Circles Complete
I started my first year as a full-time high school teacher in 2009, 20 years after I started my first year as a high school student. So I guess this is the year I’m supposed to graduate. Not that I expect to go anywhere, but it is a year that I expect to make some major progress in getting better as a teacher. I’m going into this year looking to break away from the structure and format of a textbook-driven curriculum, to meet with my students where their knowledge and interests are and build a better understanding of our world. I didn’t always hit the goals I set last year, but I learned a lot of things and I’m ready to do it again.
As I’m typing this I’m having a conversation with my high school newspaper adviser on Facebook. I’m reminded yet again that I wouldn’t be who I am without my teachers, and that their effect on me continues long after I have left their classrooms. I’ve been lucky enough to continue to talk to some of them and express my gratitude. Others I have lost contact with because of time, distance, retirements, and (sadly) death. But I’m thankful for what they did, and I’m determined to honor what they gave to me by giving all I can to my school community.
For all of the hassle, the paperwork, the frustration, the disrespect, and everything else that drives me mad about education in America today, it’s an honor to be part of that community. Let the circle begin again.
About Dave Thomer
Born and raised in Philadelphia. Studied philosophy at Fordham University in the Bronx, where I made many great friends and met my wonderful wife. We moved back to Philadelphia, where I studied philosophy some more and became a teacher. Online and off, I'm looking for ways that we can be better citizens and build stronger communities.
Tuesday, September 4th 2012 at 5:30 pm |
Very well said, Dave. i think of Frank Rauscher . . . still a great friend of mine. He taught me in 11th grade and was an English teacher and newspaper moderator. Interesting, isn’t it?!
Very, very proud of you!!!
Wednesday, September 5th 2012 at 4:50 pm |
Thanks Knebs. If I had had you in the eleventh grade I’d be making spooky noises right now. 🙂 I remember you talking about Dougherty and your experiences there, along with Temple. I remember the collage you had in your office – was that celebrating 1980? It was little stuff like that that made me feel like I was building something more than a collection of test scores and made me look forward to the next challenge.
Thursday, September 6th 2012 at 2:34 pm |
Dave,
Interesting timing for your reflection. Yesterday I learned that my adviser at UD recently received a two-year fellowship to research “learning styles” that he hopes will benefit the discipline of teaching Philosophy.
See http://www.udel.edu/udaily/2013/sep/Alan_Fox090412.html
Why [to me] sending you this is apropos, is that 1) yes, he is a professor of Philosophy, so I think you can directly relate; and, 2) he earned his PhD at Temple University which (I suppose) makes you two peas from the same pod.
Before you close out your “graduation” year, I encourage you to reach out to Dr. Fox to pick his brain or simply to establish a new professional contact. If you tell him I sent you, he’ll probably give you a discount for his thoughts. 🙂
Good luck either way!
-John