“I just called to let you know I failed my test
So I’m giving up.
I probably won’t finish my papers.
I think you’re an amazing teacher.
But this has all been a waste of time.”
You needed to call me
To say I’m amazing at what I do–
And what I do is waste time.
There was nothing
In eight weeks of instruction–
Brainstorming. Writing. Revising.
Interrupting my explanations.
In all that
You found nothing worth your time.
I hope it was worth more than mine.
Teaching Reflections
Gallery View
White names on black backgrounds
Silence
“What can we say about the way this writer uses pathos?”
Silence
White names on black backgrounds
John is the only one who talks
John is speaking up again.
“I think the author sounds disappointed.”
John is speaking up again.
John is the only one who talks.
One student in the classroom.
One set of eyes to contact.
One locus of discomfort to fill the silence
One presence to reassure
White names on black backgrounds
Silence
“How is everybody feeling today? Let’s take a few minutes to chat and warm up.”
Silence
White names on black backgrounds
Sophistry and Solipsism in the New Millennium 