I've been thinking about Dad's career; the years he spent teaching English in Forestville especially. I got to wondering what kind of teacher he was. What were his daily habits at school? How did he get along with students and other teachers? What did he have for lunch? And other equally compelling questions. I started thinking about my day in order to help form a picture in my head. Then I remembered Dad wasn't the librarian so I started thinking about our own English teachers and playing a little game of Match Up. Scary, right?
So, here you go. These descriptions are completely based on my own observations and biases. You may have your own.
Senior English: a female so I'm taking her personality out of consideration. My blog, my rules.
Junior English: Dresses every day in a dark suit. Is somewhat irreverent and often brash or rude. Divorced. Seems to hate women and is often insulting. Coach. Room's a mess. Often found surfing the internet with is feet on the desk. Posts all vocab words for the year on the board and tests on them weekly going down the list 20 at a time. Average arrival time. Usually eats lunch alone in front of the computer with his feet on the desk. Paces room. Often in trouble with someone for actions or words.
Sophomore English: Lanky and married with 3 young children. One of the only teachers that writes up students late to class. Changes up his lessons pretty frequently. Uses lyrics or TV shows in unique ways. Can be irreverent and brash but usually doesn't sound rude. Sometimes looks a little rumpled even in his jeans and sweatshirt. Directs the school play and runs chess club. Average arrival time. Usually eats bag lunch with everyone. Active teacher, laughs at self and with good humor. Wry observer.
Freshman English: One of the "hip" guys but doesn't look the part. Students love him. Admits to some anal tendencies but seems to let student behaviors roll off his back. Lessons pretty much the same year to year, but they seems like great lesson ideas. Coach. Pretty low-key. Early arrival. Rarely eats with everyone.
My best guess for the candidate closest to Dad's everyday worklife behavior is the one named Paul. Which one do you think it is?
Looking around for the yearbook picture for this post, I found his application for the Walton job. I noted with interest his comments on the duties of the Director of Curriculum and Instruction:
Reading these over sound very much like today's! All the changes coming in New York State education are intimidating to some current teachers. Ryan is considering entering the field and it's hard to imagine the teaching world he'll be entering in only a few years. I take comfort that "everything old is new again". Everything will take care of itself. Again.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Monday, January 24, 2011
Sunday, January 23, 2011
1991
Do you think Mom and Jean are gabbing away up there? Do you think St. Peter has had the privilege of being entertained by Dad and Jean's "gender bender" routine?Maybe he would allow it in order to hear Burt laugh. What silliness ever started this tradition? What made it continue over the years? Such stories these four had to share! Rest in Peace.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
As much as we think things change, they stay the same--don't they?
We were watching Judy's slideshow yesterday at her house for the annual family Christmas celebration (thank you Judy!) and commenting on how hard it sometimes is to tell the Ryan girls apart in older pictures. Kathy had mentioned that she noticed how, over the years, we have each been mistaken for the other. I, for one, have no idea what you all are talking about:
Have a great week thinking about this!
We were watching Judy's slideshow yesterday at her house for the annual family Christmas celebration (thank you Judy!) and commenting on how hard it sometimes is to tell the Ryan girls apart in older pictures. Kathy had mentioned that she noticed how, over the years, we have each been mistaken for the other. I, for one, have no idea what you all are talking about:
Have a great week thinking about this!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Reach a bit in 2011
1993
2008
Now that 2010 is well behind us, I can breathe a little sigh of relief that it's over. We knew it was going to be a very big year for us--and it was! A wonderful year full of tributes, joy and nervous expectation. My emotional well being was battered about like a tennis ball going back and forth across the net. It was great and I hope you all have a chance to experience such a series of wonderful events. But be ready for some bruises on your emotions.
So for 2011 I'm hoping to open my arms wide and gather up friends, family and experiences close to my heart. We've got a pretty good start on things welcoming Kathy and Mickey to the household. Open your arms--open your heart. Happy 2011 from me to you!
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