Jeff for America

I was skeptical when I first heard about Ron Clark. He started his career as a teacher in rural North Carolina and then moved to Harlem to teach at a high-poverty, low-performing elementary school. He turned a classroom around and people noticed. We’ve all seen the movies. Dangerous Minds, Stand and Deliver, The Freedom Writers – they all follow a similar teacher/savior archetype that can inspire. Although I find value in them, I am also tired of seeing the same story relived with more and more glamor and glitz. If it can make me cry, I’m suspect.

Don’t get me wrong, I love a good uplifting story. I guess I take it so seriously because I have some connection to the stories being told. Every teacher wants to feel successful with their students, but success rarely looks like Michelle Pfipher. It looks like the daily grind, it takes years and a career of many failures and few successes to find. Teaching is not really glamorous at all, and it isn’t necessarily uplifting. Since the other success stories are never told in Hollywood, we all get this idea in our head that teachers must teach at the hardest schools, sacrifice their family or social life, and inspire their students with innovative lessons and exercises. And if they don’t love you and score high on tests by the end of it, we won’t make a movie about you.

Back to Ron Clark. He was this kind of teacher. His Harlem student’s scored the highest in his school after his first year, and he went on to be recognized as the Disney Teacher of Year. After a call from Oprah, he wrote a New York Times best-selling book and recently opened his own school in Atlanta. None of this happened overnight, but you wouldn’t know that from his made-for-tv movie “The Ron Clark Story,” starring Matthew Perry. I hope you can understand why I was curious and ready to test this man. It also didn’t help that he named his school after himself – the Ron Clarke Academy – even though he still teaches there. I found it all a bit strange.

Lucky me – my school arranged him to speak at our school’s teacher development this past week. We watched the film and received a key note in the afternoon. He won me over for two reasons. First, he is still a teacher. Instead of taking his royalties and becoming a principal or CEO, he opened a school and still teaches 3 classes a day. Secondly, as a person, he was completely genuine in his commitment to work for his students. There was nothing pretentious or holier-than-thou despite the fact that his recognition offered him that stature. He just never lived up to the assumptions I had before meeting him. He convinced me of one thing for sure – great things can happen if you try.

I don’t regret my skepticism because I think it’s healthy to exert every now and then. And if he wasn’t the real thing, I wouldn’t have been so disillusioned. But he was, so I guess I was kind of inspired.

Read more about Ron Clarke here and here and here.

Matthew Perry and the real Ron Clark

- Jeff

P.S. And yes, I bought one of his books and got it autographed. And yes, I cried during the movie. And yes, if Oprah tells me to like someone, I probably will.

In the last three days, I have…

Made two students cry. I guess I can be kind of a bad ass teacher when I need to be. Wasn’t sure I had it in me.

Had a student say, “I love you.” It wasn’t in a creepy, inappropriate way. It was really sweet and harmless. Made me feel like a dad or something.

That’s all.

- Jeff

Since posting the last entry, my classroom proposal has been partially funded by 5 people, giving $125 in total! Even the smallest of donations have made all the difference. Thank you to those donors who stopped by and gave $5, $10 and even $50. You are making a difference for me and my classroom.

Thank you…Gregory, Laura, Mike, Laura and an anonymous online donor

But it’s not too late. Send this to anyone who might be interested in a tax-deductible donation to a classroom that will really benefit from your  contribution.

Simply visit my proposal website, read the details and make a donation.

Thank you!

- Jeff

A lot happens in a year.

I worked on and completed my history thesis, clocking in at 52 pages, about  multicultural curriculum in the 1980′s (you don’t want to read it)

I graduated from UC Berkeley with a B.A. in History & Political Science (and a minor in Education)

I taught summer school for 4 weeks of teacher training at the TFA Summer Institute (the hardest month e-v-e-r)

I interviewed and got my first teaching job at a school in Philadelphia (see here)

I visited Diana in Leeds, England and Selica in Paris during spring break (I miss them)

I enrolled at University of Pennsylvania for my MA in Urban Education and completed my first semester of coursework (but am I really a grad student?)

I moved into a new apartment in the Queen’s Village neighborhood of South Philadelphia with my new friends Brian and Becca (I am now craigslist certified)

I was a groomsman in two weddings – cousins Clint and Chad (I still need to buy them wedding gifts…)

I lost my last ‘old’ phone and got an iPhone (which I cannot lose, will not lose, can’t imagine if I lose)

I celebrated 2 years together with Andrew (he moved to NYC in September, too)

I voted for Hillary Clinton in February and Barack Obama in November (and am now obviously a fully-fledged convert)

I could get married the first half of the year and then couldn’t with the passage of Proposition 8 (wtf?)

I spent my first thanksgiving away from home, but had Gina visit in Philadelphia (which is family just the same)

A big year with a lot to reflect on and learn from. Thanks to everyone who was a part of it.

- Jeff

They said, “Don’t smile until December.” It’s advice to new teachers that might need some help getting their class in order. The idea is, if you don’t warm up to them at first they will take you more seriously in the long run. For example. I was discouraged from joking and befriending them in September.

If you know me, you know I ignored that advice. I smiled on day one, but I think I’ve done the job well regardless. I guess that old saying has meaning more so now because it represents how far I’ve come since the summer. In July, Winter Break seemed like a far away dream. But it’s here already…and I couldn’t need it more. I’m heading back to Sacramento tomorrow night until January 2nd. I need to re-energize. I need to breathe. I need a break. I need my family. I need my friends.

After a week at home, I think I’ll return excited, not dreading the classroom. I think that says something.

Room 701

Smile!

(Can you spot me?)

- Jeff

1

Rachel’s Exotic Yogurt

This yogurt blows my mind. The flavors are unique and utterly delicious. I honestly look forward to waking up just to eat one for breakfast, or grab a snack in between periods at school. I hate fruit at the bottom yogurts, and Rachel’s is already mixed in. The perfect yogurt. At $1.19 each, they are pricey, but a treat I’m willing to splurge on.

2

Sigg water bottles

I bought one of these about 3 months ago, and swore it would be lost in a matter of weeks. I still have it, and am loving it. It keeps water cold for hours, is portable, easy to carry and kind of cool. I fill it up every morning and drink about 3 per day – that’s almost a gallon of water! I got mine at Whole Foods for $20.

3

Extra-Long, Lined Post-Its

Post its are expensive, but kind of necessary in teaching. I have used these extra long post-its for a while now, and still find myself buying them in bulk. The larger writing surface area and lines make it perfect for to-do lists and longer notes. And now they come in natural tones and colors (rather than bright yellow). They sell for about $3 a pad at Staples.

4

The Spirit Catches You & You Fall Down

This book caught me off guard in my last year at Berkeley. I was reading it for a history class and fell in love with the story. It is about a the collision of culture through the lens of two doctors at a local hospitol – really a facsinating read that taught me a lot about humanity, culture and…. medicine. If I ever have a book club, this will be my first pick to share.

5

Tempur-Pedic Classic Pillow

Chelsea bought me this pillow for graduation and it changed my life. I sleep better, sounder and my neck is never stiff. The firm foam forms to your head and keeps you stable. The best part, though, is that is never gets too hard. It’s always soft enough to be comfy, but firm enough to hold me in place. About $60 – $100, these pillows come in all different shapes and sizes.

6

Cannon Powershot SD750 Digital Camera

This is the best, most reliable and easy to use digital camera I have found on the market for under $200. It is such a breeze to use, and takes super flattering and colorful pictures in almost any light. My old camera was bad in the dark and made everything look stale. These pictures are lively, bright and never blurry. The salesman at Best Buy told me it was the best selling digital camera in Cannon’s history.

7

Metacritic

Andrew introduced me to this website, which aggregates critic reviews of movies, dvds and tv shows and give its a meta-score on a 1 – 100 scale (100 being the bomb). The scores are a good predictor and are often aligned to my liking. There have been a few times, though, when I have been betrayed by the ratings and came back with a bitter taste in my mouth. Regardless, metacritic is a safe bet if you’re looking for a consensus before heading to fandango. Check it out at metacritic.com.

8

Apple In-Ear Phones

I have a friend (Selica Winston) who refuses to accept the fact that her ears are oddly shaped and therefore hates these earphones. I have chastised her many times for it (she wrote about her contempt for them in her own blog at Selica Blogs…). At any rate, I find them to be comfortable and quality at $40. I lost mine in the move to Philly, and my dad is getting me a pair for my holiday gift. I couldn’t think of  a luxury item I want more.

9

Proactive Skin Care Products

My mom started using these face products about two years ago, and let me try it on a zit one night. I woke up and it was gone. I’ve been a firm believer ever since and use it almost daily. The three-step process has left my face blemish free for months at a time and works on trouble spots overnight. I know its corny, but this stuff works. You can get started with a beginner’s kit for like $20 online, and see if it works for you.

10

Pandora Online Radio

Pandora is part of a music genome project, meaning people have spent countless hours archiving and organizing music according to musical qualities, so songs can be grouped and categorized by these qualities rather than just artists or genres. So if you type in Madonna, Pandora will find other artists and songs that sound like Madonna (a femal vocal with pop and electronic influence) or John Mayor (a male vocal with pop/acoustic qualities). In this way, you end up getting introduced to musicians and music you might otherwise overlook. Set up a radio station on your computer for free and it plays songs until you stop it. I use it almost everyday of my life. Find it at pandora.com

I just got this email and link from Travelocity. They are having another flight sale from Sacramento to Philadelphis for $150 round trip, which is an amazing deal. If you wanna get away and come visit anytime from Jan – June, let me know and check it out!

SAC –> PHL

Click on the different airlines and try the different dates available. Some work, some don’t.

- Jeff

Yes, you read that right. I’m live blogging my parent conference night. I thought there might be some fireworks, since parents can be a little crazy.

1:15 PM

Conferences start at 1:30 and last until 4. Then we have a break until 6 and conference with parents until 8. It is going to be a looooong day.

1:56 PM

I have seen three parents so far. It’s so fun to give the good news. I love being able to say things like, “you did an impressive job raising your son/daughter.” Their faces light up and I can see the pride beaming. As a parent, they need to hear those things. All three of my meetings so far have been cordial and positive. It’s been pretty easy and kind of fun.

2:30 PM

I just had a parent come in here who was PISSED. She wasn’t very happy about her kid getting a D in our writing class, but I had nothing ot do with it. I have been expected angry parents all term, so I have been prepared. I have kept good reocrds and brought everything with me just in case. I was able to bust out his records and she was impressed. She was still pretty pissed, but at least I avoided a yelling match. And those do happen. I’ve seen it and it’s not pretty.

2:58 PM

A kid’s sister just came in place of his parents. She was 15 – ha. It was kind of awkward, but fun. I got to get some dirt on her little brother at the same time. So funny.

4:00 PM

Break time – a few teachers and I are going to CPK for dinner and then back for the last part of the night. I should have worn sweat pants.

6:05 PM

I’m back and ready to go. The CEO bought us snack packs with chocolat and cookies, so I’m fueled up. I’m actually having a lot of fun at these things – I feel like such a genuine teacher these days. I remember going to conferences with my parents. It was always fun because they always had good news. I guess that’s a luxury for me since I was a pretty good and academically advanced kid. It musk suck if you’re not, cause these poor kids (who are good kids, by the way) have to hear the same things from all their teachers. In an effort to ease the pain, I always make sure to give them my confidence, saying things like, “You can do this,” or “I’m not going to let you get a C again,” or “You are smart, you really are.” A lot of the time, though, they don’t give me a look of belief. They just look defeated. But I meant it what I say, and if they only knew that, things might be different.

7:23 PM

My voice is cracking – I can’t talk this much!

7:45 PM

15 minutes left – no angry parents so far…I did have a conversation about race with one of the parents. Their kid always gives me attitude whenever I talk about slavery or Africa. I know a lot of it has to do with my whiteness, so I decided to bring it up to her parent. She was understanding (thank god) and told her she didn’t care if I was purple. I hope she talks to her and things get better….cause the Civil War is in January and slavery is topic #1.

7:57 PM

Packing up now. We talked to about 50 parents tonight without a scratch. I thought things might be more interesting, but I had some good insights along the way. Hope you enjoyed – this was a big night for me. My first report cards! I am sooooo a teacher!

- Jeff

There has been a lot of talk about Obama’s choice for Secretary of Education, since the post has yet to be announced or leaked by his transition team. I have been following the leads and names without much ferver, but after reading this recent article in the NYTimes, link below,  I am surprised by the amount of attention they are giving Teach for America’s influence in the education arena. Just a few years ago, I don’t think TFA would  have been mentioned as such a symbol of reform.

As for my opinion…I’m not sure I have one just yet. Linda Darling-Hammond is someone I read about a lot at UC Berkeley, but I’m really not sure what she would do in that position. And all the other names mentioned in the article are over my head at this point. Looks like I have some research to do…especially if this (ed policy) is what I want to do for the next few years.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/14/us/politics/14educ.html

UPDATE:

Just yesterday, Obama’s team leaked talk of appoointing Arne Duncan, Superintendent of Chicago’s schools, and has all but announced his selection. I have a lot to learn about this guy. Here is the full story:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/16/us/politics/16educ.html?_r=1&hp

I always say that ‘coming out’ is a life-long process. It never really ends. From the first time I told my parents and closest friends in high school to this past week, I can never really say with confidence that I’ve ‘come out’ – as if it is something that ever ends. It doesn’t. In the heterosexual world, sexual orientation is a given, but in my world it is always there, hovering over me.  So whenever I meet a new friend or enter a new social circle, the issue will inevitably come up. I become better at it over the years, but it can still be a tricky game. When do I bring it up? Do I let them bring it up? Should I just bring it up when I talk about ‘my boyfriend, Andrew…?’ Sometimes I plan it if I think it needs to happen in a certain way or at a certain time, but I usually just let it happen more organically. When I moved to Philadelphia, I was practically straight – no one knew me and although a google search of ‘Jeff Manassero’ would out me in a millisecond, it was still a weird feeling. Literally every teacher and new friend I met didn’t necessarily know. I had gone from Mr. Gay UC Berkeley to Mr. Manassero….I had a lot of work to do.

But my real concern didn’t lie with my friends in TFA – it was at my new school. And that concern has been fully realized in the last few months, as I have juggled feelings of uncertainty and self-righteousness about coming out a work. It shouldn’t be a big deal, and if it is, that’s not my problem. I know that. But it’s hard in an environment where being gay seems to be he worste type of person. I’ll explain.

Using the word ‘gay’ to insult peers has been used in schools everywhere for a while now, so I was expecting to deal with it in my classroom long before I arrived in Philadelphia. I hear the word used in a profane way about 1oo times a day. It can be as ‘harmless’ as “You’re gay,” to the mortifying “You need to stop acting like a f-g-o-t.” These are 7th and 8th graders, folks. They have no idea what they are talking about and sadly use the term to insult anyone for almost anything. I have a no tolerance policy in my classroom, and everyone knows it. If I hear it, they are sent out for a quick conversation and a warning for detention the next time I hear it. If they ever use the F word, they get sent to the Dean immediately. At this point, they know not to try it with me. They are young, immature and sometimes stupid with their language. They don’t yet understand the power of words. I can live with that for now.

But it’s the adults on my campus that I won’t tolerate. If you wonder where these kids get the idea to use  gay or the F word to insult someone, it’s likely from their parents and community members, and yes, even their teachers. I was walking down the hallway two weeks ago and saw a group of boys by the lockers playing around. One of our teacher’s aids complained to an administrator standing by the boys “they just want to touch each other all the time,” and the administrator followed-up to the boys “you don’t want someone to think your gay, do you? Stop being gay.”

I’m not making this stuff up.

Just yesterday during a performance practice with our 7th graders, another teacher was reprimanding the boys because they couldn’t stay still during the poem. They kept looking at the two speakers during the performance instead of looking forward into the audience. The teacher told them to stop looking at the two boys, “unless you want people to think…” as she put up her hand in a limp, as if to suggest the boys were gay.

These are just the most recent incidents I can recall, but I think they accurately portray the blatant heterosexism and homophobia at my school. I’m not sure what my role is in all of this, but something has got to change. I refuse to be subjected to it, and refuse to allow these poor kids to be told something so wrong and so ugly. There are no doubt several students who are gay in my classes, but who won’t know or admit to it for years to come. They will go through high school afraid to be themselves, they will feel shameful and sad when they finally do accept it themselves, and when they do, they will keep it a secret. I never had to deal with this growing up. My family and community and teachers were loving and accepting and gave me a  place to be myself. I would have likely been less self-aware at such a young age if it weren’t for teachers like Mrs. Bandy or Mrs. Kirchofer or Senor Osequera. They, like my friends and family, were there for me when I needed it most. They encouraged the best in me and went to great effort to protect me. Shouldn’t I be that for someone else? Can’t I? In such a hostile atmosphere, I will approach these problems with caution. I’m not stupid. I know some of you will worry about me putting myself on the line. Don’t. I can find ways to make change that is subtle and yet meaningful.And if I can’t, I can at least be honest by coming out at some point (to the teachers, not the kids). That might be the hardest first step, but I know it’s the most important.

You see, it never really ends.

- Jeff

Related Link:  http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/08/business/media/08adco.html