Tuesday, May 3, 2016 – Happy Teachers’ Day – Who Do You Think You Are?
“Write a 1000 word paper telling me ‘Who Do You Think You Are’” Can you name the movie in which that was the assignment? Hint: a movie from the 1980’s.
While you are thinking, here are some remembered education quotes from teachers, friends and colleagues from years past. I am only attributing one quote to one teacher – my major advisor, dissertation advisor Dr. Frances E. Clark, who went to the Big Classroom in the Sky last week. For you, Dr. C. – Here!
From the Department of Redundancy Department – Dr. Frank Clark.
You can guess at the contributors for the rest.
The children are not negotiable.
You can lead a student to water, but you can’t make him think. But you can make him awfully thirsty.
You can take a good teacher and make them great, but you cannot take a bad teacher and make them a good one.
I am from the Texas Education Agency and I do not have anything to do with assessment or PEIMS or curriculum. (1989 – Present day)
From Conroe High (Conroe ISD) from the 1970’s – “Teachers, pardon this interruption. Will the following pupils report to the Vocational Building for the FFA yearbook picture…? The pupils participating in UIL events tomorrow will meet at 8:30 in the cafeteria.”
From J. L. McCullough High School (McC) (Conroe ISD) from the 1980’s – “Teachers, pardon this second interruption for the morning announcements … please review the Do Not Admit List and do not admit these students to your class until they have an excuse from their counselor. And don’t forget to keep looking for the pony.”
From Magnolia High School (Magnolia ISD) May 2, 2016 – “Teachers, pardon this interruption, the testing period has ended. You may now return your students’ cell phones.”
I bet you can add so many other quotes. Happy Teachers’ Day to all of us! Thank or think of one of your teachers. You can read this, can’t you? Then do it. It is because of us that you can!
And the assignment question?
“Saturday, March 24, 1984 Brian Johnson [although unknown at this point] Shermer High School Shermer, Illinois 60062
“Dear Mr. Vernon:
We accept the fact that we had to sacrifice a whole Saturday in detention for whatever it was we did wrong, but we think you’re crazy to make us write an essay telling you who we think we are. You see us as you want to see us… In the simplest terms and the most convenient definitions. But what we found out is that each one of us is a brain… …and an athlete… …and a basket case… …a princess… …and a criminal. Does that answer your question?
Sincerely yours, the Breakfast Club.
Here's What I'm Thinking 
I refuse to answer on the grounds it might incriminate me!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too! That is why no others quotes have the names listed.
LikeLike
Remember when the guys got into the “announcement office”……forget if it was McCullough or Conroe High. They wired the speakers to keep repeating “whatever” over and over and locked the doors whereas no one could get in and turn it off. I think these were the same ones that had thousands of ping bong balls that fell during something. And/or everyone had a ping bong ball and left it in the teachers hand when they shook hands while walking across the stage.
‘
Those were the “good ‘ol days” pranks. Now days, kids carry guns and/or bombs to school.
I remember Naoma Dennis and I were tossing a ball back and forth in the classroom (we were in the back of the room). Each time the teacher turned her back we would toss the ball. We got caught, Teacher was Mrs. Cauthren. She started crying as she could not believe these two “good” little girls were misbehaving.. .
LikeLike
That was at Conroe High School. I think the ping pong balls fell during the awards ceremony. You can ask someone whose CHS graduating class that was on Sunday at his house for Mother’s Day. Items handed to Superintendents’ hands during graduation are legendary. A baseball? A basketball?
LikeLike