Book: Teaching Hope

So like I stated in a previous blog post, I'm a huge fan of Erin Gruwell and the Freedom Writers.

I just finished their book, Teaching Hope, and highly recommend it to anyone who loves teaching and/or interested to see all the struggles and challenges teachers have to go through, but at the same time, all their glory and praise.

It's 150 short stories written by teachers who have attended and graduated from the Freedom Writers Institution.

There are different categories:
Anticipation
Challenges
Engagement
Disillusionment
Rejuvenation
Empowerment

Article: "What Happens When a 35-Year-Old Man Retakes the SATs"

Simply HILARIOUS!!!

Link: http://deadspin.com/5893189/what-happens-when-a-35+year+old-man-retakes-the-sat

March 12th, 2012: Stories from an Undeclared War

Attended a free screening of "Stories from an Undeclared War" hosted by the Freedom Writers Institution. It's a documentary about the stories of Erin's 150 students and their struggles and achievements while in Class 203. It's a touching, emotional, inspirational documentary that had me in tears at specific parts.

After the documentary, they had a Q and A session with some actual Freedom Writers and Erin Gruwell to answer.

Sadly, this documentary is still in the editing phase and not available for purchase. I hope to purchase it soon once it is released.

March 10th 2012: Orange County National History Day (OCNHD)

I was a judge at this year's National History Day for the county competition at the Orange County Department of Education. My category was the Senior Individual Documentary Division and I must say, the students are very hard core and were very passionate throughout the entire process of creating their entry.

The theme for this year was "Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History"

REVOLUTION "occurs when people use force or violence to change their ruler or political system." It can also mean "a complete change change in ways of thinking, methods of working, etc."

REACTION is "something a person or group of people feels or does as a result of something that they experience or hear about."

REFORM is a significant improvement.

Source: Longman Dictionary of American English