Disqus - Latest Comments for MissProfe

Re: Burn In Hell, George Sodini

Marcy Webb — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 08:20:30 -0000

Thank you for your comment to my comment, Ross.

Steele sounds like a winner, making a fabulous contribution to human progress. Can someone please shut him down? Please?

Re: Passionate Readers Read Passionately

Marcy Webb — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 21:52:15 -0000

Is a dislike of reading motivated only by a learning disability? I honestly cannot imagine life not being able to read well, or enjoying reading.

Re: Should process trump content?

Marcy Webb — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 09:12:51 -0000

I agree. Effective learning and teaching cannot happen without content and process.

That said, I taught at a progressive school in upstate NY for six years. Process far outweighed content in the minds of the admin. And to the students' deficit. In fact, if one tried to raise a conversation about content, she would be looked at as if she had eight heads.

While a focus on process sounds more "progressive" throwing content under the proverbial bus is ignorant and short-sighted.

Re: doing the right things or doing things right

Marcy Webb — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 11:16:55 -0000

Your post brings me back to one of the more positive recollections I have while a member of the Junior League. It was a Saturday training workshop, the focus of which was leadership. The presenter made the following statement, which has remained with me: An organization must have its hands on the right things." I think this statement speaks well of what schools which strive to be learning communities must do.

Re: Attitudes toward teaching

Marcy Webb — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 22:15:47 -0000

I read your and Angela's comments, and the article to which you linked. While I can relate to and empathize with some of what Sarah describes, I have only encountered a lack of respect from two individuals re: my choice to become a teacher, and they were Black men, interestingly enough. I teach at an independent school, where the days feels even longer, employment is often tentative due to the fact that many such schools are largely tuition-driven and respond to market forces, where salary is less than neighboring public schools ND where intellectual integrity is sometimes thrown under the bus in favor of catering to the often-frivolous whims of wealthy, entitled and demanding parents. That all being said, I still feel a real sense of joy and gratification for the students and for the work I do, and for the support I receive from family, friends, students, parents, and the administration.

I would need to hear more re: Sarah's story to get a better understanding re: her thoughts, feelings and perspectives. However, on its' face, perhaps she needs to step away for a period of time, just as I did. It took me a second career and grad. school - a seven-year hiatus - to determine that I wanted to return to the classroom. Like Sarah, I wanted others to tell me how important my work was and how worthy a human being I was for doing it. But, my Dear Father told me that one has to be able to give herself props, becasue they may not come from elsewhere. Perhaps Sarah needs to learn this lesson, too.

Re: Burn In Hell, George Sodini

Marcy Webb — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 23:53:56 -0000

Hey, Ross.

Thank you for your post. As a teacher of middle and high school students, Asperger's syndrome/Asperger spectrum is something I've seen rather frequently in my 15 year career, mostly with boys. With the proper treatment and social skills training, people with Asperger's can become productive members of society. This very well could have been Mr. Sodini's issue, which can lead to depression, isolation, etc. Certainly not an excuse for what Mr. Sodini did, but perhaps could explain some things. Of course, it doesn't explain the misogyny, or the hints of racism.

Furthermore, I also questioned why Mr. Sodini did not raise a proverbial red flag for Steele. I suppose if one's work is all about the benjamins, acting with integrity and being straight up with a person is not going to occur.

Re: George Sodini’s Chilling Blog Foretold Health Club Shootings

Marcy Webb — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 21:39:04 -0000

I am sorry that some of you have not even a modicum of empathy. Yes, George Sodini did a horrible thing. There's no excuse for what he did. But, he was someone's son, and someone's brother . How does a person become so all alone? How?

It's another situation re: the mysogny of women, and a person who desperately needed help, but never received it.

Re: Why Comments Matter

Marcy Webb — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 11:11:13 -0000

Thank you for your post.

I've been thinking a lot about this very issue myself lately. Especially with respect to the racist vitriol which gets spewed re: the President and the First Family, and, most recently, Dr. Henry Louis Gates on so many newspaper and magazine blogs. There is nobody minding the proverbial store, and, is thus a train wreck waiting to happen.

Which is why I thoroughly enjoy reading through the comment threads on Ta-Nehisi Coates' blog. He has worked hard to create a culture where his readers work hard to craft their comments with thoughtfulness and intelligence. It is also a culture where the readers hold each other to the same standard. I am glad to read that you encourage a similar culture here on your blog.

Speaking of Ta-Nehisi Coates' blog, I have re-printed the comment of Los Niños del Maiz, who responded to the post, 'The Root Flooded With Racist Comments.'

"As for the whole Roots thing though, I wouldn't ever worry too much about whatever comments show up on an Internet message board. It acts as a megaphone for the cranks, conspiracy theorists, nutjobs, etc. And these people were always with us. They used to have to mimeograph their newsletters and hold conferences where they all just nodded at each other. Now they can all hop onto the 'Net and spew. Even if we were in a completely post-racial society, whatever the definition, we'd still have a group of hardcore cranks polluting the Internet with their rantings. They all just seem louder now with insta-posting, instant messaging, cell phones everywhere, etc...."

Yep. That addresses the question.

Re: The Watkinson Garden

Marcy Webb — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 20:43:12 -0000

@ Tracy Yes. The little signs are nice.

Perhaps you are right. Maybe when school gears up again, and when people see all that Mary has done, they won't be able to say enough about her efforts. :)

Re: The Watkinson Garden

Marcy Webb — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 12:55:30 -0000

@ Tracy: This is great! It is, however, quite sad that the Watkinson community has not commented on the blog, and giving a shout out for Mary's efforts. Perhaps by exposing the story to a wider audience, Mary can get props and shout outs from elsewhere. Thah you for sharing

BTW: The school has embarked on a major sustainability effort, and the garden, which is on the school's campus, is part of that effort. Various advisor groups at school - both middle and upper school - have adopted a crop, which they will pick in the fall when classes resume.

Re: Al Gore at TED2008

Marcy Webb — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 09:16:26 -0000

Hi, Tracy.

Here is the link: http://watkinson-garden.blo...

The student, Mary O'Brien, has made a lot of progress,and has recruited some helpers. She has posted pics of her efforts on the blog.

Re: Al Gore at TED2008

Marcy Webb — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 08:58:00 -0000

Cool! The 'Net is a cool place. See? We've never met, and collaborated to inspire something meaningful for students.

There are probably students you teach who are already thinking globally and acting locally. There is a student at my place of employ who has chosen to devote her summer to sustainability. She is helping to cultivate an herb and veggie garden, on the school grounds. The goal is that the bounty from the garden will be used in the preparation of lunch meals at the school. She is maintaining a blog.

Re: Al Gore at TED2008

Marcy Webb — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 08:42:20 -0000

@ Tracy No, I do not. However, I was thinking about people, right in one's own community, who are "thinking globally and acting locally." Fortunately, every community has them, and, they're more accessible, I think, than celebs.

Re: Al Gore at TED2008

Marcy Webb — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 08:05:44 -0000

While I praise Al Gore for finding a purpose following his days in Washington, I would like to see regular, everyday people profiled on the issue of global warming. It's as if no issue has legitimacy unless a famous name is branded to support it.

Thank you for sharing, Tracy. :)

Re: iTeach: The One Comment A Day Project

Marcy Webb — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 09:18:20 -0000

This is a fantastic way to motivate people to comment, which so many are reluctant to do. I also appreciate that you clearly state the type of comment, i.e. insightful and constructive. People who say, "Great post!" or, "I like your blog", while nice, don't add to the marketplace of ideas. Why does someone like one's blog? What is "great" about a post?

Re: Question of the Day

Marcy Webb — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 20:43:00 -0000

"Bewitched", the first season.

Re: Number of the Day

Marcy Webb — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 18:35:47 -0000

Never, for as long as the Good Lord grants me life, why there are Black Americans who are Republican. I realize that the post doesn't reference #s by race, but, I felt compelled to comment in this respect.

Re: More Non-Cat Blogging

Marcy Webb — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 17:51:34 -0000

BTW: They're precious. :)

Re: More Non-Cat Blogging

Marcy Webb — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 17:51:04 -0000

Wow! That's a lot of kids. Bless you!

Re: Question of the Day

Marcy Webb — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 00:02:22 -0000

England and Scotland, with my Dear Brother, in July 2006. :)

Re: Important Announcement

Marcy Webb — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 20:25:45 -0000

From one hat girl to another: You Go Girl! Love it!!!

Re: Daily Kitteh: Dear Sweet Boy

Marcy Webb — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 20:23:52 -0000

My condolences. It's NEVER easy to see a beloved pet leave us.

Re: Dear Mr. Perry

Marcy Webb — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 20:20:52 -0000

Letterman is as much of a jerk as Perry. Maybe even moreso, because he wasn't human enough to call Perry out. And the fact the audience laughed doesn't say much for its mentality.

Thank you for reminding me why I don't watch late-night television.

Re: Parent Involvement – “What’s Your View?”

Marcy Webb — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 17:42:55 -0000

Re: Parent involvement: Why is it that there is a greater demand for this? I don't suggest that is neither important nor necessary, but, I think that the desire for ever-increasing levels of parent involvement are a reflection of the changes in society. While my parents attended the requisite parent conferences and PTO/PTA meetings, they interfaced with teachers only when needed. Otherwise, they did their job @ home, as parents.

Re: Question of the Day

Marcy Webb — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 13:13:46 -0000

Co-signing with shannonerin. Everyone *is* incredibly strong. And courageous. Wow.

For me: Moving out of state @ 31, then returning after 9 years - glad I did - to both. Also, finally coming to terms with depression and anxiety issues - I have found a wonderful therapist, after seeing lots of them - 15 to be exact. I was so discouraged, I was not in regular therapy for a long time, and needed to have been. I am beginning to get better, and to feel better. :)