Taking a break...

I wanted to wish everyone a very HAPPY HOLIDAY! I will get back to blogging soon!

There is nothing wrong with change, if it is in the right direction. Winston Churchill

I found this quote and thought it would be perfect for me to re-start my blogging. I have taken a very long break, and have lots to blog about. However, for those that actually read this, let me update you on two things of importance going on in my life:

1. Dissertation is going...slowly, but its going. Estimated completion is March.
2. Changing locations...moving to Chicago; which is why I selected the quote in my heading. This is a good thing...more to come.

I am packed and ready to go...but will start blogging again soon.

Life has happened...and continues to

Yes, I have been very negligent in blogging; however, those that know me, know that life has a way of sneaking up on you. I had a VERY nice conversation with a VERY GOOD friend of mine today. It was nice to be able to talk to someone that I respect and admire, and know that we have similar things going on in our lives. I have always known she was strong; after today's conversation it is now confirmed. Hang in there...it WILL get better.

I will make every attempt to blog more, especially now since dissertation "fun" begins Monday - I am planning to wrap it up in no more than six months; I have a lot of the pre-work already done and am ready to get my committee started on approval.

STAY TUNED!!

COMPS COMPLETE

Yes folks as of 8PM yesterday February 7, 2008; I have complete my Comprehensive Exams. After the issue with my hard drive being erased, I am confident that the work I turned in (although full of commas) was quality work. Now, I wait...5 day for the committee to read them and tell me if I pass or if I have to re-write any. I am confident that there will be no re-writes, and that I can move onto the next phase of my journey.

WOW...as soon as I find out I have passed, I will then be known as a PhD Candidate; then only 6-10 months (max) before completion of my dissertation.

I could DIE...

Yes, i could die tonight. I have been working on my Comprehensive Exams for the last 2 weeks and tonight my hard drive takes a dump and ALL of the materials I have been collecting for the last 4 years are now gone...POOF...just like that. Yes, it was backed up; but the computer I backed it up on was the one that fried last month which is why I bought a new one and promised myself I wouldn't back my work up on it. I have been saving things at school, so lets hope the Tech Specialist hasn't cleaned up the unwanted things on the server.

Yes, it is terrible....yes, I want to cry (and perhaps will)...yes it is going to cost me about $500 to recover said data and if they can't I will most definitely cry! Yes, most definitely!!!

I am taking tomorrow off so as to sit in front of the computer and try and put my words on paper again...I hope it is better this time.

THANK GOD IT WASN'T MY DISSERTATION.

Comprehensive Exams to Dissertation

Well, this is to let you know that while I am not neglecting my blogging, i am working on my COMPS that are due 2/9, so blogging will be limited. In addition, once those are done I will be starting my dissertation journey and will have plenty to blog about, and promise to make time and effort to do so.

Thanks to all of my friends that follow this blog.

It's Holiday Time....

Please forgive me while I take a break....I'll be visiting friends and family for the holiday and then attending a conference. See you when I get back!

Winter Wonder Land?

So, due to Snow in Las Vegas! all public schools in the LV Valley are closed, so teachers and students were given a "Snow Day". We'll have to make it up later, but who cares....only ONE day until Winter Break.

This was funny to me because I am originally from Chicago and the snow is nothing like I am used to there. Hey, who am I to complain...if you are reading this you're probably in your classroom right now (unless you are off for break already)...LOL!

Have a great day and a wonderful Holiday!!

Finally...there is a light, barely but it is there.

I HAVE DONE IT....I have completed four classes this quarter, bringing to a close my coursework for my PhD. What's next? relaxation...HAHA, no I have to be in CA for a week long colloquium to meet my Mentor and get my ideas together for my COMPS - which is a cumulative exam showing that I know what I am talking about and know how to do research. This is great, but I'll be calling on my friends (OK, only ONE and she knows who she is) to read them and be sure they are written well. Anyway, that is from JAN to MARCH. Then 2 weeks off before I go into dissertation mode and completely ignore my family, friends and other responsibilities.

I'm sure it will go quicker than i think...LOL, yeah right.

Crushing the Dark Side

OK, well I promised to keep you informed of the outcome between myself, Principal Palpatine and Sally Slacker.

After emailing the Emperors office about the situation, I received a call from Palpatine stating that Sally would be put into a class at another school to complete the credit and then attempted to deflect the blame by stating that I mis-interpreted the communication from her office.

The grade was changed, the parent was on board and Palpatine was thrown under the starship. I feel for the other instructor who had a similar problem and was summoned by Palpatine to meet with all involved.

All-in-All I am glad that this was put on the radar; hopefully Palpatine will not be allowed to made decisions without teacher consent.

Where has the time gone...

Wow, I have been a true slacker. Its been almost a month since my last blog, and that is not keeping the promise I made to a friend of mine. Sorry!!

So, what has been happening in the time that has passed? Well, working 3 jobs starts it; full time at the high school, and two evening and online jobs at the local colleges. I was made the Student Activities Director at the high school I teach at, as well as a PBL trainer. Yeah, I never know when to say No!

We had a successful Halloween Dance; first event of the school year for the kids - it was great. In addition to all of this, finishing classes for my doctorate. I only have THREE weeks before the classes are done and I make my final trek to Anaheim for my last required Colloquium (and hopefully see some friends in the time I am there).

I have also interviewed for two Asst. Professor jobs; one was in Ohio. Now, the though of moving again stinks, but it is a Community College and I would be the Psychology Department Chairperson. I was pretty excited just to get the interview, so if it doesn't happen I won't be too crushed. The other is at the local university that I teach. They want an Asst. Professor and being that they just increased my class load from 1 to 3; I think they like my performance.

So, I'll keep you posted on the outcome. I would like to say hello to those that DO read my blog. Sorry it's been so long!

Episode II: The Dark Side

OK, well I promised to keep you informed of the happenings of Principal Palpatine and Sally Slacker. Well, Sally Slacker's daddy, a lawyer, called the district and started to quote Ed Code...which to me is funny, since the notification of poor grades would have had no effect on this. An hour conversation and collaboration with others involved has revealed the following:

1. Palpatine planned on changing the grade without my approval.
2. The parents have been promised things that Palpatine can not produce.
3. The agreement between Mr. Slacker and myself is not going to happen because Palpatine said the "schedule can not accommodate it" Meaning the schedule is WRONG for the third year in a row - making it the teachers fault.
4. Palpatine seems to think that I am going to "give in" with her directions.

I am no longer working for the district, so this would be an great time for me to bring to the Emperor the issues above.

I think that the district is trying to make sure that this is not brought to the Emperor; but I am not going to give the student an A; when she earned an F. I am known as a very flexible teacher and to be put in this situation by Palpatine is crazy.

...TO BE CONTINUED

Return of the Sith...

OK...it has been over two months since I resigned from my last position; however, a few days ago, I received an email from Principal Palpatine about a student that is questioning the F they received in a course I taught over the summer. Sally Slacker waits until August 22 - to email me and tell me that she noticed her grade was an F, that she completed and turned in all the work and if I can look at the work and give her a P so that she can get into the colleges she is applying for she would appreciate it...to which I reply:

Sally, I appreciate your contacting me about your grade, however, I have not received any of the assignments in which you mention. I will however, go back into the online course and research the times you logged in and submitted anything, since the system keeps track of everything. At this point your grade stands and I am sorry you didn't notice this earlier in the course.

Needless to say, the students and parents at the school I left are not very keen on grades lower than an A; since they are all college bound. So, now the parents have started questioning the practices of the course and "blaming" the instructor for not notifying them she was failing. Lawyers are eminent. The parents also think that the instructor is prejudice and questions the students honesty. Funny thing is...I don't know the student personally...its an online course...so who knows what they want from me....

However, the district has assured me that they are NOT going to do a grade change or allow her to complete the work, since she was able to complete her work in another online course and earn a passing grade. Funny how that works...we're all on the same system so how can one course work and the other not? I did say that I would reconsider the grade....but even late work is only 1/2 credit and that would only get her a D - still not good for those colleges...

Will keep you updated on the events...

Ahhh....a light at the end of the tunnel

It has been a crazy two weeks, but overall things are good!

School is good, kids are still good (honeymoon isn't over yet) and I am completing my final paper for my graduate class today, which then gives me 3 weeks before starting the last of my courses for my PhD. Hey, I think that moves me into ABD status...I'll have to check!

Life has been uneventful, except for my college class...I teach at a local college once a week for 3 hours, and as much as I thought I was going to dread it...I am actually having a good time. There are 32 students...yes in a college class (its a requirement for psychology students) and the age range is from 18-52; I am mid-range and I'm the instructor. Let me tell you the more seasoned folks asked if I had even finished going through puberty yet...I'm teaching an adolescent and emerging adulthood course...which made me laugh.

Anyway, its been fun second week and only two dropped...while others email me and tell me how they enjoy the class. So, that being said it will not surprise you that when a post of an Assistant Professor was posted, I applied. Review of applications begin in October...position begins in Aug 2009, by then I should have gone from "Dr" to Dr. (meaning I completed dissertation and was conferred a degree).

I'll keep you posted on that. Other than that...nothing too spectacular.

in the words of Willy Wonka...

We have to move on we have so much time and so little to see....(strike that, reverse it)...OK, on we go!

So the first week at a new school has come and gone. WHEW! I have to tell you that I LOVE MY KIDS, the STAFF and PARENTS! Although I left a great school with great people...this school is no comparison - it has been great. There are only 9th and 10th graders - 70% are Hispanic and I am being called "Mr." every class period, but they are so appreciative that I am there it isn't even funny; yes it is....and kinda endearing.

We have had out "new school" problems but nothing like in the past...Oh Darn, the new I-Macs that are in our rooms wont get the software to be dual platform until next week....the LCD projectors that are being installed IN THE CEILING just came in this week and wont get put up until Monday....oh well...its rough.

The week went smooth...

I spent it getting to know the kids and letting them know who I am and what i expect...that is always fun. I am already hearing my name called out when I walk through the Quad area.

Since we are an Academy (I am in the medical and education house) I thought it would be funny to get into it - so I wore my Lab Coat (given to me by a previous student),

and my Master's gown from when I graduated. Now, the staff looked at me like I was nuts...heck I am! :-) But the kids knew why i did it...and they thought it was great. I had kids today ask me where my "robe" was...they all thought of "Harry Potter" when I walked around school.

Now...I am Student Council Advisor for my "house" ...which we are in the process of naming; NHS advisor and in my spare time I am doing Staff Development for the school. This is no surprise to those that know me...I always jump in with both feet....sometimes without looking.

I also started teaching at the colleges I was hired at...three of them. Two online and one on campus. The on campus one was AWESOME! Age range was 18-50; I had the best class, the three hours went by so quick and they said it was painless. i can't wait til next week...more to come!

All in all, it was a great week and now, I have to play catch up with my life. Can't wait to see how my old friends are on the Death Star....

And we're off....

Well, it has been a while, but I am going to make it a habit of blogging atleast once a week. Summer for me is officially over - meetings, trainings and new hire paperwork are in my future for the next week, but I am excited.

I am starting at the new high school next week - bad new is the school isn't ready to move into. They said by Aug 20th we should be able to get into our classrooms; which will give us 5 days to get things ready for the first day. I am not worried, beacuse the school is beautiful - brand new, technology included and a great staff.

So, although it might not be finished, I know we're going to have a great first year. :-)

On top of that, new hire training and paperwork for the three other part-time teaching gigs I secured over the summer. All of them are with Universities in the area and most of them are teaching online classes in education and my favorite, psychology.

So, think I will be keeping myself busy for the next several months, but as I stated before, will make every effort to blog weekly.

I would like to wish my 5 readers my best going into a new school year. I look forward to keeping up with the goings ons of Palpatine and the rest of the fleet.

Is it over yet?

OK, so its been four weeks since I quit my job (for a great new one), attended a school required function (which I blogged about), completed all the requirement to be a teacher in my new home state (both college and high school...I'm now a HQT), moved, and unpacked!

I'm ready to get back to work!

I thought that being an on-line instructor would keep me busy, but I only want to reach in and smack the lil cherubs. This is supposed to be the age of technology, but I have never heard of so many excuses from seniors in high school, who can text message blind folded. Some of my favorites:

"my internet is down" (so what go to the library, or your friends)
" I couldn't find the assignment" (funny, since it is right there under the link Assignment 2)
"I didn't know that the discussions were due this thursday" (you're right I change the due dates each week to stress you out)
"I am going out of town..." (for which I responded, "good have fun, be sure to post your assignments on-time, as I am sure there is internet where you are going")


Now, don't get me wrong I love on-line instruction, but give me a classroom any day. The interaction with the students, who get my jokes, is always exciting and all though there are the excuses, I can actually give them a hard time even more f2f (face to face).

So, here I am teaching online, blogging, and doing homework for my PhD classes. I can't wait to get back into the classroom; a fresh start with University students might be just what I need to challenge me a little more.

Colloquium...

As part of a requirement for a PhD, the school I attend requires you to participate in 3 colloquia that are held in different places in the U.S. This time it was held in Arizona. It was a intellectual nightmare....Now, a little background:

My university is an accredited online institution based in Minneapolis, MN. Not many people think that "online" is a way to earn a PhD, but I have done more work in my 3 years here than in my Masters program (which was an in-class situation). This being the case, ANYONE, and i mean anyone can sign-up to take courses and get a PhD (or atleast this is my opinion after the week in Arizona). One thing that put me at ease was that, regardless of the number of people in the PhD program, the end result is what matters. Many of the learners I became friends with quickly noticed the lack of intelligence, or I should say, lack of effort many of these learners put in to the program.

The Colloquium is set up like this:
One week in Arizona with a number of 1.5 hour seminars (from 9-6) broekn into different tracks, depending on where you are in the process. I am in Track 2...one more and I am finally a doctor. The seminars are meant to supplement what you have learned in your courses and to help you apply it to developing a dissertation topic. What I found was that of the hundreds of people that attended, less then 1/2 attended the workshops - could it be beacuse there is no check in and check out procedure except to check in on day 1 and check out on the last day?

What makes me laugh is, as a teacher, I hear complaints about students not "doing what they should", are we any different? Given the opportunity will teacher (or adults in general) do the same thing? It boggles the mind.

So, I went to my seminars and even sat in them even if it was not something that I would benefit from, but did attend the "Conversations with the Dean" seminar to give my six cents! (I spoke 3 times with suggestions). For me, it was not a complete waste of time...I was able to narrow down my dissertation topic and network with three facult members that would be helpful in my writing of the document.

I can't speak for the others, but I know that the end result of this will be to see how many of the learners that are at the Colloquia will ACTUALLY earn a PhD...by my guess, very few.

Finally...

Well since I last posted, I have moved, unpacked the entire house, attended two in-service meetings (both which were very informative) and have had time to sleep in. Now, it has also been 106 each day...but I am not complaining.

My new school is beautiful and the staff is young and full of energy; we had a blast at the in-service. Its nice to be back in my own house...my dogs don't know what to do with all the room.

Now for the work..I am two weeks behind in my graduate classes and the classes end tomorrow...I should be working but I am not; I made a promise to someone that I would blog as often as I can and I will keep that promise.

I'm off to write a paper...oh joy!

The email...

Below is an email from a student in regard to a project that is due this week. A project which students have had over TWO weeks to complete, were able to select their group, their topic and the method in which they were going to present the topic. Many selected to do a video/podcast, however, some enjoy waiting until the last minute to get moving.

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Dear Dr. Psych,

I realize this is last minute but my group is having problems getting together all at once. I am available for pretty much every time but they are very busy with SAT class, sports, etc. Is there any way we could do a powerpoint instead of the original choice we made, because that way if one person couldn't make it we could work around their schedule.

For instance Student X can not work on it tomorrow; but Wednesday he can and I believe Student Y can work on it tomorrow for a little but not the next day.

We would really appreciate it. Thank you for you time Dr. Psych

Sincerely,

Student W
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Please understand that the students have had 2 weeks to work on this assignment, in which 4 days were given to utilize the campus and facilities to get the assignment started, if not completed.

I can't wait until FRIDAY!!