Hello Dear Readers,
I’ve noticed that a lot of blogs & other university pages link to my blog. I’d like to thank you for that. However, I use this blog as a catch-all. It’s not just about being a Special Education teacher. If you’d like to read about my early years of teaching, go to the years 2007-2013
Hello Dear Readers,
I’ve finally set my book release date. For real, this time! Story behind it?!?!
Well, a memory came up on Facebook from 3 years ago when I first wrote my book. At that time, I gave myself a hard three week deadline. Obviously I didn’t make it. So, I decided, sink or swim, I’m doing this.
So, I opened up my July calendar and narrowed down a date in July.
July 3rd is too soon, so I dismissed that date.
July 10th is my little sister, Danielle’s, birthday and she’s having a party on that date.
July 17th is my brother John’s birthday, but he’s out of state, so this just might do.
July 24th is my son, Dakota’s, 30th birthday. No go!
July 31st, my niece, Mimi, is renewing her vows on my sister’s birthday.
So, winner, winner, chicken dinner is July 17th. This gives me a grand total of 6 weeks.
What I’ve Done So Far!
-Booked the venue
-Contracted someone on Fiverr to create my book cover. I’ll have a product in less than 2 days.
-Set the date
-Contacted some poets regarding their performance at my show
What I Need To Do!
-Book at least 3-5 poets to read.
-Ask Hiram or Camari to host (Camari can’t host. What a bummer!)
-Decide on what snacks to have for the night of
-Create Event Brite page
-Create Facebook page
-Begin to record videos and upload to Facebook and Instagram
-Finish editing manuscript
-Format manuscript
So, now that that’s all said & done, I’m spazzing out. I’m really doing this! I’m so nervous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
But, I’m going to push through and get it done. I have to!
*I will update my cover as soon as I get it!
Bye for now!
*Sidenote: This was my first pantoum. Now that I’m a little removed from it, I can see that I can make it better. So, I will be working on it and posting the edited version once I do.
How to write a pantoum.
SESTINA (Inner War)
| Self-sabotage 2. self-doubt 3. self-esteem 4. Inner critic 5. Not good enough 6. war |
Stanza 1 (1,2,3,4,5,6)-
Self-sabotage,
Self-doubt,
and low self-esteem,
working in tandem with your negative inner critic
will have you believe that you’re not good enough,
leading to the inner war.
Stanza 2 (6,1,5,2,4,3)-
Being at war
with oneself is self-sabotage
at its best. Seeing oneself as not good enough
leads to much self-doubt
with a nagging inner critic
that conspires to lower your self-esteem.
Stanza 3 (3,6,4,1,2,5)-
High self-esteem
negates the inner war,
silencing that obnoxious inner critic,
disallowing self-sabotage,
self-doubt,
and thoughts of not being good enough.
Stanza 4 (5,3,2,6,1,4)-
Knowing you’re good enough
raises your self-esteem,
lowers self-doubt,
stops the inner war,
cancels the self-sabotage
and silences that obnoxious inner critic.
SESTINA (Inner War)
| Self-sabotage 2. self-doubt 3. self-esteem 4. Inner critic 5. Not good enough 6. war |
Stanza 5 (4,5,1,3,6,2)
That obnoxious inner critic,
that tells you that you’re not good enough,
leads to the self-sabotage
lowers your self-esteem,
heightens the war within,
& silences the self-doubt!
Stanza 6 (2,4,6,5,3,1)
Where there is no self-doubt,
no negative annoying inner critic,
no war within,
no voice telling you you’re not good enough,
self-esteems raise
and the self-sabotage stops.
| 1. Self-sabotage 2. self-doubt 3. self-esteem 4. Inner critic 5. Not good enough 6. war |
Stanza 7: Envoi- The envoi is only 3 sentences long and contains all six of your repeating words. The words can be in any order but the end word of each line needs to be one of your repeating words.
Ultimately, high self-esteem has the power to negate the war within. This stops the inner war that led to the self-sabotage, self-doubt, and the voice that tells you that you’re not good enough. Inner critic, take a seat, your time is up!
Dear Readers,
Here is a sestina I learned a couple of years ago from my esteemed teacher, Nancy Lynee Woo. A sestina is a poem with six stanzas of six lines and a final triplet, all stanzas having the same six words at the line-ends in six different sequences that follow a fixed pattern, and with all six words appearing in the closing three-line envoi.
When I first met Nancy, I had no idea what a sestina was. But, under Nancy’s tutelage, I learned and am still learning what it is. So, without further ado, here is my first sestina, Inner War:
Inner War
Self-sabotage,
Self-doubt,
and low self-esteem,
work in tandem with an unwelcome negative inner critic
to have you believe that you’re not good enough,
leading to an inner war.
Being at war
with oneself is self-sabotage
at its best. Seeing oneself as not good enough
leads to much self-doubt
with a nagging inner critic
conspiring to lower your self-esteem.
High self-esteem
negates the inner war,
silences that obnoxious inner critic,
disallowing self-sabotage,
self-doubt,
and thoughts of not being good enough.
Knowing you’re the opposite of that and that you are good enough
raises your self-esteem
lowers self-doubt
stops the inner war,
cancels the self-sabotage
and silences that obnoxious inner critic.
That obnoxious inner critic,
that tells you that you’re not good enough,
that leads to the self-sabotage
that lowers your self-esteem,
that heightens the war within,
reinforces the self-doubt!
When there is no self-doubt,
no negative annoying inner critic,
no war within,
no voice telling you you’re not good enough,
self-esteems rises
and the self-sabotage stops.
Ultimately, high self-esteem has the power to negate the war within. This is the antidote to the inner war that led to the self-sabotage, self-doubt, and the voice that told you that you’re not good enough. Inner critic, take a seat, your time is up!
Dear Readers,
I’ve been talking about teaching being an abusive relationship with a friend of mine. When she first said it, I kinda’ pooh-poohed the idea. However, the more I started thinking about it, the more it made sense to me. I will qualify it by saying that it all depends on the school, the district, the admin., and the students. I know, that’s a lot.
My friend and I began talking about how much anxiety we still had after only being at our last job for at least six months. At my last charter school, Alliance College Ready Schools, we were always on edge.
Lest you think that I’m crazy for entertaining this, here are a couple of other people who thought the same thing:
Although I’m not feeling the heat of teaching anymore, there are plenty of teachers who still feel this way. So, please be kind to teachers that you know. You never know what they may be going through!
As a bonus, here’s a funny meme for you to enjoy!
Dear Readers,
Even though I wrote the original article nearly three years ago (April 4, 2018 @ https://specialedandme.wordpress.com/2018/04/04/me-as-a-reporter/ ), I have decided to revisit the subject because I’m ready to move forward and get serious about my writing career. As a bonus, I’ve also decided to continue teaching, although in different forms. I mentioned last week or the week before that I was in the process of developing poetry workshops. So, although I will not be in the classroom anymore when I decide to leave, I will still be teaching (just on my own terms).
So, I’ve been sending around feelers for different writing jobs, on the side for now. I’ve even sent some resumes out for internships. I’ll just have to do it on my own time, separate from my teaching job.
I have an article I’m working on regarding distance learning during the pandemic that I hope to finish by the weekend and get published within the next two weeks. Once it publishes, I’ll post the link here.
Once I decided to change my life and things I didn’t like about it, I jumped in with both feet. Come to think of it, I’ve always been like that. So, me and my two-footed-jumping-in-self are on the way to seeing how I like being a writer full-time within the next year.
Stay tuned for me reporting on all the good stuff happening in my life! Bye for now!
Here’s a video to celebrate how I’m feeling: GOOD NEWS by Mandisa
Dear Readers,
As I talked to one of my nieces, Ashley, I was re-inspired to create a series of healing poetry workshops. I had the idea previously, but had to put it on the backburner because of life and its many demands. Now that I’m divorced with an empty nest, I am able to focus more on myself and my dreams and aspirations. One of those dreams is to help people heal through the use of poetry.
I’ve spoken to someone whose opinion I respect who is going to help me get started on making one of my dreams a reality. Not only that, but it will be another source of income.
So, stay tuned for upcoming poetry workshops. I may even need to practice on some people, so I’d need some volunteers. Let me know if you’d like to volunteer to be a workshop guinea pig.
Here’s a bonus link I found from one of the blogs I subscribe to. Hope you find it helpful @ https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/poetry-writing-for-kids/
Until next time!
***All author proceeds go to The Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Disabled and Access Living Chicago, nonprofit organizations who provide services to families living with disability.
Dear Readers,
I was supposed to post this review about eight months ago before I got bogged down & overwhelmed. I owe my sincerest apology to the author of this book- Larry Broutman. I received this book from his people many months ago. So, Mr. Broutman, I apologize. So, without further ado, here is the long overdue review of Chicago Treasure by Larry Broutman, Rich Green, & John Rabais.
In the author’ own words: …the true heart and the real treasure of the city are its children. This book is devoted to Chicago’s children. Come along as they travel to worlds within worlds, becoming storybook characters who follow the Yellow Brick Road, sip tea in Wonderland, tame a tiger, live in a shoe, climb a magic beanstalk to bring home a golden-egg-laying hen, turn a frog into a prince, meet fairies and dragons.
I have to agree that the kids are the real treasure of this book, aptly named Chicago Treasure by Larry Broutman. They are front and center as they are super imposed into their own fairytale. The book is such a treat. As a Special Education Teacher, I especially loved this book because I know a lot of my former students would have loved it; they are fully represented, from children in wheelchairs to children with Down Syndrome, as well as a myriad of other disabilities/differences.
As you open the colorful pages of the book, you are immediately greeted by wonderful images of children in various fairy tales. If you love fairy tales, like I do, you will not stop turning the pages. Along with the pics of the celebrated children, there’s a story to go along with the pics. Suspend your disbelief for a couple of minutes and you will most probably imagine yourself within the pages of this book; I know I did!
Why I liked this book?
My final opinion of the book: Did I like this book? Why, yes, yes, I did! On a scale of Meh (1) to Buy It (5)!, I’d definitely recommend buying this book, especially if you have a special needs child or if you’re a Special Education Teacher. It’s a wonderful book.
I liked this book because it is my opinion that everyone needs to see themselves in a book; especially those with differences. As a Special Education Teacher, I am all about inclusion. I remember when one of my students who has Autism, discovered The Good Doctor t.v. show. He was so blown away.
Why this book be displayed everywhere?
I believe that this book should be displayed in Special Education classrooms, first and foremost. Secondly, it should be displayed everywhere else books are displayed because it is my belief that seeing people with differences should be normalized (No pun intended!) That is the beauty of inclusion.
On that note, here’s a video of the creators of the book @ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoqDbNrmLGw (4:49)
Just to tug at your heartstrings a little more, here’s another video showcasing the author on WGN-TV Chicago @ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w55sBUKvBlQ (3:49)
Hello Dear Readers, it’s been a long time since I’ve written and even longer since I’ve written a book review. I actually have two book reviews due from earlier in the year. I’m going to post this one first since it’s a short book, and will post the late book review entitled, Santander by David Ellison.
For now, on with the book review of Night Shift by Debi Gliori!
So, I happened upon this book in Dollar Tree of all places. I immediately recognized the author’s name since I’ve been reading her books for years. Without a second thought, I put it in my basket and decided to read as I waited to check out. I was pleasantly surprised as I read the tiny book. I was equally as shocked as I am used to Gliori writing children’s books, not books dealing with this heavy subject matter.
Upon opening the book, it’s not immediately apparent that this is not a children’s book. Firstly, it’s small (7.36 x 6.1) and secondly, it has charcoal illustrations that are reminiscent of Peter Reynolds’ work (one of my favorite children’s book authors, mostly known for Ish & The Dot).
I had my first clue that this book was, perhaps, not a children’s book when I read the opening line:
“I don’t know when it began. Perhaps it drifted in at night like fog.” Tears came to my eyes as I read that line as it dawned on me that this book was possibly about depression that I’m all too familiar with since I’ve been dealing with it since elementary school.
I understood that line all too well. The message was brought home by the illustrations which shows how perfectly awful depression has been for me. It comes in like a fog; you know how fog rolls in, slowly at first, then it’s all around you- all encompassing. As I read more and looked closely at the illustrations, I began to take in the complete picture. Gliori gives subtle hints throughout the book as she eases the reader into the subject matter. I was quite taken with the illustrations once I realized what the book was about. After that, I looked for clues in everything. It’s funny what you can see when you open your eyes; almost everything takes on a totally different meaning. That’s when I noticed that the drawing had shadows. I then went back to look at the book cover to see if I could find other clues that authors give in the cover of the book. I also saw something I hadn’t seen before- the dragon, the dragon’s tail, and a feather (It’s significant).
The writing is brilliant. I especially liked the book because a child can read this book and not read anything too deep into it. It can literally be a book about fog or dragons or to older readers, what it’s really about.
Gliori has many quotables in the book. Here are some I found particularly moving:
“But I had lost my compass and without it any map was pointless.”
“It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.”
This saying goes with the picture below. She then lists night skills: I loved this one- “Night skills: holding fast to nothing in the knowledge that nothing will last forever.” I can tell you that I’ve definitely felt this way too many times in my life. This was particularly relevant to me because I have this saying, “Nothing too good or too bad lasts for long.” When I saw that, I felt that Gliori & I were kindred spirits. She speaks my words.
Bottom line: I identified so strongly with this book. Tears involuntarily came to my eyes as I read it. I feel like I want to take the book apart and frame the book page by page. I highly recommend it for all ages. Gliori’s transparency as she painfully bares her soul in this book is so heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. She gives a true picture of how depression really feels. Even if her words didn’t capture it perfectly enough, the illustrations definitley did. That leads me to my next point regarding the illustrations. Because of the illustrations, the book can be given as a gift for a school age child, a teenager, or an adult because it can be interpreted in so many ways. For those who can identify with the subject matter, I’m sorry. However, there is comfort knowing that you’re not alone.
On a scale of Meh to Buy It, I’d rate it Buy It. You won’t be disappointed!
Here’s a video of Debi Gliori discussing the book @ https://vimeo.com/260210791 (14:52)
Article by Debi Gliori about the book: https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/lifestyle/health-fitness/night-shift-symbolises-battles-depression-9626567
Dear Readers,
So much has changed in our crazy tumultuous world. Although I don’t like the fact that I have to wear a mask everywhere I go, the fact of the matter is that it’s necessary. In this ever-changing world, we do what we need to do. The same is true of distance learning. Although we, as teachers and parents, may not like the current landscape in education, we have to do what we have to do for our students and children to be successful.
Stay tuned for some tips I’ve gathered from parents on how to “do” the distance learning thing!
Hi Dear Readers,
I’ve moved forward with my life following my divorce. At the time, I didn’t know how my new normal would look. Now, I have to say that it looks prett-ay, prett-ay good.
I’m being very careful about something new and I’m not ready to say anything about it just yet, but I’m happy about it.
It’s developing! Stay tuned and I might let you know about it!
Dear Readers,
I’ve been refining my Sabotage formula since I posted it a couple of weeks ago. I don’t think I’ve actually sat down and really written out a formula for success before today.
So, here’s the old Sabotage Formula:
Tentatively making a start (read: half-ass) + giving it my all a short amount of time + sabotaging myself + not treating myself right + feeling like a victim + taking too long to follow through= FAILURE
As I was reading this, I began to make it into a statement, like a Life Vision Statement.
I realized that I did not include trusting myself in this equation. That’s very important because I’m slowly beginning to trust myself again after years of not doing so. So, I included it.
Here’s the revised Life Vision Statement:
I will encourage, love, and trust myself unconditionally as i increase my quality of life by making and following through with a well thought out plan as I surround myself with a life-giving circle of loved ones.
Let me know what you think!
Dear Readers,
Lately, I’ve been in a deeply reflective mood. I’m trying to figure myself and my patterns out. The problem: I’ve quit my second job in less than one year. I’m almost never one to blame someone else for my problems. I like to take full responsibility for my troubles. So, it’s only natural that I look to myself in order to solve what’s wrong with me.
So, I came up with a sabotage formula. I thought of all the ways I’ve been sabotaging myself. Let me just say that I’m so good at sabotaging myself. That’s something I don’t want to be good at. So, I’ve been trying to figure out a way to stop myself from doing it. Keep in mind, they are a little rough and I will refine them, but this is what I’m working with.
Tentatively making a start (read: half-ass) + giving it my all for a short amount of time + sabotaging myself + not treating myself right + feeling like a victim + taking too long to follow through= FAILURE
On the flip side, it stands to reason that, if I want to be successful, that I would have a formula for success. Here it is:
Make a plan + Follow through on the plan + encourage myself + love myself unconditionally + surround myself with a great circle/tribe= SUCCESS
For most of my life, I have not been good to myself. That changes now. I refuse to not realize my potential. I am more than unrealized potential. I have to, have to get better on follow through. This is what is killing my dreams.
So, today, this is my declaration:
I DECLARE that I will put actions behind my faith. I will not be passive or indifferent. I will demonstrate my faith by taking bold steps to move toward what God has put in my heart. My faith will not be hidden; it will be seen. I know when God sees my faith, HE will show up and do amazing things.
This is MY DECLARATION!!
May 11th will be my 13th Blogiversary. So, Happy Blogiversary to me!
Dear Readers,
I’m back. I honestly did not realize it’d been so long since I’d written on here. So, as a welcome back, I’m going to update you on my life. Like to hear it, here it goes:
Once this COVID lockdown/quarantine is over, I’m going back to teaching. I was actually interviewing before the lockdown. I’m sad that school will not resume until September. But once it does, I’ll be back to teaching. I really did miss it.
I’m divorcing and discovering a whole new side of myself. Somewhere along the line of raising children and being someone’s wife, I lost myself. Now, I am actively discovering myself. I’ll be posting about that. So, be on the lookout!
As I’ve written here before, writing is my outlet- my happy place. So, I’m going to be writing here more and in other outlets, as well.
I’m going to be posting book reviews of some cute little books I bought at this open air flea market that I frequent. The first book I will be reviewing is Ralph Tells A Story by Abby Hanlon.
Dear Readers,
I’m going to review this wonderful little book. It’s a Caldecott award winning book, entitled Marshmallow by Clare Turlay. I’m so happy with this book. I found it in a thrift store for .10 cents. I didn’t know what it was, but there was no way I was going to pass up a book for .10 cents.
I got it with the intention of passing it on to one of my great nieces or nephews. I’m not sure. I still may. For now, though, I’m keeping it because I love it so.
Summary: Oliver is a tabby cat who is always the center of attention. Marshmallow is a baby rabbit who moves into Oliver’s home. At first Oliver does not welcome Marshmallow, but the little bunny’s charms are impossible to resist. This is the true story of how Oliver and Marshmallow become friends.
Lesson to be learned: Even if someone is not exactly the same as you, it doesn’t matter. Love is love and it can overcome all differences.
Recommendation: Yes, I highly recommend this book.
Dear Readers,
Here’s a poem I wrote when I was at the height of my depression. So, I have to warn you that it’s pretty depressing.
Self-Impression
Ugly. Stupid. Unsuccessful. Chaotic. Loser. Nothing!
Original poetry by Carole Leila Cramer
I admit that this poem may not be for everyone. However, for those that will understand this, I’m truly sorry that you do. I really just wanted to get it out when I was feeling like this. I was hoping, that by writing it out, that the feelings would magically go away. They didn’t, but I am learning how to deal with them. I hope reading this doesn’t trigger any old or new feelings for you.
Let me know what you think, in the comments!
Hello Dear Readers,
I was in a bad state last year. I was in a battle with anxiety and depression that I did not think that I could win. But, I did! Hello, Healthy Mind!
It was a struggle, but one strategy I used to combat anxiety and depression was positive self-talk. I’m usually pretty confident, but this battle had me questioning my confidence and competence. I started a new job that I just could not get the hang of.
I found this pic that explained why I was having so much trouble with
anxiety and depression and is one of the reasons that I tendered my
resignation.
I and my energy were spent. I had nothing to give. I was overwhelmed, burnt out, and tired. It was so many different areas of my life that were not going well. It was way too much to contend with.
There were no roots. However, now, I have roots growing again. With the help of my support system, I am on the mend and digging deep, once again.
I have started my publishing company. I’ll write more about it later. Just suffice it to say that I am healed and moving on to greater things. Here’s to self-publishing my own and other’s books!
Dear Readers,
I have made a bold move- I quit teaching. I’m not sure if I’m going to return. I promised myself that if I got to the point that I did not enjoy teaching, that I would quit. Well, I was no longer enjoying. Not only that, I began experiencing anxiety and depression again. I had no peace. It just wasn’t worth it to me anymore.
The only problem is that I looooooovvvvvveeee teaching, if I can actually just teach. I don’t want to deal with administration, I don’t want to deal with parents from hell, I don’t want to deal with students cursing me out… I mean, you get the picture.
As I was looking for the perfect pic to put into this post, I actually came across a teacher resignation template. If you’re also thinking about quitting, here’s a link to the Teacher Resignation Template.
Let me know your thoughts. Have you quit teaching or are you thinking about teaching? Stay tuned for my next article on reasons why I quit teaching and what I’m doing next!
Hi, Dear Readers! It’s been awhile. I promise to write more often. I am doing all I can to conquer anxiety and depression. My number one outlet is writing; followed closely by walking. It’s a park near my house where my husband and I walk for at least an hour on the weekends. My school site is so big that I log at least 3,500-4,300 steps per day. So, I’ve been getting in exercise.
WHAT’S BEEN GOING ON WITH ME?
So, I’ve been battling depression and anxiety with a fierceness. I’ve battled with both of them before. However, since I’ve been battling both of them for the past couple months, I’m tired and they very nearly took me out.
I’m not exaggerating when I say that I honestly did not think that I would make it this time. There were days when I didn’t make it out of my pajamas, didn’t brush my teeth, wash my face, or eat. I just sat in a stupor, staring at the wall, wondering why I was on this earth.
TIRED OF BEING TIRED!
But, I got tired of being tired, so I decided to use writing therapy. That’s one good thing that has come out of this battle. I got another book out of it. When I’ve shared them with friends and family, some have cried and written very heartfelt notes to me because I managed to capture the spirit of depression. When I first wrote some of the poems, they were hard to read because I was still experiencing the situation. Now, that I’m getting a firmer grip on the situation, it’s not as hard to go back and read the poems.
THERAPY
I’ve been using various strategies (as mentioned above) to help. My next step is therapy. Although therapy is sometimes seen as a bad thing among Black people, it is not! Basically, my mind is sick, so I’m taking it to the mind doctor to get it ‘looked at’!
FUTURE PLANS
So, I’m currently researching what I need to know so I can start my own publishing company and self-publish my own books.
CURRENT BOOKS
Last year was a busy year for me. I wrote a chapter in two award-winning teacher anthologies. The first one was, “The Whole Truth & Nothing But the Truth, So Help Me Teacher! Part I with Lead Author Vicki Kirk-May. The second one was The Mediocre Teacher Project with Lead Author Marquita Smith Blades.
UPCOMING BOOKS
My upcoming book is called The Ebb & Flow of Life: Stages of Walking in My Power. It’s a collection of poetry. The book is divided into three sections/chapters. The first section/chapter is called Bitter, Hurt, Angry, & Afraid. The second section/chapter is called Realizations. The third and final section/chapter is called Walking in My Power.
In the book, I take you through times when I was down and out to the times when I began to realize that I don’t have to stay down forever, to the times when I was beginning to awaken to my potential. During those times, you couldn’t tell me nothing.
It will be released by March 2019 at the latest. After that, I plan to finish the book that I wrote when I was really battling anxiety & depression.
MOVING FORWARD!
Moving forward, I will not shut down and stop writing on here, because writing is my lifeblood. I cannot go a day without writing or listening to music.
ON THAT NOTE!
On that note, here’s a little music by Anita Baker to carry you out of this post!
Been So Long by Anita Baker
Hello Dear Readers,
Did ya’ miss me? I haven’t written on this blog for quite some time. What can I say? I’ve been busy writing another chapter in an anthology and a book of poetry that’s due out next month, called, “The Ebb & Flow of Life: Stages of Walking in My Power”. I’m super excited about it; even more so than the anthology. It’s because the book is all of me. Sink or swim, it’s me- all of me! I poured my heart and soul into this book. I’ll post more as the day approaches. For now, I just want to get back to writing on here on a regular basis!
Get prepared!
Dear Readers,
I’ve re-thought my way of thinking about the term “learning disabilities.” I wish I thought this way when I first started teaching. I kinda’ feel bad for all the years that I’ve been telling students that they have disabilities. It’s so funny (not haha! funny, but ironic) that I’ve come to this conclusion because I feel that having students accept that they have a disability led to them becoming a better version of themselves. It’s nothing I can do about the past though. However, moving forward, I’m not going to tell my students that they have learning disabilities, I’m going to tell them that they have learning differences.
Every year, in the Resource Lab, I teach the students “how” they’re smart with the Multiple Intelligence Survey. I then give them several surveys and questionnaires. I will post a link late to the worksheets I created.
Dear Readers,
Early in the school year I was out on sick leave. I thought about my reason for being on leave- stress! The problem was that I didn’t ask for help. I thought that my students could possibly be experiencing the same thing. That’s when I got the idea to give my students an outlet to express their feelings before they go crazy.
We established some Vegas rules!
They were:
Here’s a picture of the talking stick I bought. A leader is chosen the week before, while the topic is decided the day of. I had three “enforcers” who keep the students quiet and get them to participate. It worked out well because the students were able to let off some steam and have fun at the same time. This is something I’ll be doing from years to come. I’ll keep you updated!
***WARNING- This post is a little long!***
Dear Readers,
Without fail, whenever I am on a high from something wonderful, something happens immediately afterwards to knock me down a peg or two. Just when I think that I have this teaching thing in a bag and I’m not on the fence anymore about wanting to quit, I will have an unusually bad day. This happened a couple of months ago with two students who I’ll call Jean Luc & Chet.
It was a regular Friday morning with my 2nd period, which I classify as my easy class since I only have seven students. Per usual, I broke the class into three groups, with two groups having two students (10th), and one group having three students (9th). I was super excited because I prepared a Shakespeare lesson for the ninth graders who are reading Romeo & Juliet. I was going to have them watch a video on TEDx Talk with MC Lars, a Stanford educated rapper who produces comical edutainment videos while rapping about Shakespearean lyrics, Edgar Allan Poe, and other literary topics.
The first video is entitled “The hip-hop of Shakespeare” (click here for video). The second video (my favorite) is, “Flow Like Poe!”(click here for video). In the video, he explains iambic pentameter, a trochee, and a host of other Shakespearean terms. The video is seriously goofy, but contains so much useful information. When I put it on, my students usually half-heartedly groan when I put it on the first time, but after I’ve played it and they “get” iambic pentameter, they usually request it.
I wrote/said that to say that, instead of the usual groaning, I got complaints that were above and beyond; they were actually mean. They were doing extras, as the kids say. I have to explain that one student has to something to say about everything; I mean everything. I don’t like his constant complaining, but I’m used to it. However, on Friday, I was not patient with him.
I had to call in the 9th grade counselor for help for Chet because he would not stop talking as I was talking to him. This particular student has made me call my desire to teach into question because I used to be patient with students like him. I used to want to reach them. Now, I do not have the patience nor a desire to reach this particular student.
I feel really bad because I was trying to be patient with Chet because he’s recently had a personal tragedy, but I am at my wits end. I have tried everything that I know and he’s taking advantage of my kindness at this point.
As for Jean Luc, I called his parents and gave him Reflection Hour (detention).
I was so exhausted that I went home and went to bed at 7 p.m. I kept trying to get up to do some work, but I was absolutely exhausted.
The next day, I didn’t have a lot of time and patience to handle the situation again today with the same students.
But, through it all, I had to remind myself that it was a bad day and not a bad career.
So many times as I’ve been about to embark on a great journey, it’s been started by a quote. Well, this quote by Pablo Picasso is no different. Here’s the quote: Every act of creation is first an act of destruction.”
This is so apropos because I feel like my life has been torn down and is currently in the process of being restructured and rebuilt. I’m on medical leave from work and don’t know what my next steps are. I thought by this time in my life that I’d know for sure what path I’d like to take. Wrong!
←I feel like this lady right here. I know that something good is on the horizon because my career is in shambles. I’ve been trying to get my resume together but just can’t seem to get it together. I tell ya’, one of these years I’m going to get it together!
Dear Readers,
There came a time when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom. ~Anaïs Nin~
I’m not altogether sure if I wrote something about this before since this isn’t the first time I’ve come across this quote. Now, I just felt like I had to write something. For the longest time I’ve been wrapped tightly in a bud. Now, I am blossoming. I am becoming the ME I’ve always been meant to be.
Dear Readers,
I’m on a roll. I’ve been inspired by my friend, Jeanette Espinoza, author of Jeanette’s Jewels, one of the most inspirational books you can read.
I found this quote.
***WARNING- This post is long ***
Dear Readers,
Yeah, about that title! I’m sure that I shared this before, but I’m going to share it again- I don’t like crying in public. Well, let me correct that. I didn’t used to like crying in public. After today, it doesn’t bother me. Part of what changed is that I’m coming into my own. I’ve been going through an awakening. I see more, I feel more, and I have been sharing more. I’ve gotten more in touch with my feelings. So, things that used to bother me, don’t bother me anymore.
Dear Readers,
There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: THE FEAR OF FAILURE!
Dear Readers,
It’s synchronicity that I found this quote by e.e. cummings because this year has been all about me becoming the ME I intended to be when I was younger. It seems that when you state your intentions and decide to become who you were meant to be, then things begin to happen.
It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.
~e.e. cummings~
Dear Readers,
It’s that time of year again when I have downtime and really reflect on my school year.
Have you ever had a problem with your students becoming too comfortable in your class? Well, I have! You know what- the fault is all mine. I became too comfortable with them. I would talk to them throughout class; I would accept their excuses; I would get mad at the other teachers for holding them to a higher standard!
Now that I look back on it, I can see where I failed. I had to reflect on their behaviors as I reflected on mine. Going into the next school year, I am going to set boundaries and enforce them religiously. I’m the one who controls my life by making decisions that lead me to being my best self.
If it’s to be, it’s up to me!
Dear Readers,
For as long as I can remember, I’ve listened to really sad songs. I think it was because I was afraid to be happy. I didn’t even realize they were really sad until one of my students told me that the song that I loved was really depressing. Depressing?!?! Until then I didn’t connect the two.
After she said that, I started paying attention to my song choices. Sure enough, they were mostly sad and depressing. Almost all of them.
Do you think I changed my playlist then? Nope, I didn’t. Wanna’ know why! I hadn’t changed my way of thinking. Until now!
A couple of months ago, I attended an event through L.A.U.S.D. with Siedah Garrett (writer of Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror” & “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You”) as one of the featured performers. She told the story of how she came to write the song, “Answer’s Always Love”.
I know that I keep using this phrase, but I vibed with her explanation and her song so much. I paid full attention to the song as she sang. I was mesmerized. Right then and there, I decided to change my playlist to suit my changed mindset.
As an added bonus, here’s a poem I wrote in my upcoming book of poetry. Like to hear it, hear it goes:
I Changed My Playlist My playlist, once so full of sad songs used to depress me. But those songs do not represent me or my way of thinking anymore. My way of looking at things shifted. I’m no longer sad, bitter, hurt, or afraid. While Keyshia Cole’s “Let It Go” And Mary J. Blige’s “Not Gon’ Cry” used to be on repeat, Now, the lyrics to Frankie Beverly’s “We Are One” and Siedah Garrett’s “The Answer’s Always Love!” Speaks to me. Of necessity, I chose to limit my exposure to songs that kept me angry, bitter, hurt, & afraid. While listening to sad songs. I was perpetually in an unproductive state of mind that did not serve my desire to move forward and heal. When your mindset shifts and you’re ready to move on and become a better you, the way out can be as simple as changing your playlist! © Original poetry by Carole L. Banks
Dear Readers,
I cannot believe that, as of May 11th, I have been writing this blog for 11 years! WOW!
Happy Blogiversary to me!
Dear Readers,
Today’s post is written by Bea Burgess of http://www.abclawcenter.com. I usually don’t post articles that link back to businesses, but this one was quite informative. The article is short, sweet, and to the point. I enjoyed it. Check it out, you might enjoy it, as well! Here’s the title that caught my attention-
Students with Disabilities More Likely to Be Punished in Schools- Especially If They Are Black
Recent reports have indicated that disabled students, and especially black students with disabilities, face inequitable disciplinary action in schools. Here, we’ll first discuss how schools punish students with disabilities at much higher rates than their non-disabled peers. We’ll then examine the intersectionality of disability and race as they pertain to school suspensions and lost instruction.
About 25 percent of students who are suspended, referred to law enforcement, or arrested while at school have a disability, even though students with disabilities comprise only about 12 percent of all public school students. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) recently reported that students with disabilities are over-represented by 13 percent for suspensions and 15.5 percent for law enforcement referrals and arrests. There was a substantial disparity in all types of public school, including charters, magnets, alternative schools, and special education programs. Affluent schools were not immune; in fact, there was an over-representation of 20 percent in suspensions (1).
A study by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights revealed similar trends. They found that children with disabilities made up 28 percent of school-related arrests, 26 percent of out-of-school suspensions, and 24 percent of expulsions. Moreover, those served under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) accounted for 71 percent of students restrained and 66 percent secluded. These conclusions come from a dataset that includes over 50 million students at more than 96,000 schools.
The executive director of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, Denise Marshall, told Disability Scoop that she was concerned about these findings:
“Our kids continue to be harmed by the failure of the Department (of Education) to take action to address the gross inequities and disparity in treatment. How many more generations will it take?” (2).
Researchers from Harvard University and UCLA recently collaborated on a study examining how lost instruction due to discipline varies based on disability and race. Their report is called “Disabling Punishment: The Need for Remedies to the Disparate Loss of Instruction Experience by Black Students with Disabilities.”
They found that black students with disabilities are suspended much more frequently than white students with disabilities – they have on average 77 more days of lost instruction. Of course, this greatly affects how much they learn.
Tomiko Brown-Nagin, director of the Charles Hamilton Houston Institute for Race & Justice at Harvard Law School, told Harvard Law Today that “Far too many school districts are punishing and pushing out black students with disabilities.”
Under IDEA, states must review racial disparities in discipline at the district level, and address the underlying issues.
The Trump administration has made moves toward rescinding certain IDEA regulations, including guidance aimed at reducing disparities in school discipline; this is what prompted the Harvard/UCLA study. Author of the Disabling Punishment report, Daniel J. Losen, told Harvard Law Today that, “We hope the information in this report will serve as a call to action to educators and advocates in every state.”
The report contains recommendations for education policymakers, civil rights advocates, teachers’ unions, and other groups involved in the education system (3).
The high rates of disciplinary action for students with disabilities are fairly distressing even withoutaccounting for racial differences, but when considering the intersectionality between disability and race, the numbers are even more shocking. To promote change, disability rights organizations should collaborate with racial justice advocates. The issues experienced by students with disabilities are not identical to those experienced by racial minorities, but there is certainly a lot of overlap. And for students who are disabled and black, the problem of inequitable punishment must be understood and addressed from both angles.
Here’s the link: https://www.abclawcenters.com/blog/2018/05/07/students-with-disabilities-more-likely-to-be-punished-in-schools-especially-if-they-are-black/
Dear Readers,
Do you remember when I posted a couple of weeks ago that I can see myself as a reporter?!?! Well, that was so crazy of me to post. I thought that was a really, really lofty goal. However, I put it out there in the wind. Well, guess what? A friend of mine, Quanda, posted a job on Facebook for a reporter.
WHAT!!!
You could have knocked me over with a feather. I proceeded to apply for it and am now waiting on the response. I hope I get it. However, if I do not, then there’s another position ready and waiting for me!
As always, I’ll keep you updated!
Dear Readers,
My apologies! Yesterday I wrote a post entitled, Walking in Your Power! I thought I explained what walking in your power is, but apparently I did not. Well, for those of you who don’t have me on Facebook, it must have seemed that it came out of the blue. So, although this post should have been part 1 of Walking in Your Power, it is Part 2.
Here is my Facebook post explaining what walking in your power is:
I have one question for you, Are you walking in your power?!?!
I ask this because there was a time when I thought I was broken and would never be fixed. I thought that no one could possibly really love this broken, disheveled mess that I called ME! I was so wrong. I love ME; this formerly broken mess of a woman who learned who I am, who doesn’t accept SH*T from anyone, who realizes her worth, who walks in her own power!
I am finally beginning to walk in my power. I was up, around 4 a.m., watching various motivational videos and reading anything I could find about walking in my power. One of the simplest ones I read was on Huffington Post entitled, “Why Aren’t You Walking in Your Power?”
It wasn’t a long article. It was very simple and to the point. I recommend it.
Check it out @ https://www.huffingtonpost.com/…/mindfulness-practice_b_420…
You’ll see from reading the Huffington Post article that walking in your power is you being your best self, it’s owning your truth, it’s realizing your true purpose and who you really are!
In the words of Vicki Kirk-May, “It’s time to dominate!” It’s time to SHINE!!!
It’s time to become the real ME. I feel like I’ve only been a facsimile of who I can and am supposed to be. This quote, down below, by Anaïs Nin, perfectly symbolizes my situation. I can no longer remain tight in a bud. It’s too painful. I’m ready to be and embrace the new me; the ME that is my best self; the one who owns my truth- ALL OF IT. I accept all of me, the good and the bad. I accept and own everything I’ve done, up until now.
IT’S TIME TO REALLY LIVE!
As always, I’ll keep you updated on the happenings in my life!
Dear Readers,
Here’s my post from Facebook, April 14, 2011:
As I wrote on another post (click here), I’ve discovered that I go through the same thing around the same time of year. So, I’ve decided to read back on this blog and my Facebook page so that I can kinda’ predict what’s about to happen. It’s not foolproof, but it’s all I got right now.
As I read my Facebook memory, I began thinking about my current situation. I didn’t realize that my awakening began about 7 years ago. Currently, I’m experiencing what I wrote about in my Facebook memory to the 10th power. At that time, I had no name for what I was experiencing. I just knew that I was not doing all that I’m called to do and that I was not being my best self.
Everything began with the above quote from Marianne Williamson- “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.”
Can I just tell you that I am vibin’ so much with this quote!?!?
I read it over and over and over. I went to sleep and meditated on it; I woke up and meditated on it. Thinking on this quote has sent my mind into overdrive. Because of all that I’ve been experiencing, I am becoming a better version of ME. I have learned to embrace ALL of me. Because of all of my experiences, the meditating, and thinking, right now, I’m in a growth stage. I’m prepping myself to be my best self, and am beginning to walk in my power.
I’m about to:
In the words of Cardi B., “I make money moves!”
As always, I will keep you updated on the happenings in my life!
Bye for now!
Dear Readers,
I’ve been thinking about my next step once I leave the classroom. I thought about becoming a reporter; not as a mandated one, but a real-life reporter. I’d even like to do internet reporting.
If you know me, then you know that this is a big step for me because I was not allowed to ask questions as a child. My father was truly old school. He thought that kids should be seen and not heard. When my parents had company over, my siblings and I were not even allowed in the living room.
This affected so many aspects of my life. I never spoke up in class. If I had questions, I waited until after class; I always waited to speak up, never voicing my opinion, unless someone specifically asked for it; not being confident enough to make friends, etc…
Fast forward to 2018 and I am a totally different person now. I ask questions and make friends quite easily now (When I want to). It’s almost like a game. So much so, that I’ve turned meeting new people into a sort of interview process. As I was interviewing (making friends) with someone, I thought that I could totally turn this into something I’d enjoy doing.
Chalk this up to another thing I never thought I’d want to do!
Dear Readers,
I was wondering why my blog has had an increase in traffic. Well, the mystery has been solved. I was shouted out by The Pennsylvania Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) @ http://community.cec.sped.org/pa/home. I found the link by looking at my Referrer links.
I feel so honored!
I was also shouted out by The Edvocate in an article entitled 10 Must Read Special Education Blogs @ http://www.theedadvocate.org/10-must-read-special-education-blogs/
I feel so loved. Thanks to The Advocate & The Pennsylvania branch of the CEC!
Dear Readers,
The teachers at my school decided to let our students have a break from the rigorous work they’re required to do in a college ready school. For the first semester, I had Homework Club, but that bored me to tears. So, I decided to have some fun. This time around I chose Arts n’ Crafts. For our first project, I wanted to have the students create a vision board, but the cost was prohibitive. The next best thing was a digital vision board. And the research began…
My research took me to a couple of sites that required some downloading and payment. Since I was not planning on paying for 25 students to use a pay site, I knew that I had to look around for a free site.
Alas, I couldn’t find one, but my husband did. He’d previously used it- PIXLR. He showed me enough to get it done, and I was off to the races.
I wrote down every step while creating my own. Satisfied with the results, I printed my results, uploaded the directions to my Google Classroom I created for the class, and prepared to teach my students how to create a digital vision board.
How’d it go? Why, thank you for asking! It went very well. Of the 25 students, 15 of them completed it within the allotted time. Others e-mailed me.
Here’s my completed digital vision board:
I played around with it a little more and learned how to create small effects around the edges of the pictures. I’m not finished yet. I’m going to create more; one for each area of my life.
If you’d like to create your own, here’s a link to the directions: https://tinyurl.com/y7pqad7v
Let me know what you think!
Dear Readers,
The online book launch is tomorrow, January 15, 2018. In order to launch this book onto the #1 Best Seller list, there will be a one-day only special price of $2.99 for the e-book. Please support this project.
So, without further ado, here’s my 7th Teacher Truth:
Dear Readers,
Here’s my Truth #6:
The students who need the most love, ask for it in the most unloving ways!
Dear Readers,
Here’s my Teacher Truth #5:
I’m a Special Education Teacher, not a baby sitter. For some reason, because I have the title, Special Education, in front of my title, some people, unreasonably believe, that I’m not a ‘real’ teacher. WHAT?!?! HUH?!?!
So not the truth! I’m a Special Education teacher extraordinaire and I earned my degrees just like everyone else!!!
#AndtheTruthShallmakeyouFree
What’s your TRUTH?
Online book launch January 15, 2018
Book signing February 3, 2018
Bessemer Civic Center 2 p.m
1130 9th Ave. Bessemer, AL
Join the WHOLE TRUTH MOVEMENT!
Dear Readers,
Teacher Truth #4: Teachers have to be politically correct all the time. If not, people complain; if the parent is truly ignorant, they want to fight.
We use euphemisms like, “He/She doesn’t have the greatest work ethic. TRANSLATION: They’re lazy!
or
He/She’s very friendly & social during class time. TRANSLATION: He/She talks too much and disrupts my class! ALL.THE.TIME!!!
Sometimes we’d like to actually tell the parent that they need to actually be a parent, create & enforce some rules, and not buy them the latest everything.
How have you bitten your tongue?
What’s your truth?!?!
THE WHOLE TRUTH and NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH, SO HELP ME TEACHER!
11 educators tell their TRUTH like no one else can in the anthology The Whole Truth and Nothing but the Truth So HELP ME TEACHERS!
Online book launch & book release January 15, 2018!
Book signing February 3, 2018
Bessemer Civic Center 2 p.m
1130 9th Ave. Bessemer, AL
Join the WHOLE TRUTH MOVEMENT!
Ask me about pre-order! Get your copy!
#WholeTruthAnthology#andtheTRUTHshallmakeyouFREE
Tag and share with an educator
Dear Readers,
Here’s my third truth!
Teacher Truth #3: I’m on a three week break. I’ve earned every single minute of this three week break!
What’s your truth?!?!
THE WHOLE TRUTH and NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH, SO HELP ME TEACHER!
11 educators tell their TRUTH like no one else can in the anthology The Whole Truth and Nothing but the Truth So HELP ME TEACHERS!
Book release January 15th get your copy! #WholeTruthAnthology#andtheTRUTHshallmakeyouFREE
Tag and share with an educator
Dear Readers,
Here’s my second teacher truth:
Teacher Truth #2: Even though teaching is the hardest job I’ve ever had, it’s sometimes thankless, and I feel like screaming and running out of the building sometimes, I LOVE IT!
What’s your truth?!?!
THE WHOLE TRUTH and NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH, SO HELP ME TEACHER!
11 educators tell their TRUTH like no one else can in the anthology The Whole Truth and Nothing but the Truth So HELP ME TEACHERS!
Once my Amazon author page is up and running, I’ll post it.
Book release January 15th get your copy!
#andtheTRUTHshallmakeyouFREE
Tag and share with an educator
Dear Readers,
I’m so excited about my book launch on January 15, 2018. In order to promote the book, I and my fellow authors, are telling our truths. Down below is my Truth #1. I’ll post one per day, everyday, leading up to the book launch. Enjoy and stay tuned!
Teacher Truth #1: There are some students I hate to see coming!
What’s your truth?!?!
THE WHOLE TRUTH and NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH, SO HELP ME TEACHER!
11 educators tell their TRUTH like no one else can in the anthology The Whole Truth and Nothing but the Truth So HELP ME TEACHERS!
Book release January 15th get your copy! #WholeTruthAnthology#andtheTRUTHshallmakeyouFREE
Tag and share with an educator
Dear Readers,
This wonderful post had to be reposted. It’s a long read, but worth it. Thanks Little Red Survivor!
Tessa was an accomplished chef and wonderful hostess, but her sisters in law and mother in law did not appreciate her. They simply believed her husband should have married someone else. No matter how beautifully she set the table or how delicious the food, the conversation with her in-laws was always strained. No one complimented […]
Dear Readers, After writing a post on Facebook yesterday and then seeing this memory today, I realized that I was wrestling with finding my voice. The beauty (and synchronicity) of all this is that I actually wrote this post three years on my Facebook page in response to rediscovering my voice. While looking back, I realized that I deal with the same things around the same time. Right now, I’m trying to figure out how knowing this information can be used to my advantage.
Below, is what I wrote in response to this pic:
I am enjoying being me and loving EVERY single minute of it. I’ve rediscovered that I have a voice. I’m not talking about my singing voice. I’m talking about ME! MY VOICE! My voice that I’ve recently discovered after years of having lost it. The voice that says I CAN & believes it; knows it with my whole being. The voice that knows you can’t and shouldn’t try to please everyone. The voice that knows I AM THE BEST ME I CAN BE; the voice that has decided to be ME, no matter who likes it! Continue reading “One Day She…”
Dear Readers,
I know this this may sound weird to say, but I like having BAD days! They always build better days!
I remember the first time I realized that having a bad was a really good thing. It was my first or second year of teaching. Actually, my sister-friend, Danika, pointed it out to me. I was telling her how I had had a bad day. She told me that I always figured out a solution, so it was okay that I had a bad day. I am so very grateful to her because, before she told me that, I hadn’t thought of it like that. She made me think of my bad days in a whole new way.
So, now when I’m having a bad day, I’m not thinking of it as a bad day. I’m thinking of it as a building day.
Just remember these when you have a bad day!
