My writers group (The Writer’s Circle) is starting their own Script Frenzy today. In the month of July we’ve all signed a contract with ourselves to write a one hundred page screenplay. I’ve put aside my frantic lesson planning to embrace the fun. In fact, I was starting to stress myself out with the lesson planning, every spare moment was being dedicated to it and I’ve still only finished a full month for both classes. I think I’m just going to do what many teachers find themselves doing, create lesson plans a week or two in advance. Break up the workload a bit. It will make the year a little harder, but since I still have to study for the CSET, predo all major projects (so I know they actually work), read through the books I’m thinking of assigning, and now write a screenplay. I really think I need to let the lesson planning go. If anyone else has insight about prepping for lessons I’d love to hear it.

And now I really must stop procrastinating and get to that script!

Possibly the most fitting tribute to the late Michael Jackson I’ve read about so far:

“In Paris, fans planned a memorial moonwalk at the Eiffel Tower for Sunday”

So, under my new blog theme of education, I shall, of course, treat such narrow focus with my usual sweeping,  all inclusive style. And will therefor post about anything that I believe contributes to expansion of thought.

The first thing I’ve come across (thanks to Chris) is artist Todd Schorr.  According to the artist’s statement, Todd grew up steeped in the iconic imagry of post WWII United States cartoons, comics, and National Geographic magazines, all “under the threat of looming annihilation”.

His work definitely attests to this. His wonderfully overt criticism of our cultural inconsistencies and incredible attention to detail create a mesmerizing experience, even if somewhat dark. Excellent examples of which are ‘The Spectre of Cartoon Appeal‘ and ‘Clash of Holidays‘.

Todd Schorr - An Ape Allegory

The San Jose Museum of Art is showcasing his work through September 16th.

For those of you who were familiar with the old sharrock.net site, this will be a departure of sorts. I’ve recently been hired to teach math and chemistry to high school students and this site will be used as a place of reflection on, and refuge from, the challenges I’m sure to face. I’ll be working in a problem based learning environment that accepts kids through a lottery system. There is no special selection methods and the cost to attend is free. The only aspect of self-selection is that kids (or their parents) have to fill out an application form. Due to this fact, our student population has diverse skill sets as well as a multiethnic composition. Combine this with plenty of group work and full integration (there is no ’smart’ stream or ‘dumb’ stream) and as a teacher you have a fascinating year ahead.

I have spent a year in the classrooms as a tutor and the experience has been invaluable. To have the luxury of experiencing a multitude of different teaching styles within this complex framework has provided a rich toolbox from which I can draw over the coming year. I only hope that the tools work the same for me as they have for other teachers.

As I explore and develop techniques and insight, I will post my ideas here. Hopefully in a few years time, this site will serve as a resource for others who feel compelled to follow this path.