Yesterday at recess:
Nia: Ms. Marshall, do you have a daughter?
Me: No, I don't have any children.
N: Why not?
M: Because I'm not married. I'll get married first and then I'll have children.
N: Well, are you close to being married?
M: Well, not really. I don't have a boyfriend right now (feeling slightly sensitive because of the uproarious laughter the last time this subject came up).
N: Well, will you get one?
M: Sure.
N: Hurry up so you can have a daughter!
M: Ok.

Today:
Nia: Do you have a boyfriend yet?
M: No, not yet.
N: I thought you said you were going to hurry!
M: Awkward pause.

insipirational thoughts

Every day on the door of the teacher's lounge, somebody posts a message. I don't know who does it. At first it was inspirational: "Those who teach change a life forever," that kind of thing. Since then, however, it's become more and more cynical: "Every morning is the dawn of a new error." I thought at first this one was a mistake: maybe "error" was supposed to be "era"? But the next day's confirmed the downward trend: "Those who are too openminded are letting their brains fall out." Welcome to P.G. County, where we mold the nation's young minds!

I'd like to put this up in my room. At least we might contain some of the germs. :)

What doesn't fit with the others?

"• A love and understanding of children and early childhood. • Knowledge, understanding, and successful exhibition of learning strategies to support all students in learning to use their minds well. • Knowledge, understanding, and successful demonstration of integrating curriculum and providing connectedness for learners. • Knowledge, understanding, and successful demonstration of providing a challenging learning experience in a heterogeneous setting. • Clear communication skills, both verbally and in written form. • Ability to work collaboratively as part of a grade level team. • Ability to create a positive, nurturing environment for the student. • Minimum three years of teaching experience. • Ability to lift 50 lbs and walk across campus on uneven terrain. EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE • Master's degree preferred. • Minimum 3 years classroom teaching experience and record of effective performance."

Ah, job applications (and descriptions). Here I thought I was just going to be teaching the kids. Am I going to be picking them up and carrying them across the campus? *Red flag!*

Are Our Children Learning Enough About Whales?

In honor of the latest TFA/Education conference. I think this sums up the debate quite well.

latest at BWI...

I know most of you have seen this, but I made a BWI run last week and was reminded of it. Who would take the granite counter and sink out of the airport bathroom? And where would you put it? On the airplane? It won't fit under the seat or in the very small bin above your head. Or take it back out through security? I can't imagine someone lugging a counter and sink out of the airport wouldn't attract attention. But it's a relief to know that the counter and sink will be there - at the airport - the next time I need them.