Do I deserve it?

Miraculously, on the same day that I received news that I've won, my favorite blogger Seth Godin wrote this short post. He asks me to think: What am I going to do now that I've got it?

Unbelievable

The three finalists were announced for our school's Teacher of the Year. It includes two extraordinary science teachers and the ordinary me. I actually found out that I was one of the finalists on Tuesday night during the board meeting. One of my favorite teachers on campus, Mrs. Fieri, congratulated me as I made my way through the crowd. I had no clue what she was talking about until she told me. Above is the supportive note that my principal wrote me, he wrote it on a ballot that teachers used for the final voting. (I cropped the other two photos to respect the teachers' privacy.)

Save the Music

Earlier tonight, I attended a district school board meeting. It was a critical one for there were easily over a hundred attendees, most of whom came in regards to the key agenda of the evening: the potential removal of the music departments across the district due to budget crisis. Throughout the evening, students, parents, and teachers took the podium and spoke. With a three minute time limit each, they individually expressed a singular voice: Save the Music. I saw tears throughout the room as young elementary students spoke nervously on the mic, begging for the program to continue. The speakers expressed passion and shared how inspiring music has been to their lives. It was uplifting to see students being passionate about education. I only wish I could inspire such passion in my class. (Though I'm sure I can inspire tears in my students if I assign more math problems.) 

As a math teacher who missed out on music education, I wholeheartedly support our school's arts program. Our band director Mr. Murdock is amazing, the band kids are often some of my top students, and their performances are breathtaking. Go Band Go!

Entertaining An Elephant

I received a copy of this book from my wonderful BTSA support providers. It was a quick read as I finished it within the same day. While I don't usually find fictions relating to education enjoyable, there are many valuable quotes in this book.  With Valentine's Day coming, I'd like to share with you the final quote from this novel about learning and letting go:

"Everything you teach you are learning. Teach only love, and learn that love is yours and you are love."  - - A Course in Miracles

Parent University 2009

Each year, our school district puts together a variety of class offerings (all free) to encourage, support, and inform parents so they can take a more active role in their children's learning. This is my third consecutive year presenting at the Parent University. In 2007, I paired up with Ms. Kwak to present information regarding the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE). I showcased my Geometry lessons during 2008's sessions titled "Geometry is Fun!" This year, I decided to boarded the topic by going with "Improve Math Grades." The turnout this year was great. Specifically, the room was full (about 30 guests) during my first of three sessions. I am so grateful for having a wonderful Spanish translator this year in our bilingual specialist - - thank you again Betsy! During my sessions, I offered parents tips on helping their students succeed. Additionally, I showcased some of the new slides from my recent lessons. In sum, I was very satisfied with my presentations. I continue to practice and learn presentation skills through such valuable experiences. I especially want to thank the parents who came out to support their children's education, and the district staff that helped made presenting at Parent-U a joy. It's now time for me to revisit my slides to refine my presentations and my lessons.