Getting to Know You

[ChocolateNewOrleans]

in a Dr. Pepper 20 oz bottle

if you won the lottery, would you go back to teaching on Monday morning?

[Boxcar]

Yes. I'd use some of the money to make my classroom into the room i'd like it to be. Plus, I wouldn't want anyone to know i'd gotten rich overnight.

Would you ever give a student your home or personal cell number?

[jsfowler]

All my students have my home number so that they can call me with questions. I set rules like times they can call. I have never had any problems. I have made the comment in class that this is for THEM to call me with QUESTIONS, not parents making comments. Parents get to call school during my planning.

For the singles out there, would you date/marry another teacher? Why or why not?

[ChocolateNewOrleans]

All my students have my home number so that they can call me with questions. I set rules like times they can call. I have never had any problems. I have made the comment in class that this is for THEM to call me with QUESTIONS, not parents making comments. Parents get to call school during my planning.

For the singles out there, would you date/marry another teacher? Why or why not?

I would NEVER give my home number, but that's not my question...


My second wife will be a teacher as soon as I get rid of wife #1

[Boxcar]

I would never date or marry someone I work with. If the person was an employee at my school, it would have to be at a higher level gradewise than me. For example, fourth or fifth.

I would marry a teacher though.

Has a student ever had a crush on you? Either that you suspected or knew of.

[Aziz]

Yes. Many.

Do you prefer clocks with hands or digital clocks?

[Boxcar]

I like both. Digital clocks are easier to read, but I think that analog clocks are more asthectically pleasing. Plus, i like the ticking sounds.

However, there is this really cool digital clock I want. Here is a link to it: http://www.e-potpourri.com/index.php/2007/08/31/four-cubes-led-digital-clock-your-time-your-way/ .

What is the last movie you saw?

[jsfowler]

(Nice clock...I would easily get confused. I looked at the website for over 5 minutes trying to figure out what time it was!)

Juno...loved it!

In three words, how would your students describe you?

[Boxcar]

fun, flexible, fair

At least, this is what I try to be. I know they don't like naptime though!

What is your favorite way to relax after a bad day?

[MissTeach]

Swim in my pool!!!! I swim for a few laps and then float around for a while. It is soooo relaxing! Then only problem is I need an indoor pool for the cold months!!!

What is the teacher dress code at your school?

[Boxcar]

Very relaxed. Appropriate covering. Nothing skimpy or tight or too baggy. Jeans are allowed. it has to be able to get messy. No flip-flops. Weather appropriate to go outside with the kids.

Do you like leather, plastic, or cloth interior in cars?

[sgaestel]

I like cloth. Plastic gets hot, and leather gets sticky.

Do you ever take your classes outside on a nice day for class?

[Aziz]

Yes! The students love it and so do I.

Do you prefer a more formal or a more casual relationship with your students?

[Boxcar]

I prefer a casual relationship. I'm still the teacher, but I want my kids to be comfortable with me. The little ones really look up to thier teachers. If you have a good relationship with them, they can be so sweet and fun to teach. If they aren't comfortable in the classroom, that is the beginning of challenging behaviors. This doesn't apply in all cases, but it does in a large number.

When you use pencil, is it a mechanical pencil or a #2 standerd one?

[jsfowler]

#2...I HATE mechanical pencils and do not allow them in my classroom!

Coloring pencil, crayon, or marker?

[MissTeach]

All three! I love pretty colors!!! I love variety!!!!

Warm sunny beaches or cool summer breezes?

[Boxcar]

Both. I love being outside.

Flip flops, barefoot, or shoes?

[jsfowler]

Barefoot...I'm a country girl!!

Ladies....bikini, one-piece, or cover up?

[silvana]

Hell no just reading their recounts of weekend activities is more than enough for me......call me sentimental !!!

Do you think there is ever a need for sarcasm in a classroom by teacher or student?

[silvana]

where the heck did the question I answered go.?...one minute I am typing and the next its 20 questions later....does this sat thingy have an american bias?

[jsfowler]

You answered the last question on the first page. You have to go to the last question on the last page.

Ladies - bikini, one-piece, or cover up?

[Boxcar]

One piece! I can move comfortablely and feel covered up without being too enclosed.

[Boxcar]

Oops, forgot the question...

What is your most embarrassing moment?

[jsfowler]

Getting caught in the SAE house early the next morning:eek: Had to call the girls to come get me!

What was your senior superlative? (Most Spirited , here!)

[silvana]

Ok I am with the programme now, what they said about me .....mmmmm..in England we don't have those types of comments per se .as I recall one of my high school teachers wrote in my final report ....if Silvana spent as much time on her own work, as she does on telling others how to do theirs, she would make great progress......

Have you ever lost your temper with a student?

[Boxcar]

I was Quietest Girl...

[Boxcar]

Oh sorry. Wrong post responded to.

Not yet. I've been strict and show disappointment, but I haven't actaully lost it yet.

[Boxcar]

And I forgot a question... I can't do anything right here...

Okay.

When you had/have to study, what was your method?

[sgaestel]

Study? I don't usually...if I had to, I'd cram at the last minute. rewriting info over again usually helps me to retain it.


What was you major in college, and what would be a different major you would have liked to try?

[MissTeach]

Communications

I would like to go back and get a degree in Intercultural Studies

What do you do on those last couple of days of school after grades have already been turned in?

[silvana]

We put on an end of year musical, plus leavers mass,plus bbq for pupils parents governors in last week

[silvana]

oh question......if you could do it all again ...would you?

[Berrington]

I most certainly would do it all over again! Nothing can compete with the warm feeling I get in my heart at least once a day!

Question - Who inspired you to become a teacher?

[Aziz]

My tenth grade Biology teacher.

Do you speak any other languages? If so, which ones?

[jsfowler]

I speak a little French...my husband speaks fluent Spanish. We try to teach our children Spanish because I have found that it is more practical. I wish one of us knew Japanese...

What is the first thing you are going to do after school is out for the summer?

[Aziz]

I am staying in town this year to make some money and study American Sign Language. Usually I travel abroad and study a couple languages overseas.

Do you chew gum?

[silvana]

no chewing gum gives me jaw ache.

If you only had one hour to live what would you do?

[MissTeach]

I would want to spend it talking with my family.


What color do you think is the 'happiest'?

[Karenrbw]

Yellow is the happiest color around. But I have heard that it is the favorite color of insane people;)

Did I happen to mention that my entire classroom is painted bright yellow with navy trim?

Why did you leave your last job?

[SiobhanMarie]

[I love yellow. It is my favourite colour. I do not think I am insane! :)]

[silvana]

I left my last job for a promotion..big mistake......Yellow and red supposedly feed attention deficit syndrome....blues and greens are calming colours for them.

What makes a man attractive to you?

[SiobhanMarie]

Sense of humour. Hot.

Whats your life goal?

[MissTeach]

To survive until the end of the school year (jk). To retire from teaching and get involved in diaster relief efforts.


What is your favorite type of weather?

[Student4life]

Gentle rain.

What was your favorite subject when you were in school?

[Bananas]

Language or Music

What are five things on your table?

[Aziz]

English-Chinese dictionary, English-French dictionary, telephone, highlighter, pencil.

What's a book you could read over and over again?

[silvana]

Jane Green's ...Mr Maybe


classical music or RNB ?

[SiobhanMarie]

RNB.

Favourite number?

[MissTeach]

22

Is your classroom decorated with a theme?

[Boxcar]

Yes. I choose the theme based on the students' current intrests. Of course, I'm not actually teaching right now... So, no at the moment.

Do you like the date you were born or would you prefer something else?

[karlakarukes]

I don't have enough time in the day to view student stuff but I bet that it would prove to be very informative.

What is your favorite TV show?

[Boxcar]

Gilmore Girls or Grey's Anatomy

Most embarrassing song you like but don't tell anyone about?

[karlakarukes]

I would prefer my birthdate be about 10 years earlier but what the heck! Life is like a box of chocolates! Forrest Gump

How many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie pop?

[Boxcar]

I've tried that several times, but to no conclusion. I'm never successful...

Where are you at this exact moment?

[sgaestel]

Sitting in front of the computer in my bedroom, getting ready to go to sleep.

What is your favorite part of the school year?

[Boxcar]

The part where everything goes prefectly smoothly... Too bad it doesn't exist...

What is your screensaver?

[Aziz]

A photograph I took of playing with light and mirrors.

When you're on vacation, do you naturally wake up early or do you sleep in?

[Boxcar]

I like to wake up at my regular time. Sleeping in once or twice is good, but I feel like I'm missing the vacation!

colored Band-Aids or the tan ones

[Parker]

tan bandaids

Mountains or the beach?

[Boxcar]

Beach. But not the crowded ones.

East Coast or West Coast

[AWOL]

East side brudda.

If you had to off a student to prevent the rest's torture. Who would you kill and why.

Sorry, but I'm just a sick person.

[Bananas]

IF :eek: I had to off some student, it would be the one presenting the danger to the others. This would be under imminent danger where it could have not been left to the professionals. I would be in counselling for the rest of my life! I don't know that I would have skills to do that though. Watching Walker, Texas Ranger doesn't count.

AWOL, take two Ibuprofen, eat some chicken soup, and get some rest, and I hope you feel better in the morning.

Which superhero would you be?

[Boxcar]

Power Rangers were really big when I was little - like in the first grade. So, I guess I'd be one of the girl ones...

Night owl or morning person

[Boxcar]

No... Wait... I'm playing the game wrong. I'm to ask a question not a pair.

Okay. I'll try again. (Sad, isn't? A teacher who can't follow directions...)

What is your favorite time of day?

[dtrim]

From Boxcar: What is your favorite time of day?

My favorite time of day is that blissful bit of sleep just before the alarm clock goes off at 4:45 and I have to take my grumpy kid to 6 a.m. figure skating ice!

What is your favorite guilty pleasure?

[Boxcar]

mmm... white chocolate. I just adore it. I also like chick lit. quite a bit. Nothing serious and very "pink".

What is your ringtone?

[littlmare]

OK, this is fun...but I'm one of those people that has a really boring ringtone. It's one of the ones that comes with the phone. I'm too cheap to buy one, and they never sound like what they're supposed to anyway! (well, except for my UT grad husband's ringtone, which really does sound like Rocky Top!)

What is your biggest pet peeve that your students do to you?

[Boxcar]

Ooh! This is something I've gotten better about, but I still cringe when a kid puts a hand in his/her mouth or in the nose before touching me. It isn't something intentional they do, but I don't really like it. I try to have the children learn good hygiene, so thankfully it doesn't happen that often.

What is your favorite way to pamper yourself?

[Aziz]

Food. There's nothing like cooking a gourmet meal--all for myself!

What is something about you that others would be surprised to find out? (Example: a very uptight colleague of mine is a huge Led Zeppelin fan.)

[Bananas]

Something others would be surprised to find out about me? How introverted I am? That I do not like the limelight? I would rather do things under the cloak of anonymity rather than others know that I did something.

Christmas or Easter?

[Boxcar]

Christmas. I love all the excitement and the lovely greenery in such a cold, white time.

What is your favorite flower?

[Bananas]

How timely for this, Boxcar! Carnations are my very favorite flower. The doorbell rang an hour ago. The old doggie did not even hear it to go ballistic to protect his territory. :( The Lions' man delivered a dozen carnations to me as it must be carnation day. :D Hubby must have arranged for me to get some. And he told me he went through his cash a bit quicker by paying for some medical expenses. Sly guy.

Tell me five things on your table.

[MissTeach]

Bronze table runner (my daughter brought it to me from Thailand), vanilla candle, laptop, cell phone, my son's travel agenda (he is in Viet Nam today)

Do you work most of the summer on your plans for next school year?

[Boxcar]

I seem to be constantly writing plans. It is like a never-ending circle. The summer program begins Monday, and I just finished my plans. Some of them I actually think I need to tweak a little bit to get right though...

What is your favorite website - not including this one?

[DebOH]

besides this one...is Pro Teacher. I love that there is so much helpful information and everyone is so willing to share their ideas and lesson plans.

Do you think that the No Child Left Behind mandate is working for all your students?

[MissTeach]

Nope, not at all. In our state we have become so paranoid about the state test that we are not focusing on what we should be. I'll let it go at that and not get on my soap box.........

What would be your ideal vacation?

[littlmare]

Somewhere tropical...with my family...with someone to entertain my kids for just the right amount of time that I could have great family time but also grown up time...where I have just lost 20 pounds so that I could eat and drink whatever I wanted !!!:)


How much would it take for you to report another teacher's behavior towards students (not including sexual...that's a no-brainer)? Just poor teaching skills, belittling, etc...

[sgaestel]

Belittling or treating students poorly, I would probably report them to someone fairly quickly. Teachers that can't teach? There's a few of them, if you ask me, so I mind my own business in that department. Who am I to judge? The admin is supposed to be monitoring that by doing observations and the like.

If you could have one exotic pet, what would it be?

[MissTeach]

a giraffe....of course I would have to build a taller fence in the back yard


Do you keep in touch with your high school friends?

[merrynl]

Some of them. Facebook helps a lot since I'm two states away now.

What is you favorite meal?

[Bananas]

Something cooked, put on a plate, put in front of me, and taken away from me after eaten. :D

Do you allow cats/dogs on furniture? Or should I say do they allow you on their furniture?

[littlmare]

We don't allow them, but then again, like our children, they seem to have a mind of their own!!!!!!!!!!




(Don't know if this was asked before, but...)

If you weren't a teacher, what would you be?

[Boxcar]

I'd be in computer forensics.

What is your favorite shape?

[MissTeach]

I'd be in computer forensics.

What is your favorite shape?

About 6' 3", 210 lbs with a six pack, wide shoulders..........



What is your favorite time of day?

[Boxcar]

Oh dear... I meant like a cirlce or a square... LOL.

Mmmm... I would say dusk.

What is your favorite primary color?

[MissTeach]

Oh dear... I meant like a cirlce or a square... LOL.





Sorry Boxcar, I just let my thoughts stray for a moment......:rolleyes:


My favorite primary color is Yellow! It is a happy color!


How much is too much to pay for a good pair of shoes?

[Boxcar]

Probably anything over $80.00. If they were really great shoes and I needed them, I might go more...

What scent do you wear if you wear one?

[Bananas]

Being a buffet table for mosquitoes, and after all the rain we have had, I do not do scents.

Flying a kite or boating?

[Boxcar]

flying a kite... it is a lot of fun... I would love to do it with the kids in the summer program...

WHat is your favorite thing to shop for?

[Bananas]

gel pens? blouses? books?

What is one fear you have?

[Boxcar]

I am not to fond of lightning. It freaks me out. Also, really big dogs that bark are scary.

What do you like in your coffee?

[Bananas]

nothing, absoutely nothing

Would you groom your pet yourself or take him/her to the groomer?

[Boxcar]

I'd do things like brushing and baths myself. When it was time for a trim, she/he would visit the groomers. I'd let my furry friend have the whole works then - like a pet spa day.

How do you end phone conversations? Some people say "buh-bye". Others say "See you later." or "good-bye". What do you usually say?

[Bananas]

I say "bye", and conclude with "love you" if hubby or children.

What do you do if you are having a bad day?

[Boxcar]

I usually throw a private me-only pity party. I whine and cry inside my head for about fifteen minutes. Then, I find something funny about the situation and try to move forward.

Do you write in printing or cursive?

[Bananas]

If it is for me, I write in cursive, but if it is for my students, I print so they can read it.

Do you know how to drive a stick shift car?

[Boxcar]

Nope. It sounds kinda hard...

Do you have tinted windows?

[Bananas]

Nope

Blinds or curtains?

[Boxcar]

blinds - more streamlined and neater

car in driveway or garage

[Bananas]

driveway most of the year, and then in the garage during the winter weather, whenever hubby gets the garage cleared out so I can squeeze in with my school stuff.

buttons or zippers?

[MissTeach]

buttons


bows or lace

[Bananas]

lace, if it is little and understated

I feel like I am stalking you, MissTeach ;)

digital or analog clock?

[MissTeach]

[QUOTE=Bananas;26708]

I feel like I am stalking you, MissTeach ;)

QUOTE]

Wow, it has been years since anyone has stalked me!! How fun!:D


digital or analog, hhhmmm...really doesn't matter


What is your hobby?

[Bananas]

listening to podcasts, collecting quotations, cross stitchind, stalking MissTeach :D

What is your favorite color?

[MissTeach]

Right now, I'm thinking Green as in Green M & M's.........


Read any good books lately?

[Bananas]

I am reading about blogs, wikis, and podcasting for my classroom.

How did you know I was eating M & M's?

Do you get massages?

[MissTeach]

Nope, but I have always thought it would be nice- especially during the last month of school!



Do you plant a garden?

[merrynl]

I would like to, but I don't have a space to do it.

Do you have any pets?

[Bananas]

I take my name after the first dog--DO NOT ever name a dog Bananas--self-fulfilling prophecy!

We now own the dog, Zacchaeus, who will be 16 in October. He is a pretty good dog now, but my love of puns with his puppyhood personality let to him being a fox terror and blue heller mixture. :D

We also have a few pond fish.

What are three of your strengths?

[Boxcar]

I'm caring. I'm willing to try. I learn from my mistakes.

What are your three weaknesses? (One of mine is I'm terribly nosy and curious...)

[Bananas]

I can be too lazy. I can be too disorganized. I have way too many flaws.

What is a good restaurant to eat at?

[MissTeach]

I enjoy eating at a lot of restaurants such as Rubios, Olive Garden, PF Changs, etc. My favorite ice cream place is Frosts in Tuscon! That is the best ice cream I have eaten except for my dad's homemade!

What is the best ice cream you have ever eaten?

[Boxcar]

Mmmm... Ice cream... There was a really awesome palor in Sarasota, but I can't remember the name. Cold Stone Creamery is also good.

What is your favorite school memory from your childhood?

[littlmare]

The Christmas parties in elementary school. We caroled in the halls. The sense of anticipation was painful and wonderful...kinda miss that as an adult!

Fiction or Non-fiction?

[Addict]

Fiction. My Favorites are:
Angels & Demons - Dan Brown
Stutter Island - Dennis Lehane
House of Thunder - Dean Koontz

Currently reading: Black Echo - Michael Connelly
Next up: Paranoia - Joseph Finder

All-Time Favorite Pro Athlete?

[Bananas]

Chicago Cubs Billy Williams :) No. 26

What is a memorable Christmas gift you have received?

[merrynl]

My brother and I ended up giving each other gift cards to the same restaurant one year. We each tried to disguise their identities, so we had no idea until we opened the packages.

What is your favorite time of year?

[Bananas]

Anytime the sun is out and the sky is blue for good stretches.

What did you last eat?

[merrynl]

Whole wheat waffles topped with peanut butter and syrup. My husband thinks putting peanut butter on top of waffles, pancakes and french toast is bizarre and disgusting. I learned a few weeks ago that his cousin does the same thing!

Do you have any pets?

[Bananas]

Yes, we have an old dog and a few remaining pond fish.

Do you subscribe to any magazines?

[merrynl]

Yes, Science. There are others we've thought about subscribing to, but never have.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you want to live?

[Bananas]

Close to my children. Free of mosquitoes.

Do you like living on the edge?

[Boxcar]

Not really. I'm pretty flexible, but I don't like to be constanltly off-balance.

What color is your dream house?

[merrynl]

Probably brick, though right now I'd settle for any color. I'm tired of living in my small apartment, but we're stuck until my husband finds a more permanent job. He's destroying nerve agent, and we're not sure where we'll be moving in a year or two when the project is done.

Do you enjoy gardening?

[Bananas]

No, I don't. Mosquitoes go with gardening. Hubby enjoys that end of the deal.

Would you gut your own fish if you caught any?

[merrynl]

If given the choice, I let someone else (usually my brother) do it. If I had to, yes I would. When I go fishing with my husband, I usually end up gutting the fish.

What type of music do you like?

[Bananas]

I like to listen and sing lots of types of music, with country being my least favorite

glasses or contacts?

[merrynl]

glasses... even though contacts are better now, i'm still fearful of wearing contacts in a chemistry lab

What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?

[MissTeach]

Butter pecan or anything with caramel....although chocolate is good too...and of course vanilla is a great flavor.......hhhmmm strawberry is really good too.....I guess I have to admit, I like all flavors!

Do you like being the only one at home for several days?

[Bananas]

Yes, I do. I am the only one home this week, outside of the dog. I am sorting paper piles like crazy.

Do you burn candles in you classroom?

[merrynl]

no... i have never even thought about taking candles to school with me. Then again, I have enough flammable chemicals and things around it's not a good idea.

What is your favorite vacation?

[MissTeach]

Right now, anywhere that is cool!! I really enjoy going to the mountains with my hubby and kids. We hike, cook over an open fire, play in the river, they fish; I read, and we all relax for a couple of days. Also this is when we learn a lot of the things our kids did during high school that we never knew about.


What makes you smile?

[littlmare]

oooooh, I have been trying to think of good questions, but I love this one best!!:) For someone who is called a pessimist, I'm glad to say I could go on and on about this one...but I won't!

sunny days!
a great conversation with my kids!
a great conversation with my students
that moment in the day when everything just feels "right"

If you could spend an hour with anyone, who would it be?

[MissTeach]

Oh, so hard to narrow down to one person............I think at this time, it would be Mother Theresa. Yes, I know she is in heaven now, but I would love to listen to her tell about her life experiences. That lady is truly amazing!

What makes you frown?

[littlmare]

My children fighting (which is all the time)


Do you watch the Olympics?

[MissTeach]

Every moment I can!


What is your favorite breakfast?

[hweber]

My favorite breakfast is sausage cream gravy (southern style) and scrambled eggs. Very high in calories, but tasty!

How awful was your first year of teaching?

[MissTeach]

My first year of teaching I was only 21 years old and very very naive. Some of my students were 19 years old; also, I was friends with some of their older siblings. However I had a wonderful lady who appointed herself as my mentor and guided me through the year!!! I had some really tough moments, but overall it was a good year.


What is your favorite movie?

[littlmare]

Wow...tough to name just one...

The Sound of Music
Shawshank Redemption
The Big Chill
Under the Tuscan Sun



How would you describe yourself as a teacher?

[Bananas]

Always learning and growing.

Do you sing in the shower?

[MissTeach]

Yep, yep, yep


Do you play a musical instrument?

[Bananas]

I took a year of flute, but singing has been my passion. My body is my instrument.

Are you a patient person?

[MissTeach]

I've taught junior high for several years......yes, I am a patient person....at least most of the time......


Have you ridden a motorcycle?

[Boxcar]

No... they scare me a bit.

What is your phobia?

[lostfreedom]

high buildings is my phobia :D.. i feel very scared just of thinking about looking down from a high building..


and my question is :

What is the biggest problem that had ever faced you at school?

[Boxcar]

The biggest problem...

As a student, there were quite a few. I tended to get myself into sticky messes... It usually came down to three things: 1) breaking rules by ditching/cheating/tardiness/being in the hallways without a pass 2) being too nice and trying to help someone 3) disorganization coupled with horrible procrastination

As a teacher, I would say I stuggle with disipline and fairness. Some students - even at the tender age of three - can be very rebellious and aggressive. They will be openly definant and time-consuming to handle.

What do you think would be the best color to paint a classroom and why?

[MissTeach]

Pastel Blue or Pastel Green- I would avoid bright colors because studies have shown they make people more hyper.


Do you ever watch old tv shows (Gilligans Island, Brady Bunch, Rawhide, etc.)?

[Boxcar]

I watch them quite frequently. Sometimes it is nice to have a break from reality shows and stupid cartoons...