Arrived at the elementary school for my shadowing today, only to find that school closed due to snow....it arrived about 10 AM. Note to self: just because it is raining and above freezing, do not assume that school is open...turn on the television!
More soon.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
January 26 and 27, 2009
Welcome back!
Monday was a full day substituting for Mrs. Taylor. I am beginning to see some of the frustration that teachers go through with extra activities during school hours. The school was holding a Pageant on Monday for Miss RHS, so students with tickets in first period were released to watch the pageant, and second period started with only 9 students! Then fifth period was also less than full with some of the students working the afternoon pageant.
Due to this event schedule, Mrs. Taylor had left the section review handouts and assignments, and to keep all the classes on the same page, each period became a study hall situation. It was interesting to see which students from the classes that I do not do the EXL teaching with remembered me from subbing before Christmas. They were easy to identify because of their attitudes and the fact that they paid attention. Still got to give the lecture on respect to these classes for those students who did not remember me. Basically, if you (the students) want me to give you respect, you need to show respect.
On Tuesday Mrs Taylor was back in class, and continued with review work. Again, I saw first hand how much of a teacher's time is taken with NOT teaching. Mrs Taylor is extremely dedicated to her students, and met one on one with each student who is preparing for a career shadowing day next week, making certain that everything is in order for successful experiences.
There was also school fund raiser surveys for the students to complete, and she took the time to let the classes understand that the administration values their opinions, which is so often not the case. These were supposed to be done by all first period classes, but it was apparent in second period that not all the teachers gave out the surveys. So much non-subject administrative work falls on the teachers, sometimes it is a wonder they are able to teach at all.
Today I will be shadowing a Special Education teacher in a K-4 school for SPED 3010. I look forward to this experience a great deal, and will post my thoughts on it here as well. More soon!
Monday was a full day substituting for Mrs. Taylor. I am beginning to see some of the frustration that teachers go through with extra activities during school hours. The school was holding a Pageant on Monday for Miss RHS, so students with tickets in first period were released to watch the pageant, and second period started with only 9 students! Then fifth period was also less than full with some of the students working the afternoon pageant.
Due to this event schedule, Mrs. Taylor had left the section review handouts and assignments, and to keep all the classes on the same page, each period became a study hall situation. It was interesting to see which students from the classes that I do not do the EXL teaching with remembered me from subbing before Christmas. They were easy to identify because of their attitudes and the fact that they paid attention. Still got to give the lecture on respect to these classes for those students who did not remember me. Basically, if you (the students) want me to give you respect, you need to show respect.
On Tuesday Mrs Taylor was back in class, and continued with review work. Again, I saw first hand how much of a teacher's time is taken with NOT teaching. Mrs Taylor is extremely dedicated to her students, and met one on one with each student who is preparing for a career shadowing day next week, making certain that everything is in order for successful experiences.
There was also school fund raiser surveys for the students to complete, and she took the time to let the classes understand that the administration values their opinions, which is so often not the case. These were supposed to be done by all first period classes, but it was apparent in second period that not all the teachers gave out the surveys. So much non-subject administrative work falls on the teachers, sometimes it is a wonder they are able to teach at all.
Today I will be shadowing a Special Education teacher in a K-4 school for SPED 3010. I look forward to this experience a great deal, and will post my thoughts on it here as well. More soon!
Friday, January 23, 2009
Much ado...January 22, 2009
Welcome back, Friend!
Yesterday was a great day in the English classes! Mrs. Taylor and I collected the letters for President Obama, and of those I looked over I was quite impressed with the writing and content these young adults displayed. A number of excellent questions and respectfully, well-worded and presented disagreements of opinion on major topics. All in all, some hope for the future still exists!
The classes have been watching "Much Ado About Nothing", the version with Denzel Washington, Michael Keaton, and Keanu Reeves (Hope I spelled his name correctly!). The students seemed to enjoy the presentation very much. Mrs Taylor took the opportunity to point out Shakespeare's use of comedic relief in his serious plays to lessen some of the tragedy and make his work more enjoyable to the mass audience. I was able to add that he often used his "fool" characters to make indirect references to the royal families in a way that would not end with his being charged with treason.
We are trying to arrange an outing to Nashville for this next week were "Richard III" is being preformed. More on that Monday!
Have a fantastic day!
Yesterday was a great day in the English classes! Mrs. Taylor and I collected the letters for President Obama, and of those I looked over I was quite impressed with the writing and content these young adults displayed. A number of excellent questions and respectfully, well-worded and presented disagreements of opinion on major topics. All in all, some hope for the future still exists!
The classes have been watching "Much Ado About Nothing", the version with Denzel Washington, Michael Keaton, and Keanu Reeves (Hope I spelled his name correctly!). The students seemed to enjoy the presentation very much. Mrs Taylor took the opportunity to point out Shakespeare's use of comedic relief in his serious plays to lessen some of the tragedy and make his work more enjoyable to the mass audience. I was able to add that he often used his "fool" characters to make indirect references to the royal families in a way that would not end with his being charged with treason.
We are trying to arrange an outing to Nashville for this next week were "Richard III" is being preformed. More on that Monday!
Have a fantastic day!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Historic Day - January 20, 2009
Welcome back, friend!
I am posting this the day following the inauguration of President Barack Hussein Obama, and I pray that God protects him and his family, and gives him the guidance he needs, which is not necessarily the guidance he wants in my opinion. No, I did not vote for the man, I am an independent and he is much to liberal for in my opinion, but he is the president and I will give him the support I would and have given all our other presidents since President Carter.
Due to the historic nature of yesterday, Mrs. Taylor and I abbreviated the class work so that the students could have the opportunity to witness history as it happened. Against my personal feelings for the President, I find that I have to agree with that decision. I remember the moon landing, and the assassinations of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr and Robert Kennedy, although I did not understand the impact - I was only 5 that summer. I graduated the year the hostages came home from Iran, watched the disaster of Columbia live in Belgium, was serving when the Wall came down in Berlin, and was part of the security for the B-1B the day it went on full active alert status. I have been honored to meet Ambassadors, Generals and heads of State on numerous occasions from many countries, and helped in the recovery of many victims of crashes and explosions. Each episode was historic in its way, and each has impacted my life, so I am not prepared to deny such a day to the students of this generation.
The class work that was assigned was to compare four pastoral poems for style, theme and literary devices, read a three page biographical entry on the Bard and note at least two items that are new information about Shakespeare to the student, and write a draft (bullet points) of a letter to the President, which the classes will write in class today.
I am posting this the day following the inauguration of President Barack Hussein Obama, and I pray that God protects him and his family, and gives him the guidance he needs, which is not necessarily the guidance he wants in my opinion. No, I did not vote for the man, I am an independent and he is much to liberal for in my opinion, but he is the president and I will give him the support I would and have given all our other presidents since President Carter.
Due to the historic nature of yesterday, Mrs. Taylor and I abbreviated the class work so that the students could have the opportunity to witness history as it happened. Against my personal feelings for the President, I find that I have to agree with that decision. I remember the moon landing, and the assassinations of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr and Robert Kennedy, although I did not understand the impact - I was only 5 that summer. I graduated the year the hostages came home from Iran, watched the disaster of Columbia live in Belgium, was serving when the Wall came down in Berlin, and was part of the security for the B-1B the day it went on full active alert status. I have been honored to meet Ambassadors, Generals and heads of State on numerous occasions from many countries, and helped in the recovery of many victims of crashes and explosions. Each episode was historic in its way, and each has impacted my life, so I am not prepared to deny such a day to the students of this generation.
The class work that was assigned was to compare four pastoral poems for style, theme and literary devices, read a three page biographical entry on the Bard and note at least two items that are new information about Shakespeare to the student, and write a draft (bullet points) of a letter to the President, which the classes will write in class today.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Selected Poems by Matthew E. Forman
Hello Friends,
I have decided that I will post my poetry on a separate blog. Please check http://mformanpoetry.blogspot.com to view this work. Thank you!
I have decided that I will post my poetry on a separate blog. Please check http://mformanpoetry.blogspot.com to view this work. Thank you!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Resume
Matthew E. Forman
Murfreesboro, TN 37128
eMail: mef3t@mtsu.edu
Social Security: Provided upon provisional employment offer.
WORK HISTORY
March 2009 - Present
Tennessee Technology Centers at Murfreesboro: Adjunct Professor of Personal Finance. Teaching course in Foundations of Personal Finance, 39 hour course with Certificate of Completion awarded to students.
August 2008 – Present
Holland Group/Rutherford County (TN) School and Murfreesboro (TN) City School Systems: Substitute teacher for grades K-12.
September 2002 – May 2008
Forman Transport Services: Independent owner and driver of trucking company which operated throughout continental United States and Canada.
June 1997 – September 2002
Truck Driver and Driver Trainer: Worked as company driver and trained newly licensed drivers in all aspects of over-the-road operations.
August 1991 – June 1997
Forman Investigations: Private investigator assigned to conduct criminal investigations for the courts in Bradford County, Pennsylvania and Tioga County, New York. In addition, I was contracted to conduct insurance fraud and accident investigations for national and international insurance companies.
March 1983 – August 1991
United States Air Force: Served in the USAF on active duty as Security Specialist Supervisor, attaining the rank of E-5 Staff Sergeant. I was responsible for the security of US Priority resources and installations while stationed in the United States, Europe and the Middle East. Received the Southwest Asia Campaign Medal with three bronze clusters (indicates second, third and fourth awards) for service in Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm and Provide Comfort. I received numerous other awards throughout my career.
EDUCATION
Middle Tennessee State University: Enrolled May 2008 with current standing of Senior in good standing. Currently pursuing Bachelors of Arts degree with a major in English and minors in History and Secondary Education.
Community Colleges of the Air Force: Awarded Associates of Applied Sciences Degree in Criminal Justice in May 1987. Credits towards this degree were earned from the University of Maryland (Heidelberg), Hardin-Simmons University and City Colleges of Chicago while serving on active duty.
TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION CERTIFICATIONS AND TRAINING
Training and certification for the following courses and corresponding codes was completed on December 6, 2008:
Personal Finance – new 2009/2010 curriculum, code not assigned
Social Studies – 3496
Business Technology – 3766 and 3767
Family and Consumer Sciences – 5613
Marketing – 5037 and 5038
Photocopy of Certificate provided upon request.
PUBLICATION HISTORY
“One Man” – October 2008 as the lead poem in the anthology Collected Whispers.
“The Driver’s Song” – January 1998 in PROLINES Newsletter for trucking industry by Proline Carriers.
“The Cry for Help” – September 1992 with a letter from President George H. W. Bush by the Rome, New York chapter of the American Red Cross in that organizations annual report. Later republished with permission by the International Red Cross for inclusion in First Responder/ Emergency Medical Training manuals.
“Personal Hell”, “My Daughters Still”, and “Heart of the Warrior” – Simultaneously published in April 1992 in the anthology Passages.
References will be provided upon request.
Murfreesboro, TN 37128
eMail: mef3t@mtsu.edu
Social Security: Provided upon provisional employment offer.
WORK HISTORY
March 2009 - Present
Tennessee Technology Centers at Murfreesboro: Adjunct Professor of Personal Finance. Teaching course in Foundations of Personal Finance, 39 hour course with Certificate of Completion awarded to students.
August 2008 – Present
Holland Group/Rutherford County (TN) School and Murfreesboro (TN) City School Systems: Substitute teacher for grades K-12.
September 2002 – May 2008
Forman Transport Services: Independent owner and driver of trucking company which operated throughout continental United States and Canada.
June 1997 – September 2002
Truck Driver and Driver Trainer: Worked as company driver and trained newly licensed drivers in all aspects of over-the-road operations.
August 1991 – June 1997
Forman Investigations: Private investigator assigned to conduct criminal investigations for the courts in Bradford County, Pennsylvania and Tioga County, New York. In addition, I was contracted to conduct insurance fraud and accident investigations for national and international insurance companies.
March 1983 – August 1991
United States Air Force: Served in the USAF on active duty as Security Specialist Supervisor, attaining the rank of E-5 Staff Sergeant. I was responsible for the security of US Priority resources and installations while stationed in the United States, Europe and the Middle East. Received the Southwest Asia Campaign Medal with three bronze clusters (indicates second, third and fourth awards) for service in Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm and Provide Comfort. I received numerous other awards throughout my career.
EDUCATION
Middle Tennessee State University: Enrolled May 2008 with current standing of Senior in good standing. Currently pursuing Bachelors of Arts degree with a major in English and minors in History and Secondary Education.
Community Colleges of the Air Force: Awarded Associates of Applied Sciences Degree in Criminal Justice in May 1987. Credits towards this degree were earned from the University of Maryland (Heidelberg), Hardin-Simmons University and City Colleges of Chicago while serving on active duty.
TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION CERTIFICATIONS AND TRAINING
Training and certification for the following courses and corresponding codes was completed on December 6, 2008:
Personal Finance – new 2009/2010 curriculum, code not assigned
Social Studies – 3496
Business Technology – 3766 and 3767
Family and Consumer Sciences – 5613
Marketing – 5037 and 5038
Photocopy of Certificate provided upon request.
PUBLICATION HISTORY
“One Man” – October 2008 as the lead poem in the anthology Collected Whispers.
“The Driver’s Song” – January 1998 in PROLINES Newsletter for trucking industry by Proline Carriers.
“The Cry for Help” – September 1992 with a letter from President George H. W. Bush by the Rome, New York chapter of the American Red Cross in that organizations annual report. Later republished with permission by the International Red Cross for inclusion in First Responder/ Emergency Medical Training manuals.
“Personal Hell”, “My Daughters Still”, and “Heart of the Warrior” – Simultaneously published in April 1992 in the anthology Passages.
References will be provided upon request.
Day 1
Hello, Friend,
Today was a brief day in Mrs. Taylor's classroom. I observed her teaching pastoral selections to the first period class, and she and I discussed upcoming lessons so that I can prepare to do some of the instruction.
Seems I somehow managed to schedual all my classes at Middle Tennessee State University for after 1 p.m., and so I will be with Mrs Taylor from 7:30 until 11:00 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This should definately enhance the EXL experience for me!
This blog will also be used to document any other class work in the public schools that I do during the semester. For instance, in SPED 3010, Survey of the Exceptional Child, I will be required to "shadow" a special education teacher, once at the beginning of the semester, and once near the end, and write a paper on the experience. Also, any substitute teaching I do will become a source for the blog.
Keep watch for my next update!
Matthew Forman
Today was a brief day in Mrs. Taylor's classroom. I observed her teaching pastoral selections to the first period class, and she and I discussed upcoming lessons so that I can prepare to do some of the instruction.
Seems I somehow managed to schedual all my classes at Middle Tennessee State University for after 1 p.m., and so I will be with Mrs Taylor from 7:30 until 11:00 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This should definately enhance the EXL experience for me!
This blog will also be used to document any other class work in the public schools that I do during the semester. For instance, in SPED 3010, Survey of the Exceptional Child, I will be required to "shadow" a special education teacher, once at the beginning of the semester, and once near the end, and write a paper on the experience. Also, any substitute teaching I do will become a source for the blog.
Keep watch for my next update!
Matthew Forman
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
First lesson in blogging...
Welcome back, Friend!
Well, less than 5 minutes into my career as a blogger, and I've learned my first lesson...profread before you post, dummy! If you are wondering, the accountant explained...and I am sure there are others...
I do tend to improve, so hang in there!
Well, less than 5 minutes into my career as a blogger, and I've learned my first lesson...profread before you post, dummy! If you are wondering, the accountant explained...and I am sure there are others...
I do tend to improve, so hang in there!
Welcome to my blog, or, what the heck am I doing here anyway?
Greetings Friend!
This is the first posting to a personal blog I've ever done, so please bare with me while an old dog learns a new trick or two. And please understand, if you are having problems with my blog, it's not you...I hate technology and technology loves to return the favor!
One of the gifts my precious wife, Patricia, gave me was when I had to close my trucking company due to the economic downturn early in 2008. As we sat in the accountants office and he explained that I could no longer justify operating the business, she simply said "Good. You can go back to school and finish your degree. What do you want to get it in? What are you going to be when you grow up?" Without thought, the words English and History so I can teach high school came out of my mouth. It had to be a God thing, because I had never considered this before. She immediately embraced this goal, and it was through her that I found the strength and courage to return to school. She passed away on November 4, 2008, and I thank God that I lost my business, because it allowed me to spend every day with her for our last seven months together, a time we had never had before because of trucking. You will read more about her, I am sure, and some of the poetry I will be posting is an attempt to deal with my grief. If you find it worth while in any way, let me know. If you find it offensive, keep it to yourself.
So why am I doing this, you may well ask. Good question! I know because I've asked it myself at least fifteen times since starting the title of this post! This blog has been created for three seperate yet equally compelling reasons. First, I will be using it to do self evaluations and reflective learning as I begin teaching this semester for an EXL course I am taking. Second, Dr. Kates said I have to. Finally, the third reason, did I mention I hate technology? I have to learn to use it sometime, may as well be now.
Through the next fifteen weeks, I will be teaching under the guidence of Mrs. Ruth Taylor at Riverdale High School. She will guide me, or I will assist her, as we teach 12th grade English to her students. The curriculum is British Literature post Shakespeare, and I begin tomorrow with my first class. I will only be in with Mrs. Taylor two days a week, and for only one class period each day, as I must keep enough flexibility in my schedual that I am able to earn a living and keep food in my stomach.
Thank you for joining me in this journey! I won't promise excitement during the trip, at least not for you, but I love being in the classroom with the students and for me, its the adventure of a new lifetime!
Submitted for your consideration on January 14, 2009,
Matthew Forman
This is the first posting to a personal blog I've ever done, so please bare with me while an old dog learns a new trick or two. And please understand, if you are having problems with my blog, it's not you...I hate technology and technology loves to return the favor!
One of the gifts my precious wife, Patricia, gave me was when I had to close my trucking company due to the economic downturn early in 2008. As we sat in the accountants office and he explained that I could no longer justify operating the business, she simply said "Good. You can go back to school and finish your degree. What do you want to get it in? What are you going to be when you grow up?" Without thought, the words English and History so I can teach high school came out of my mouth. It had to be a God thing, because I had never considered this before. She immediately embraced this goal, and it was through her that I found the strength and courage to return to school. She passed away on November 4, 2008, and I thank God that I lost my business, because it allowed me to spend every day with her for our last seven months together, a time we had never had before because of trucking. You will read more about her, I am sure, and some of the poetry I will be posting is an attempt to deal with my grief. If you find it worth while in any way, let me know. If you find it offensive, keep it to yourself.
So why am I doing this, you may well ask. Good question! I know because I've asked it myself at least fifteen times since starting the title of this post! This blog has been created for three seperate yet equally compelling reasons. First, I will be using it to do self evaluations and reflective learning as I begin teaching this semester for an EXL course I am taking. Second, Dr. Kates said I have to. Finally, the third reason, did I mention I hate technology? I have to learn to use it sometime, may as well be now.
Through the next fifteen weeks, I will be teaching under the guidence of Mrs. Ruth Taylor at Riverdale High School. She will guide me, or I will assist her, as we teach 12th grade English to her students. The curriculum is British Literature post Shakespeare, and I begin tomorrow with my first class. I will only be in with Mrs. Taylor two days a week, and for only one class period each day, as I must keep enough flexibility in my schedual that I am able to earn a living and keep food in my stomach.
Thank you for joining me in this journey! I won't promise excitement during the trip, at least not for you, but I love being in the classroom with the students and for me, its the adventure of a new lifetime!
Submitted for your consideration on January 14, 2009,
Matthew Forman
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