I’m wondering (and hopeful) that someone out there might have some suggestions for the following unit I’m presently working on for this spring. I teach LA [Language Arts] to 8^th graders and want to create a thematic unit focused around adversity and the great literature that has emerged as a result of suffering. Part of my plan is to provide a classroom library full of as many examples of such works as possible – from all periods and including all genres.

I welcome any and all suggestions of works I should consider including in this library! I’m not picky as I try to appeal to various learning styles and personalities. Of course I’m focusing on literature, but if there are any visual artists out there who’d like to make some suggestions for my walls, that would be appreciated as well! Thanks!

You know, the teaching profession has a lot going for it – stability, intrinsic rewards, compelling material, good hours, great vacation time…many things. But, I must admit, though I can’t seem to even consider doing anything else with my career, I get depressed every time pay day rolls around, and I see my check.

I know that as a teacher I am supposed to be above thinking that way, but I am not, and I am quite certain I am amongst many others who also feel that financial rewards should also be part of what is good about teaching. Why not? Of course many will point to the fact that we are funded by tax dollars. Somehow, though, when I read about where many of our tax dollars ARE going, I remain disillusioned. I am confused by what people frequently like to say are our most important resources – our children – versus what really occurs when the issue of funding our schools and paying our teachers comes up.

Is anyone else confused by this? Does anyone else think that being a teacher and being poor are incompatible and unfair?

Ok, I don’t normally do this, but if there’s anyone out there who might have some advice on this, I would really appreciate it. I teach 2^nd grade in a school where over half of the students are below the poverty level. It’s a rural community, and most folks know each other. Ok, here’s the thing – I’m kind of embarrassed to bring it up, but it’s really starting to get to me – many of my students simply are not clean. And, their clothes are OFTEN dirty! Some might think this isn’t all that important, but it is. We’ve had several cases of lice lately! My principal has not taken a strong position on this as she doesn’t want to offend the community, but I for one want to either say something to some of the parents (discreetly) or at least express something in my weekly newsletter. I’m just not sure what to do, though, as I don’t want to step on my principal’s toes.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to make teaching grammar a tad bit more dynamic? I’m so sick of the textbook approach I could scream! And so are the kids. We read the chapter, they do the exercises, and then we review the answers. This happens daily, and I’m just stuck in a rut with it!