Lainie Levin

Exhibit B

You know you’re a teacher of gifted kids when you put out a test question that reads: “Robert goes to school at 7:35 and it takes him 45 minutes to get ready. What time should he get up?” and here’s the answer you get:

All in a Day’s Work

I always promise myself I won’t do it. I promise myself I won’t get behind on grading. I promise myself I won’t collect more work than I can reasonably grade. But when you see 37 different students for math alone, and you wait even a day or two to grade their papers, this is howContinue reading “All in a Day’s Work”

In Memoriam

Today is 27 years since the Challenger explosion. I was in eighth grade science class. Our teacher turned on the TV so we could all watch the historic liftoff. Yes, we were the jaded junior high kids, but we all felt a sense of pride as we watched the ignition, watched the rocket as itContinue reading “In Memoriam”

Words, Words, Words

I know, I haven’t blogged in a little while. Right now, blogging just seems like words, words, and more words. I’m trying to figure out how I can put more words together, and I’m having a tough time. Seriously, folks, it’s only Monday and I think I am officially done being articulate for the week.Continue reading “Words, Words, Words”

Rewards

So after being at work early with students, spending all six hours after school grading papers, making dinner, grading papers, taking care of my boys, and grading more papers, I’ve earned it. Bedtime before 10. I know you’re jealous. Try not to hold it against me.

What’s to Love?

So why is it, exactly, that I have taught for almost 18 years now without fear of burnout? I consider this week, a week so crazy I think it took me until Thursday before I had a real planning time longer than 15 minutes. A week so nuts that I was up every night lateContinue reading “What’s to Love?”

Happy New Year: Finding Resolution

As a self-professed blonkie (read: blog junkie; yeah, you can trademark me on that one), I’ve cruised around to various posts listing new plans and resolutions for 2013. So, of course, that set my mind spinning about what I could bring to the party. I confess there was something getting in the way, though. ThereContinue reading “Happy New Year: Finding Resolution”

Winter — Break??

I woke up this morning from yet another set of school dreams. You know, I always have this bright shiny idea in my head that I’m able to compartmentalize, to truly break from teaching during a holiday. Not like I’ve been grading papers, checking school e-mail, or thinking about my students all the time. Whatever.Continue reading “Winter — Break??”

Back on the Ice: Lesson Learned

Today was a hockey day. I haven’t been in my full equipment since the middle of the summer. I know, I know. I had set out to learn how to play ice hockey, and take you along on my journey. I know it’s important to keep going with lessons and clinics. I know! Somehow, I’veContinue reading “Back on the Ice: Lesson Learned”