October 28, 2008 at 9:10 am (Raleigh)
I just recently started teaching 9th grade science at a high school in Northeast Philadelphia. I went into the classroom with the idea that I was going to start an education revolution and ended up smashed against the wall.
The problem: I personally do not believe in the use of punishments and rewards to motivate students. I believe that this only leads students to work for the reward and not for the sake of learning. My first few weeks were like hell as I tried to set up a classroom that was free of these punishments and rewards. I am now coming to the realization that the only way certain students work is if they receive something in exchange. Why should students want to learn anyway? Public school is a load of BS. Why should I expect them to want to learn something that doesn’t really connect with their daily lives? This is the challenge that I am currently facing.
I guess for now my best bet is to just implement a system of punishments and rewards to motivate my students and hopefully I can eventually reduce those punishments and rewards to the point where students will be working because they want to learn.
Teaching in public school is very difficult in that it is set up like a the prison system. It is hard working within a system that I do not believe in, and I pray that I do not burn out before the end of the year.
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October 12, 2008 at 11:55 pm (Matt)
Tags: Church
It’s Sunday night (actually, it’s early monday morning, but practically it’s still sunday for me). I’ve been to church today. Twice. I go to a medium-sized baptist church in the morning and a very small mennonite church at night. I like different aspects about both, and I like church, so I have committed to attending both in my stay down here in Chapel Hill (and taken some flak for that, strangely).
Sunday is the day most Christians regard as the Sabbath, the day most Christians go to church however many times they feel led, and the day most Christians feel closest to God. I am horrible at remembering to do quiet time daily, but I do always remember to consciously skip it on Sundays, because I went to church, so that counts as spending time with God.
Tonight, I felt like doing quiet time before going to bed. Unlike most weekdays, I actually felt like it. But then it hit me…it’s Sunday! Why do I need quiet time? That’s when I realized…for all the hours I spent sitting a pews today, I don’t think I felt God’s presence. Not once. I spent time with his followers, but I didn’t spend any time with Him.
Is that my fault? Is it my attitude that precludes the Holy Spirit from moving me into true worship? Is it my decision to plot out the quickest route to Waffle House or to text Google to find out how the Cowboys are doing that keeps me from noticing God is right there?
…or is He?
All us “emergents” and “Jesus radicals” and what-have-you realize that “church” is not what the Church is supposed to be…but I think what I’m feeling here is different. The Church is a unified body of believers, with no denominational distinction, serving God and serving one another and showing God’s love to all. That’s the big-C Church. But what’s church? What’s it for? Big-C Church happens every day, every moment. Why do we feel compelled to put up with little-c church that more often seems like an obstacle in our day than a welcome worship experience with the God of our salvation?
Unlike most of my posts, I don’t purport to know the answer to this one. Or if I do, I’m just too tired (and congested) to write it. Suggestions are welcome and encouraged.
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October 6, 2008 at 10:52 pm (Raleigh)
I have been waiting around for the School District of Philadelphia to get there stuff together and hire me for a teaching position. While I was waiting for a position. I took 15 hour a week part-time job as a social worker. I have also been working at my church’s (Circle of Hope)’s local thrift store.
Last week I found I had a chance to interview for a general science position. I interviewed on friday and was offered the job today. I am very thankful that God has opened these doors for me. I am thankful that He granted me the opportunity to do the social work job so that I have a better understanding that God wants me to teach (at least for now).
I will probably be starting next week. I will be working with a special population of 9th grade students who have to repeat the grade due to absences. Pray that everything will go according to His almighty plan.
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