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Author Archives: Mark E.P. Roberts
Still I Rise–the Mourning after Trump
You may shoot me with your words, You may cut me with your eyes, You may kill me with your hatefulness, But still, like air, I’ll rise. –Maya Angelou It is Sunday already, five days after the election, five days … Continue reading
A White Man on a White Horse and Other Republican Sightings
In Samuel Beckett’s masterpiece Waiting for Godot, the two main characters, Vladimir and Estragon, occupy a space that appears to exist without them, even as they dominate the scene. Throughout the two-act play, the men oscillate between confusion and inertia, … Continue reading
Half Hugs and Unopened Gifts
This week, I went to this place where I started singing karaoke on Thursdays. I know most of the faces there now, but not the names. I saw one robust older woman whose refined manner and generous smile reminds me … Continue reading
Cardinal Rules and Lasting Regrets
As the winter persists, we are keeping warm in the classroom with a number of hot topics. Currently, we are reading The Kite Runner in World Literature. It has been work getting a few students to move beyond their reticence to … Continue reading
Kwanza and Family Ties
Two evenings ago, on Saturday, we gathered together with family and friends to acknowledge the start of Kwanza. It was a beautiful night of music and laughter and connection. My sister-in-laws brought cupcakes and my mother’s sweet potato soufflé. Our … Continue reading
Tagged Kwanza, senior year, Winter Break
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The Doer and the Deed
The first quarter has ended, and all the marks are parked. “Chase the knowledge, not the grade,” I implore the students. “The grades you won’t remember in twenty years, but the knowledge you get to keep.” But they have been schooled … Continue reading
Higher Ground
Each new year, my high school staggers student orientation by grade in descending order. Today, seniors and juniors return from summer break to obtain class schedules, lockers, and miscellaneous instructions about the year ahead. We have adopted a new, … Continue reading
The Company English Teachers Keep
A few weeks ago, I attended an IB Conference at the United Nations International School in New York City. I selected the IB English Literature workshop and eagerly became part of a room of English teachers from around the country. … Continue reading
The Comfort of Skin: “Sometimes I Wish I Was White”
Now that I am away on summer break, part of me misses the bustle of students climbing stairs or commandeering choice seats near the windows. For my tenth graders, we ended the year with a multi-arced exploration of the role … Continue reading
The Cherry Blossom Mystery
Two days ago, on Friday, I drove down to Haines Point after class. It had been a good week. My seniors were busy putting finishing touches on their written DC Neighborhood Project. Teams of three or four had to adopt … Continue reading
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