Exciting so far

Maybe I'll start my own critical review of the schools like the magazines do of the top schools - but I'll set my own criteria. Instead of test scores and graduation rates and checked boxes, I'll be looking for the more practical pieces: supplies (books, overheads, markers, lesson plans, etc.), programs that meet community needs, clear communicating adults that don't wear jeans and chew gum, and any reference to our Indian cultural heritage (because according to the licensing supervisor at the MNDOE, that is the essence of all human relations and the reason I my own experiences with diversity are not qualified).

I was at Arlington High School today - very diverse! (But no Indians). It has been a failing school for several years now, and a victim of restructuring. Apparently about thirty teachers were laid off this past spring. I was substituting with another substitute who was retired from Mounds View and was trying to "give back" to the community (but it feels a little bit like taking when I look at the limited amount of jobs out there). She asked if I'd substituted here before, I said no. She asked if this was my first day, I said yes. She asked if I just graduated college, I said no.

Sigh.

I enjoyed teaching even on the weak lesson plans, and at the end of the day talked some with two teachers who were licensed from out-of-state. One was older and had come from Pennsylvania, the other was young and had gone from Cornell, to Hawiaii as a TFA (Teach for America), and the Slovakia before returning back to Minnesota. Both didn't seem to have to much trouble transferring their licenses (which I resented) and they suggested I have my license evaluated by another University (which I will, except that all the other universities are private and $$$). Anyhow the young Cornell grad said, after hearing some of my story, "Wow! You did like what every person from Minnesota could only dream of - New York then Turkey! What an exciting life so far." I'm not sure why she said that, considering what she has done and considering our own temporary stagnation . . . she made me laugh, almost.