-
Recent Posts
Archives
- November 2016
- July 2016
- February 2016
- December 2015
- October 2015
- August 2015
- July 2015
- June 2015
- April 2015
- March 2015
- January 2015
- November 2014
- September 2014
- August 2014
- April 2014
- March 2014
- February 2014
- January 2014
- December 2013
- October 2013
- September 2013
- August 2013
- July 2013
- June 2013
- May 2013
- April 2013
- March 2013
- January 2013
- December 2012
- September 2012
- May 2012
- March 2012
- February 2012
- January 2012
- September 2011
- August 2011
- July 2011
- June 2011
- May 2011
- April 2011
- March 2011
- February 2011
- January 2011
- December 2010
- October 2010
- September 2010
- August 2010
Categories
Meta
Author Archives: Mark E.P. Roberts
Details Make the Reader See
I am teaching four courses this school year. I apparently oversold myself during my interviews. I have seniors and sophomores. It has been an adjustment getting used to classes which meet daily for forty-five minutes. For the first two weeks, … Continue reading
Hidden Objects and the Teaching Game
So much has happened…but I am moving pass all that. A troubled student lied about something I said in an open classroom, and the powers-that-be believed her. She turned a well-meaning admonishment about attitude and altitude into a dirty joke–and … Continue reading
Tagged DCPS, Hidden Objects, Impact, Private school
Leave a comment
Trayvon Martin is Me
A little over a month ago on a colorless, wet Saturday, I happened to catch the end of a “hoodie” protest in Freedom Plaza. Around one hundred mostly African Americans had gathered to show solidarity with Trayvon Martin, the seventeen-year-old … Continue reading
The Giving Gift
Last Thursday came rolling in like the Pacific Ocean, gently and with purpose. By 6:30 AM, the yawning sun lit the rooftops on my block with a soft glow as alluring as candlelight. As I stared out the open window … Continue reading
Remembering Whitney Houston: Where Have All the Flowers Gone?
The other day I stopped by what remains of the Occupiers enclave at McPherson Square here in DC. Most of the tents are gone, exposing the castle brown of dirt and mud where there was once the greenest grass. The … Continue reading
A Forever Love
“Are you sure?” I asked, being careful to avoid her eyes. “Yea, I’m sure. But I go to see the doctor on Friday,” she said. “So how do you feel about it?” I asked. “Oh, I’m good,” she said. I … Continue reading
Epiphany
Sometimes, the best part of teaching occurs outside the classroom. As I sail through the halls at my school–usually singing some old soul song–I make it a point to interact with as many students as I can. Seniors and juniors … Continue reading
Tagged debate, epiphany, life lesson
2 Comments
Traversing the Wall–Why Teachers Teach
I finally got over it. When I received my “Minimally Effective” rating over the summer, it hit me a little hard. Every teacher wants to feel appreciated, not just by students, but also by the powers-that-be. I officially appealed, of … Continue reading
On Gratitude: Lou Gehrig and the Old Man
I had a wonderful week. All my students are almost in full swing, and they seem to be appreciating the caliber of work they are receiving. “Great class,” one yelled upon leaving the room. “This is going to be fun,” … Continue reading
You Inspire Me
I love the word “affirmation.” Sometimes the universe just seems to click your way, and everything melds into place. The weekend before school began, I took full advantage of the beautiful weather to visit some of my favorite places. At … Continue reading
Teachermandc's Blog 