Educators with PRIDE Unite

bkisbutchenuff · 05-10-2012, 03:15 AM

I wanted to start a thread where educators can share ideas, tell stories, network, share current educational trends, share how the GLTB lifestyle impacts your career and/or your career impacts your lifestyle...

bkisbutchenuff · 05-10-2012, 03:28 AM

I am completing my 24th year as an educator. For at the first 15 yrs or so., I was terrified about how my lifestyle could impact my career negatively. In GA., we can't unionize - I know I would not get fired for being gay...another reason would be created. However, over the last 24 years, I have made myself indispensable and have gained a reputation for being one of the best in my field - Middle School Orchestra Teacher. I do not flaunt my lifestyle, but my colleagues and admin know. My students...well - its not in their face, but they either suspect or figure it out once they reflect years after leaving my class. I, to my knowledge, have never had any negative repercussions...

bkisbutchenuff · 05-10-2012, 09:45 AM

170 teachers did not receive contracts for next year in the county where I teach....smh!

Julien · 05-10-2012, 01:28 PM

I taught at the Univ. of Wisconsin-Milwaukee for 10 years in the areas of Film Studies, Women's Studies, and LGBT Studies. I am happy to say I was out in the Department and in class. I have PhD in Modern Studies which include the previous areas. I was lucky in the fact that I could create my own courses and teach many of them with LGBT topics and perspective. My most challenging course dealt with being a Trans individual. It was especially personal because I was in the first steps of transitioning. (But that is another topic). UWM and Milwaukee in general is more open to LGBT people (than where I live now) and my time at the university reflects that. I do miss the university, Milwaukee and the people I met there both in class and outside it.

bkisbutchenuff · 05-11-2012, 02:51 AM

I egt a panic call yesterday...inventory needed fro all the programs getting axed...
Well - unless they can meet me terms...not happening.
13 Middle Schools in 8 hrs...LMAO!

bkisbutchenuff · 05-12-2012, 01:39 AM

Is anyone familiar with Core Curriculum? Thoughts or ideas on the latest 'fix' in education?

bkisbutchenuff · 05-13-2012, 05:53 AM

5 more with kids....5 extra with adults...then hitting the road!

Ready for summer!!!

bkisbutchenuff · 05-14-2012, 04:09 AM

A few colleagues got contracts Friday.... slow painful torture....

5 more with the kiddies, Road trip, 5 more with adults, Road trip!

Hard to believe I've been able to do what I love for 24 yrs. If it had not for having music in my life, I'm certain I wouldn't be here today! Thank God! I know I have been able to give that back to so many young people...

Last week, as part of teacher appreciation week, a few LA teachers had their students write about teachers who had made a difference in their life...I received several extremely sweet letters...pretty awesome from Middle School kids!

bkisbutchenuff · 05-17-2012, 02:18 AM

Bittersweet...tomorrow is the last day with students! But also, the last time I will see many...I so love my students...teaching them to love music...but more-so - making them laugh and look at life differently!

Next week - Packing up for renovations - including a NEW ROOM! - leadership retreat and saying bye to many colleagues who will reassigned

Having said that....so ready for the break!

spritzerJ · 05-17-2012, 04:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bkisbutchenuff

Bittersweet...tomorrow is the last day with students! But also, the last time I will see many...I so love my students...teaching them to love music...but more-so - making them laugh and look at life differently!

Next week - Packing up for renovations - including a NEW ROOM! - leadership retreat and saying bye to many colleagues who will reassigned

Having said that....so ready for the break!

Wow congratulations for making it to the end of another school year. Sounds like trying times in your county for jobs and the impact will be big on students next year. I hope the break is enjoyed to the hilt.

We are out on June 15th, last contract day. I go back 10 days later for summer school. I am teaching summer school for the first time in years. It has been a doozy of a financial meltdown year so it is necessary. I think I will enjoy it though. No crazy administrators to worry about. Just fun and learning with the kids.

spritzerJ · 05-17-2012, 04:40 AM

A bit about me as an educator....

I am finishing up year 14 as a special education teacher. I've worked in many buildings and placements/types of classrooms. Taught in Oregon, Idaho and now New Hampshire. I adore teaching unique learners. I enjoy the variety of places I have been. It is amazing to reflect on how I've grown professionally.

I have to say this year is one of the bottom 3. What should be an easier job (low caseload numbers, tons of resources, well behaved kids) is harder do to lack of clarity and inefficiency. However, this job may be the push I need to move on out of the classroom.

bkisbutchenuff · 05-17-2012, 05:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jenna8987

A bit about me as an educator....

I am finishing up year 14 as a special education teacher. I've worked in many buildings and placements/types of classrooms. Taught in Oregon, Idaho and now New Hampshire. I adore teaching unique learners. I enjoy the variety of places I have been. It is amazing to reflect on how I've grown professionally.

I have to say this year is one of the bottom 3. What should be an easier job (low caseload numbers, tons of resources, well behaved kids) is harder do to lack of clarity and inefficiency. However, this job may be the push I need to move on out of the classroom.

I understand....while you may have small classes - the pressure of moving those kids forward is tremendous...then the meetings, interventions,paperwork, legalities....an extremely hard job!
I'm at a point that I can't leave....if they go to 25 year retirement....I'm outta here....and not because of the children! Love my classroom!

On another note...our district is in the news...some dumb ass sniper pointing a rifle at a bus....psst...superintendent is not on the bus - leave the children alone!

bkisbutchenuff · 05-18-2012, 03:12 AM

ENUFF SAID!!!!

spritzerJ · 05-18-2012, 04:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bkisbutchenuff

I understand....while you may have small classes - the pressure of moving those kids forward is tremendous...then the meetings, interventions,paperwork, legalities....an extremely hard job!
I'm at a point that I can't leave....if they go to 25 year retirement....I'm outta here....and not because of the children! Love my classroom!

On another note...our district is in the news...some dumb ass sniper pointing a rifle at a bus....psst...superintendent is not on the bus - leave the children alone!

LOL about the superintendent not being on the bus.... if I had a nickle for every time I would have thrown on of the Powers That Be under a bus I could retire!

I used to feel the pressure when taught to get kids to perform, be all legal, intervene. However, small town NH is apparently not so into legalities and thinks that NCLB is just well not so serious. For some strange reason I thought NH as more "enlightened" and it really is like walking into classrooms from 1975. Weird.

bkisbutchenuff · 05-19-2012, 05:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spritzerJ

LOL about the superintendent not being on the bus.... if I had a nickle for every time I would have thrown on of the Powers That Be under a bus I could retire!

I used to feel the pressure when taught to get kids to perform, be all legal, intervene. However, small town NH is apparently not so into legalities and thinks that NCLB is just well not so serious. For some strange reason I thought NH as more "enlightened" and it really is like walking into classrooms from 1975. Weird.

As you know...NCLB is being fazed out....but look at the time and money wasted on the bureaucratic ideals given to us by Washington - by politicians who have never been in the trenches! GGGRRR!
We will still have indicators of progress - schools the that exceed - meet or don't meet...but judged on more than attendance and test scores.
The new initiative - seeing commercials now - is what's called in GA - Core Curriculum...National Standards to make all states equal...but once again - they are attempting to level the playing field when you just can't compare apples to oranges...the good part of this initiative appears to be that it will focus on the basics, reteaching concepts, much more emphasis on early childhood and elementary, giving teachers a little more flexibility (as opposed to scripts and drop dead bench marks), etc.
Also, in GA, education is moving toward a more corporate structure and attitude...and when you're working with young people and their minds and brains - its just not a corporation!

We will see...I figure between now and when I retire, I will see at least one more cure all - fix for our educational system....

This is mostly my opinion...thoughts and other opinions are VERY welcome and Wanted!

BK

bkisbutchenuff · 05-23-2012, 02:36 AM

LAST DAY OF POST PLANNING!

2 DAYS OF LEADERSHIP RETREAT

Then...

the SUMMER is MINE!

spritzerJ · 05-23-2012, 04:30 AM

Congrats BK on another year survived and no fatalities! Have a fabulous summer break!

I used to wonder how I was going to teach an entire career with out any fatalities. I know know it isn't the kids one should worry about but the grown ups

.

We are in the last few weeks of school and it gets frantic. I am looking forward to summer and teaching summer school. I do hope next year brings administrative changes, new leadership or even some leadership skills to the current leadership.

bkisbutchenuff · 05-30-2012, 05:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spritzerJ

Congrats BK on another year survived and no fatalities! Have a fabulous summer break!

I used to wonder how I was going to teach an entire career with out any fatalities. I know know it isn't the kids one should worry about but the grown ups

.

We are in the last few weeks of school and it gets frantic. I am looking forward to summer and teaching summer school. I do hope next year brings administrative changes, new leadership or even some leadership skills to the current leadership.

No fatalities...lol. Amazing in itself...lol

I hope you have an outstanding summer and get rested for next year!

Every year has been different and involves changes...so pleasant and some not so pleasant....Hang in there!

bkisbutchenuff · 05-30-2012, 05:57 AM

bkisbutchenuff · 06-12-2012, 06:28 PM

With each passing day....remembering why I love one small perk of being an educator....LOVE SUMMER TIME!!!!

05-10-2012, 03:15 AM	#1
bkisbutchenuff PPoA - Southern Gentle Butch How Do You Identify?: BOI/Butch/Daddy Preferred Pronoun?: she, her, he, him, handsome, Daddy Relationship Status: Single. 😉 Join Date: May 2011 Location: GA Posts: 2,398 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 14,071 Thanked 10,845 Times in 2,247 Posts Rep Power: 21474853	Educators with PRIDE Unite I wanted to start a thread where educators can share ideas, tell stories, network, share current educational trends, share how the GLTB lifestyle impacts your career and/or your career impacts your lifestyle...

05-10-2012, 01:28 PM	#4
Julien Member How Do You Identify?: TG/GenderQueer Preferred Pronoun?: I'm flexible, but only up to a point. Relationship Status: Single Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Alabama, Gulf Coast area Posts: 1,007 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 2,247 Thanked 2,702 Times in 737 Posts Rep Power: 21474853	I taught at the Univ. of Wisconsin-Milwaukee for 10 years in the areas of Film Studies, Women's Studies, and LGBT Studies. I am happy to say I was out in the Department and in class. I have PhD in Modern Studies which include the previous areas. I was lucky in the fact that I could create my own courses and teach many of them with LGBT topics and perspective. My most challenging course dealt with being a Trans individual. It was especially personal because I was in the first steps of transitioning. (But that is another topic). UWM and Milwaukee in general is more open to LGBT people (than where I live now) and my time at the university reflects that. I do miss the university, Milwaukee and the people I met there both in class and outside it. __________________ Julien “Self-plagiarism is style.” Alfred Hitchcock Formerly known as Graphiteta2s

05-12-2012, 01:39 AM	#6
bkisbutchenuff PPoA - Southern Gentle Butch How Do You Identify?: BOI/Butch/Daddy Preferred Pronoun?: she, her, he, him, handsome, Daddy Relationship Status: Single. 😉 Join Date: May 2011 Location: GA Posts: 2,398 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 14,071 Thanked 10,845 Times in 2,247 Posts Rep Power: 21474853	Is anyone familiar with Core Curriculum? Thoughts or ideas on the latest 'fix' in education? Last edited by bkisbutchenuff; 05-12-2012 at 01:42 AM. Reason: spelling

05-10-2012, 03:28 AM	#2
bkisbutchenuff PPoA - Southern Gentle Butch How Do You Identify?: BOI/Butch/Daddy Preferred Pronoun?: she, her, he, him, handsome, Daddy Relationship Status: Single. 😉 Join Date: May 2011 Location: GA Posts: 2,398 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 14,071 Thanked 10,845 Times in 2,247 Posts Rep Power: 21474853	I am completing my 24th year as an educator. For at the first 15 yrs or so., I was terrified about how my lifestyle could impact my career negatively. In GA., we can't unionize - I know I would not get fired for being gay...another reason would be created. However, over the last 24 years, I have made myself indispensable and have gained a reputation for being one of the best in my field - Middle School Orchestra Teacher. I do not flaunt my lifestyle, but my colleagues and admin know. My students...well - its not in their face, but they either suspect or figure it out once they reflect years after leaving my class. I, to my knowledge, have never had any negative repercussions...

05-10-2012, 09:45 AM	#3
bkisbutchenuff PPoA - Southern Gentle Butch How Do You Identify?: BOI/Butch/Daddy Preferred Pronoun?: she, her, he, him, handsome, Daddy Relationship Status: Single. 😉 Join Date: May 2011 Location: GA Posts: 2,398 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 14,071 Thanked 10,845 Times in 2,247 Posts Rep Power: 21474853	170 teachers did not receive contracts for next year in the county where I teach....smh!

05-11-2012, 02:51 AM	#5
bkisbutchenuff PPoA - Southern Gentle Butch How Do You Identify?: BOI/Butch/Daddy Preferred Pronoun?: she, her, he, him, handsome, Daddy Relationship Status: Single. 😉 Join Date: May 2011 Location: GA Posts: 2,398 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 14,071 Thanked 10,845 Times in 2,247 Posts Rep Power: 21474853	I egt a panic call yesterday...inventory needed fro all the programs getting axed... Well - unless they can meet me terms...not happening. 13 Middle Schools in 8 hrs...LMAO!

05-13-2012, 05:53 AM	#7
bkisbutchenuff PPoA - Southern Gentle Butch How Do You Identify?: BOI/Butch/Daddy Preferred Pronoun?: she, her, he, him, handsome, Daddy Relationship Status: Single. 😉 Join Date: May 2011 Location: GA Posts: 2,398 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 14,071 Thanked 10,845 Times in 2,247 Posts Rep Power: 21474853	5 more with kids....5 extra with adults...then hitting the road! Ready for summer!!!

05-14-2012, 04:09 AM	#8
bkisbutchenuff PPoA - Southern Gentle Butch How Do You Identify?: BOI/Butch/Daddy Preferred Pronoun?: she, her, he, him, handsome, Daddy Relationship Status: Single. 😉 Join Date: May 2011 Location: GA Posts: 2,398 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 14,071 Thanked 10,845 Times in 2,247 Posts Rep Power: 21474853	A few colleagues got contracts Friday.... slow painful torture.... 5 more with the kiddies, Road trip, 5 more with adults, Road trip! Hard to believe I've been able to do what I love for 24 yrs. If it had not for having music in my life, I'm certain I wouldn't be here today! Thank God! I know I have been able to give that back to so many young people... Last week, as part of teacher appreciation week, a few LA teachers had their students write about teachers who had made a difference in their life...I received several extremely sweet letters...pretty awesome from Middle School kids!

05-17-2012, 02:18 AM	#9
bkisbutchenuff PPoA - Southern Gentle Butch How Do You Identify?: BOI/Butch/Daddy Preferred Pronoun?: she, her, he, him, handsome, Daddy Relationship Status: Single. 😉 Join Date: May 2011 Location: GA Posts: 2,398 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 14,071 Thanked 10,845 Times in 2,247 Posts Rep Power: 21474853	Bittersweet...tomorrow is the last day with students! But also, the last time I will see many...I so love my students...teaching them to love music...but more-so - making them laugh and look at life differently! Next week - Packing up for renovations - including a NEW ROOM! - leadership retreat and saying bye to many colleagues who will reassigned Having said that....so ready for the break!

05-17-2012, 04:40 AM	#11
spritzerJ Timed Out - Permanent How Do You Identify?: Queer (gender), female (biological marker) Preferred Pronoun?: she will work as a default. Relationship Status: engaged to jac until 8/10/14 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Maine Posts: 3,154 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 30,307 Thanked 15,802 Times in 2,905 Posts Rep Power: 0	A bit about me as an educator.... I am finishing up year 14 as a special education teacher. I've worked in many buildings and placements/types of classrooms. Taught in Oregon, Idaho and now New Hampshire. I adore teaching unique learners. I enjoy the variety of places I have been. It is amazing to reflect on how I've grown professionally. I have to say this year is one of the bottom 3. What should be an easier job (low caseload numbers, tons of resources, well behaved kids) is harder do to lack of clarity and inefficiency. However, this job may be the push I need to move on out of the classroom.

05-18-2012, 03:12 AM	#13
bkisbutchenuff PPoA - Southern Gentle Butch How Do You Identify?: BOI/Butch/Daddy Preferred Pronoun?: she, her, he, him, handsome, Daddy Relationship Status: Single. 😉 Join Date: May 2011 Location: GA Posts: 2,398 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 14,071 Thanked 10,845 Times in 2,247 Posts Rep Power: 21474853	ENUFF SAID!!!!

05-23-2012, 02:36 AM	#16
bkisbutchenuff PPoA - Southern Gentle Butch How Do You Identify?: BOI/Butch/Daddy Preferred Pronoun?: she, her, he, him, handsome, Daddy Relationship Status: Single. 😉 Join Date: May 2011 Location: GA Posts: 2,398 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 14,071 Thanked 10,845 Times in 2,247 Posts Rep Power: 21474853	LAST DAY OF POST PLANNING! 2 DAYS OF LEADERSHIP RETREAT Then... the SUMMER is MINE!

05-23-2012, 04:30 AM	#17
spritzerJ Timed Out - Permanent How Do You Identify?: Queer (gender), female (biological marker) Preferred Pronoun?: she will work as a default. Relationship Status: engaged to jac until 8/10/14 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Maine Posts: 3,154 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 30,307 Thanked 15,802 Times in 2,905 Posts Rep Power: 0	Congrats BK on another year survived and no fatalities! Have a fabulous summer break! I used to wonder how I was going to teach an entire career with out any fatalities. I know know it isn't the kids one should worry about but the grown ups . We are in the last few weeks of school and it gets frantic. I am looking forward to summer and teaching summer school. I do hope next year brings administrative changes, new leadership or even some leadership skills to the current leadership.

05-30-2012, 05:57 AM	#19
bkisbutchenuff PPoA - Southern Gentle Butch How Do You Identify?: BOI/Butch/Daddy Preferred Pronoun?: she, her, he, him, handsome, Daddy Relationship Status: Single. 😉 Join Date: May 2011 Location: GA Posts: 2,398 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 14,071 Thanked 10,845 Times in 2,247 Posts Rep Power: 21474853

06-12-2012, 06:28 PM	#20
bkisbutchenuff PPoA - Southern Gentle Butch How Do You Identify?: BOI/Butch/Daddy Preferred Pronoun?: she, her, he, him, handsome, Daddy Relationship Status: Single. 😉 Join Date: May 2011 Location: GA Posts: 2,398 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 14,071 Thanked 10,845 Times in 2,247 Posts Rep Power: 21474853	With each passing day....remembering why I love one small perk of being an educator....LOVE SUMMER TIME!!!!