Notes on Chalk

Chalk Notes

*Most kids don’t like school, but love their teachers… true. *50% of teachers quit within the first 3 years of teaching. *Every teacher has a different teaching style, some more effective than others. *6 out of 10 students walk away with a college degree. *It’s funny watching these teachers interact because you kind of forget that they are just normal people who live crazy lives too. *What the bratty kid’s mom doesn’t realize is that kids are different in the classroom then they are around their parents. *Teacher of the year debate: Stroope really wants to win, has good ideas for the school and is a surprisingly good teacher. I don’t really know how other teachers perceive him… he didn’t win teacher of the year.

Mr. Lowrey – took a test to become a teacher, hard to gain control of the classroom. Very awkward guy; he does everything exactly like the book. Trying to connect with his students, but is having a hard time with it. His students definitely give him a harder time then I think the other teachers because of his personality, which leads me to believe… that teenagers are just ridiculous. He’s looking more and more exhausted as times goes on, and really just wants respect from his students. Going to partake in a slang spelling bee, and he won! By the end of the year his students were learning to really like and respect him. Isn’t sure if he’s going to come back next year or not, he had a pretty tough year, and doesn’t know if he likes teaching.

Mrs. Riddell – new AP, and was a teacher. She is still adjusting to her new role as assistant principal. Late nights spent at the school catching up on stuff for her job. She’s having a difficult time adjusting to her job even as the school year goes on. The toughest part of her job is listening to teachers complain about other teachers and the way that they teach. The two days that she got to go sub while waiting for the real sub to get there were her two best days of the year thus far, which must mean something. She really misses teaching, learned that she needs to find a different way to approach people (especially teachers).

Mr. Stroope – wanted to win teacher of the year. Don’t want a friendship, want a relationship. He uses sarcasm to try to connect with his students, wants them to slightly “dumb down.” He’s the role model guy, trying to get all of his teachers on the right track so that they can be effective teachers, and people who are full of integrity. He’s nominated as one of two candidates as teacher of the year. He took his teacher of the year loss out on his kids, and really regrets that. Wants to be a good example for his students.

Coach Webb – feel like you need to depend on other people to help you do your job. She’s a gym teacher. Likes to keep with and stick to the rules. Make students understand your expectations for them; can help students to excel at things that they think they’re not very good. Likes one of her fellow teachers… I think it’s Mr. Lowrey!