I’m glad he’s paying his debt for the crime.

Also, I’d love to hear more about the reading programs you’re piloting. Have you looked at Stephanie Harvey’s Comprehension Toolkit? These strategies are making a real difference in our district.

Comment on Former Teacher Sentenced Today by Pat

Pat — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 14:03:59 +0000

I always feel so betrayed when I see something like this, even if it isn’t in my state. People like this give teachers a bad name and I feel the same when I hear of teachers admitting to sexual misconduct. There is no excuse that justifies lying and stealing in my book. If you have to lie about something, that should be a clue that it is wrong to do. I’m glad you were there to represent the students and the community.

Comment on DABA? by Sharon Mansfield

Sharon Mansfield — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 13:33:00 +0000

I couldn’t agree more with the fact that you should have a huge blogging audience. You have the best interest of so many children at heart! You have the ability to feel and translate your feelings that echo so many of our sentiments in the “school world”! Keep up the great work, and know that your come back to the blogging world is a benefit to all who read it. Thanks Kim for blogging again!

Comment on Sharing Learning by Pat

Pat — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 22:58:59 +0000

What courageous teachers! Even the best teachers would have to be intimidated by that many people observing them! I’ve gotten on Twitter for the past month (twitter.com) and learned about lots of new technology. Have you thought about ustreaming (ustream.tv) lessons and broadcasting live? Observers could access this from where ever they are and actually do a live chat at the same time. I thought this looked like a great tool.

Comment on Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Web? by Bryan McDonald

Bryan McDonald — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 21:57:50 +0000

AMEN, and again I say AMEN!!!! Far too many district level technology coordinators take the blanket block approach. Schools are not doing their job in teaching good digital citizenship (neither are the parents for that matter). Why not have a required 1 semester class in the 7th grade class on the topic of online safety and digital citizenship?

Btw:

I don’t think the website should come at a surprise either…surfed myspace or facebook lately?

Comment on St. Valentine Brings It by Bryan McDonald

Bryan McDonald — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 20:58:01 +0000

I found your blog via the principal blog project list. It is so nice to see an administrator demonstrating 21st century tech skills…someone in authority demonstrating good digital citizenship to students. I will be adding you to my Google Reader!

Bryan McDonald
www.macsclass.edublogs.org