What up nation? I got a guest post about teaching, zombies, and bringing students to life over at Lessons from Teachers & Twits of the always fabulous Renee Jacobson. I hope you’ll check it out!
Also, many of you know that I’m trying to rally in the Worst Movie Ever Tournament at Tyler Tarver’s site. In case you didn’t already vote, you can point and click for Battlefield Earth by going to the voting page.
Finally, you look really attractive today. That hairstyle totally works for you.
Weird things happen to me all the time. People who know me will tell you that my updates are rarely boring. Although I’ve experienced gobs of near misses professionally, some nice opportunities have hit and more continue to come along as time goes on.
I don’t believe in luck, and chance has zero power since it is not a thing. Every effect must have a cause. As Branch Rickey–general manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers in the 1940s–said, “Luck is the residue of design.” I’ve had that statement clipped to my heartstrings since college.
We don’t have to take chances, but we don’t have to succeed either. As a great leader I know has said, “If you’re not failing, you’re not trying.”
I fail plenty because I try things, sometimes stupid things. Some of you have witnessed this fact firsthand. That’s okay because there’s always a point in those missteps even if it’s just to figure out one more thing that doesn’t work. I am way more comfortable with screwing up than I am with never attempting anything.
A big part of this process includes what we call networking. Go back far enough in history and you’ll find that the word comes from ancient fishermen. Picture the disciples casting their nets over the side of the boat. That net was their greatest tool. They threw it out there consistently, each time hoping to successfully hit their target. Bigger nets gave those guys a better chance of snagging what they were after, but teamwork was vital to the operation. Continue Reading…
I didn’t look like much at the age of 19. My tall, skinny frame sprouted into the floppiest mop I ever wore. Lord knows why I made an appointment with the congressman.
His name was John Pippy, a young politician who had taken out a local incumbent a few months earlier. The Pennsylvania representative took youth and energy to Harrisburg, but he also kept an office in my small hometown. I was a history major, so I stumbled in to check out his operation one day.
The secretary said he wasn’t in that day but could she help me? I told her I didn’t really need anything, just wanted to say hi to, um, Representative Pippy. I think we freaked each other out a bit, but she was paid to be nice to constituents no matter what they looked like.
“Would you like to make an appointment?” she asked.
“Uh, okay,” I asserted.
The following week I peeled myself from a friend’s floor to make my 10:30 a.m. appointment with the congressman.
“You’re going where?” my friend asked.
I told him.
“Why”
“I dunno. To meet him.”
A short time later I sat across from Representative Pippy. “What can I do for you,” he asked. Continue Reading…
Two of the best pieces I’ve had published appeared as full page features in Sunday editions of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
The first article highlights how Harry Houdini became the 1st international superstar and specifically details some of his appearances in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Amazing to imagine him leaping into one of the Three Rivers or hanging from skyscrapers in a straight jacket.
I get to make a cool announcement today, and that is to introduce you to the first of a series of new websites being developed by myself and a gifted friend. So, I’ll keep it real short and leave a link in hopes that you’ll check it out and let me know what you think.
You know I’m not afraid of criticism either, so thoughtful suggestions are also appreciated.
The concept of Pop Teacher is to pull together ideas of creative folks who know how to use elements from our culture (entertainment, sports, books, etc…) to effectively communicate with students at all levels. You don’t have to be a working teacher to have great ideas though.
Have you ever watched a movie or TV show or heard a song and thought of some great point to make from the content? That’s the idea.
In addition to developing the new version of eduClaytion, we’re soon moving onto the next big site which I’m really excited about. We are going to be looking for writers, storytellers really. I can’t wait!
So check out the new site and tell me what ya think. By the way, you’ll also see a Forum where you can register to become a member if you’d like to be a part of that kind of community. Anyone who joins will also be entered to win a Starbucks gift card, so there’s that too.
Since I filter much of the world through the never-ending reel of movie references scrolling across my brain, you can imagine how many classroom scenes have flickered in my mind during my teaching career. We love a good story of inspiration, and classrooms provide plenty of those where lives are literally saved by mentors and leaders who challenge the perspective of young individuals.
Hollywood has pumped out a fair share of educational epics, but the groundbreaking movie on classroom angst appeared in 1955. Blackboard Jungle stars a great cast including Glenn Ford, Anne Francis, and a young Sidney Poitier. Another key player is Vic Morrow who died in a helicopter crash while filming a Twilight Zone movie in 1982. And I bet you wouldn’t even recognize little Jamie Farr.
Blackboard Jungle also launched the rock n roll revolution in America. The film features Bill Haley & The Comets and their hit song Rock Around The Clock. Teenagers in the 1950s got crazy (especially in England) during the performance version of the song in the middle of the movie. Mini riots broke out in theaters!
If you’ve ever watched classic films from that era, you’ll notice how far ahead of the times Blackboard Jungle really was. I definitely recommend it, but I also figure most of you have not seen it, so let’s talk about films that many folks have watched.
First off, let me tell you what movies are not included in this week’s poll. These teacher movies could form a field all their own, yet I went with other options.
My favorite movie not on this week’s list is The Emperor’s Club (Full Screen Edition) starring Kevin Kline. If you liked Dead Poet’s Society, you’ll like The Emperor’s Club. Great film. Not enough people know about it.
I’m sure some of you would also expect me to include Stand and Deliver (1988) and Dangerous Minds (1995). Sorry. Nothing against either of those movies except space here.
So what are you picking from? Glad you asked.
Freedom Writers (2007)–I’m not sure how many of you have seen this Hilary Swank film, but you won’t be disappointed. This movie is based on a real school and teacher during the Rodney King riots in LA. The actual work of the students is in print and bookstores today.
Dead Poets Society (1989)–Carpe diem baby. This one made a big impact on me. I saw it when I was a young teenager and for the first time dreamed of being a teacher.
Finding Forrester (2000)–Not only do we have a cool mentor-student relationship, but we also get Sean Connery (in his last memorable role), and a story about writing! I’m a big fan.
Mr. Holland’s Opus (1995)–The best reward for a noble educator has to be students who return later in life to express gratitude to an teacher who made an impact on their life. This movie explores the sacrifices we make and what really matters in the end. Great stuff. Also, my mom loves it.
Lean On Me (1989)–Morgan Freeman was picking up steam heading into 1989 when he absolutely exploded. In that year he starred in Glory, Driving Miss Daisy, and Lean On Me. The latter tells the story of a tough leader, Principal Joe Clark, who does whatever it takes to restore sanity in a mad world. With all the current controversy about unruly students and the handcuffs placed on teachers, I often wonder what Joe Clark would’ve done.
Which flick gets the passing grade?
The Friday Flick Faceoff features films that share a common thread. Cast your vote anyway you like and don’t worry if you’ve seen all the movies or not. Love to hear why you picked what you picked though!
Find me on Twitter under my new handle @ClayMorganPA!
Prepare for the season of excuses and lame rationalization. Now that Thanksgiving break is over, we enter the time of the year when millions of students suddenly realize how much trouble their grades are in.
Maybe those holiday dinner conversations hit a little too close to home when the family asks how the semester is going. Maybe it’s just the fact that only a few days of December remain until the final marks are made. Panic begins to set in for the unprepared student, a stark realization that research papers and final exams are about to come due. So much to do in so little time!
Some students buckle down and get it done, others give it the old college try before fading, and still more will decide that it’s just not worth it. I understand all this from my time as a bad student, good student, and teacher. One of the amazing things about teaching is how much student behavior you can predict as the years go by. So much changes in culture but slacker students stay the same.
I’m not going to go on too much about this as today’s short video will sum it up for you. Let me just say I am not talking about every student who has ever failed here. Some teachers are horrible and their students may really be doomed. Some classes are insanely hard although no one who puts in the effort should ever fail. No, I’m talking about students who just don’t care until the bill for their ignorance comes due.
I am stunned but not surprised when students come to me after bombing the whole course. They want to know what they can do to fix it. I never heard from them one time despite repeated attempts on my part to meet with them and discuss ways to make up points. Some of these students even wait until the final grades post and then act as if they’re shocked that they failed despite missing almost every test question of the year!
If you’re a student and you’ve blown it this far, just put away distractions for a couple of weeks (even Call of Duty and partying) and start hammering the work. If all else fails then plea for mercy. Simply admit if you screwed up and ask for grace. It may not save you but is the right way to go about things. Don’t come with weak excuses and don’t blame other people. Most of all, don’t tell your teacher that your failure is their fault! Trust me on this one, even if you do have a lousy teacher.
You have to really try to fail in my course. I have helped so many students achieve because they put in effort and communicated with me. They cared. Many of these successful students actually face real tough challenges, yet they do what it takes. We teachers can also help you if you’ve been flirting with worst student ever status but decide to change. Second chances are important. They help build relationships and create teachable moments. I want all my students to get As.
That said, we’ll always have some students who just don’t care. They come and go all the time. The strange part is when they show up at the end of the year asking questions. That’s what this video is about. Have you ever experienced anything like this? I can hardly call this encounter fictional.
A nasty argument broke out during one of my first ever college classes between a squeaky, angry freshman and the teacher who would become the greatest professor I ever had. I don’t remember what started it, but Forsythe often rocked the boat, even while teaching basic English skills.
The student jumped out of his seat and began shouting, something about how Forsythe was trying to keep the black man down. The suggestion was ludicrous of a man who had played ball with and personally known Jackie Robinson in the Brooklyn Dodgers organization before spending time in Africa as a teacher for the Peace Corps. The squeaky one was put in his place and gradually disappeared from the background cast of my collegiate life.
I try to avoid scenes like this one.
That incident became the first in a series of classroom quarrels throughout this second half of my life spent on college campuses. (I could write a book on my mentor Dr. Madden). I would witness many more outbursts as a student before becoming a teacher. Now I’ve got a well-rounded perspective as the number of years I’ve spent in front of the room are equaling the time spent in those uncomfortable seats. I’ve gone against professors as a student and had students come against me as the professor. In between, I’ve seen plenty of students go at each other.
Some of this interaction is healthy and useful, some not so much. I often let the debate get heated when something productive is likely to occur. Any teacher of politics and government is going to see some fiery things in this contentious age in which we live. With so many dead and boring classrooms around, I’ll take liveliness as much as I can get it and often find ways to get students going.
Other teachers don’t always appreciate my “lively” classroom. They’re just jealous cause their students wish they were in our room. Sometimes these professors glare in my window. One lady walked down the hall to pull my door shut while shooting me the evil eyebrow. Others just find me in the hall to tell me what an “interesting discussion” they happened to overhear.
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I’ve seen arguments flirt with getting physical in just about every year I’ve taught. Not good. Regardless of what type of room you find yourself in, here are the basic rules of classroom etiquette that every student (and teacher) should follow to avoid disaster and optimize the learning experience.
Civility? Jolly good.
1) Watch your language.
Everytime I get a student obnoxious enough to unleash a steady flow of vulgar language I hear from many others that such behavior must stop. I watch cringing faces as the obscenities begin and for good reason. It’s a classroom not a comedy club. This rule isn’t just about cursing either. Vulgar language includes all types of sexually offensive talk and more that kills the environment. If you need to be controversial and want people to hate you just get a job in government.
2) Be respectful of others.
Hopefully you’ve been told this by someone in your life. I teach in an urban setting with people from all over the world and every walk of life. Diverse classrooms are the best but you need to speak respectfully. Don’t announce that the Japs got nuked or “fags need to stop whining.” Yes, the quotes are there because I’ve heard it. Yes, there was at least one gay student in the room. Continue Reading…
I see you. For some reason you don’t think I do, but I do. And I’m not alone. There are many of us watching you. We see what you are about to do as clearly as if we were watching a movie we’ve seen a hundred times before. You are cheaters, and we are teachers.
Growing Pains, 1986. Mikey Seaver gave me my first lesson in cheating.
Once you teach long enough, student behavior begins to become predictable. Each person is unique, but patterns aren’t so surprising after a while. Some semesters I feel like Neo in The Matrix, seeing through the facade. You can almost create psychological profiles on people just based on what seat they select when entering a classroom, usually enough to generalize personality anyway. This science isn’t exact, but it’s amazing what a little psychology will do for an observant teacher.
Then there’s the detective side of the job. I imagine that police investigators just laugh as they predict the next three moves of some criminals. That’s kind of how I feel when I watch batch after batch of new students flow through. Sometimes you know what they’re going to try before they even conceive the plan.
Teachers always share their best stories with each other, and that includes ridiculous cheating tales. One of my favorites it of a student who acquired a research paper from the internet. The pitiful plagiarizer didn’t change one word including the name of the person who actually wrote the thing! Most cheaters aren’t so hopeless, and I might not get you all, but here are some of the stereotypes I’ve identified from a lifetime in the classroom. Remember, teachers were once students too.
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The Peeker
Peekers are non-committal cheaters. They want to just have a look, a quick glance. I think most peekers are just thinking when their eyes impulsively dart next door. They’re funny because when they make eye contact with me they do this 360 head roll as if they just needed to knock out some in-test calisthenics. Peekers can also graduate to become…
The Starer / Leaner (Giraffing)
No, your hair doesn’t hide your eyes. Yes, it is super obvious. Yes, it makes me crazier than all the others. Yes, I do grade all of your work with extra scrutiny for the rest of the semester. I just don’t understand how you folks can sit there reading the next person’s test for long periods of times. You always freak out when you look up and see me, so why bother?
Old School Giraffing
The Couple
The old-fashioned term would be confederates, having a partner in crime. I don’t know how many times I’ve seen boyfriends and girlfriends try to carry out schemes, but any two or more can play. This must be a fun part of college courtship as those with eyes for each other fall deeper in lust over plans to cheat on upcoming exams. Some friends on Facebook helped me out this week with tales of hand signals and elaborate note passing schemes. I love it when friends miss the same 6 questions with the same weird answers.
The Techies
I hear you can have Microsoft Office on an iPhone for $15 making it easier than ever to palm everything you’ll need to know for the exam in one simple spot. Audio recordings via ear buds are also possible with this crowd. Facebook friend Shawn went low-tech with an answer sheet inside the plastic wrapping of a water bottle. How does one get an answer sheet you ask?
I remember an anthropology professor from my alma mater who never changed his tests. Students just passed them along from year to year, memorizing the multiple choice answers. I wouldn’t say I was a part of this legacy, but I would imagine you could write 25 letters in order along the spine of a pencil. Continue Reading…
I wish you would’ve known him. There really was no one else like Ron Forsythe. Ever. No teacher made a bigger impact on me in the classroom, and I’ve had some great ones.
I can still hear him strutting down the hall, singing the bada-da-da of Miles Davis or some jazz legend, umbrella tapping along the hallway floor. We would smile before he ever made it into the room. And when he arrived in the doorway you never knew what was coming next. Sometimes he would stop, scan the room, and flash that mischievous grin. Something was about to happen. Something was always about to happen with Forsythe. Other days he would stroll right past us, briefcase in hand, calling class into session with his famous anthem of “hubba, hubba, hubba!”
I can’t help but imitate that sometimes to this day. Just saying “hubba, hubba” as I walk in the room some days gets me smiling. My students smile too. They’ve never known (until now) that I was just paying tribute to a man I will never forget. He looms powerfully in my mind even now, four years beyond his death in September 2006.
***
After spending part of the 1950s as a pitcher in the Brooklyn Dodgers system and part of the 60s in Nigeria with the Peace Corps, Ron Forsythe spent the latter part of his life teaching English, literature, writing, and life to students at California University of Pennsylvania.
His voice boomed. He shocked people. He was controversial. He forced us to think. He challenged our assumptions and got our attention in a time when a lot of teachers from the old guard couldn’t figure it out.
In ways I appreciate so much more now as an educator, he absolutely dominated the classroom. He had presence yet was wily. Behind those dark glasses churned the mind of a master conductor. He rarely needed to look at a piece of paper yet every second of his class was packed full of meaning and instruction.
I took him five times, no easy feat since those sections always closed quickly. As a 17-year-old freshman, I was blown away on the first day of his class. I wondered if I had made a big mistake by going to college. I squirmed and feared I would never make it. Forsythe always brought the intensity early on. He wanted to eliminate the weak. It would be his way right away or else, “Get out.” You didn’t sleep in that man’s class.
Then the teaching began. I could never believe the patience he had with students who cared. He worked through the room, his hand resting on a shoulder here and there while the questions flowed. The quality of writing from his students was so far above average that faculty from other departments sought him out just to understand how he did what he did.
When asked, I’m sure he said that unlike most profs in the English department, he didn’t have students sit around holding hands and talking about their feelings. Did I mention his colleagues didn’t always appreciate him? Well, the ones that mattered did, and his students adored him. Continue Reading…
also launched the rock n roll revolution in America. The film features Bill Haley & The Comets and their hit song Rock Around The Clock. Teenagers in the 1950s got crazy (especially in England) during the performance version of the song in the middle of the movie. Mini riots broke out in theaters!
starring Kevin Kline. If you liked Dead Poet’s Society, you’ll like The Emperor’s Club. Great film. Not enough people know about it.
