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

Documentary: American Teacher

There was a free screening in Los Angeles at Mount St. Mary's College on November 16th at 7 pm, so I went to check it out (I am finally taking the time to write about it). The documentary is about how the label as teacher has been so under-appreciated in America that it has been embedded in our culture. The documentary follows four teachers from all around America and introduces all the problems they go through in trying their best to teach their students. It shows all the sacrifice, the genuine passion, and the struggle of it all. Teachers inspire, they are hardworkers (and work more than some people assume), they are dedicated, but at the same time they are career is misunderstood and underpaid. The quality of a country takes it all the way down to their teachers. In America, the situation does not look so good.

For more information and screenings, please visit: http://www.theteachersalaryproject.org/index.php

CSET I and II - May 5th, 2012. Here we go!!!

I never really took the CSETs in Social Science when I applied for the credential program at UCI. Instead, the requirement was waived because I completed a subject matter preparation program (SMPP) in Social Science while an undergraduate.

I've always thought it was a downside because I wasn't sure whether schools preferred SMPPs or CSET scores. Being that I'm having such a difficult time finding a teaching position, I'm starting to believe that they probably prefer CSET scores.

As a result, I'll be taking the CSETs! That way, I can show them that I've passed the CSET exams as well as completed the SMPP in Social Science.

I'm probably a little rusty with history, so I purchased CSET study guides at the Orange County Department of Education and let me tell you... they are so NOT worth it!!! Two booklets for $86.20!!! When I finally got them, I flipped through them and the quality is not worth it. We'll see how this goes.

The dates for my CSET exams will be:
May 5th, 2012: CSET Subtest I - World History; World Geography
May 5th, 2012: CSET Subtest II - US History; US Geography
July 14th, 2012: CSET Subtest III - Civics; Economics; California History

Yay for all the substitute assignments!!!

I substitute all this week, except for Friday which is Veterans Day. :) :) :)
Please keep the substitute assignments coming!

Anyways, while substituting at UNI High School today, I saw this: