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Eric Pendowski replied to the topic Satisfaction instead of Shock in the forum We Want to Do More Than Survive: Abolitionist Teaching and the Pursuit of Educational Freedom – 2021 Summer Seminar Responses 2 years, 10 months ago
Alisha,
Shock, awe, and/or amazement should not be the things that our students see from us when they experience success. Unfortunately, I think that some experience this more that we would want or care to think. We should be there to care for, support, encourage, and foster a positive culture. I can’t tell you how many times my students tell…[Read more]
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Eric Pendowski replied to the topic "Moving from the Head to the Feet" in the forum We Want to Do More Than Survive: Abolitionist Teaching and the Pursuit of Educational Freedom – 2021 Summer Seminar Responses 2 years, 10 months ago
Maria,
I appreciate your honesty and candor. Just like you and Bridget, I think that what we are doing in this workshop is a great place to start, but I also agree that we need to be willing to take the next step and be activists. Like you I am past exhaustion from this past year and a half, but it just means that we have to regroup, refocus,…[Read more]
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Eric Pendowski replied to the topic Once a Wildcat, Always a Wildcat. in the forum We Want to Do More Than Survive: Abolitionist Teaching and the Pursuit of Educational Freedom – 2021 Summer Seminar Responses 2 years, 10 months ago
Tiffany,
Thanks for telling your story. I remember you telling a bit about yourself earlier this year and saying that you worked where you graduated from. I would think that it is pretty cool to be able to do that. I actually applied at my old high school after my first year of teaching, was down to the final two, and didn’t get the job.…[Read more]
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Eric Pendowski replied to the topic The shaping of a future educator: my school experience in Wisconsin in the forum We Want to Do More Than Survive: Abolitionist Teaching and the Pursuit of Educational Freedom – 2021 Summer Seminar Responses 2 years, 10 months ago
Thanks for the response. As a fellow “Cheesehead”, I am a bit torn. In many ways, I think he believes he holds the power and wants to be able to get his way. Another part of me is angry and thinks that maybe he should just go. The other part of me wants the Packers to do what Tampa Bay did last year and put as many pieces around him as…[Read more]
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Eric Pendowski started the topic The shaping of a future educator: my school experience in Wisconsin in the forum We Want to Do More Than Survive: Abolitionist Teaching and the Pursuit of Educational Freedom – 2021 Summer Seminar Responses 2 years, 11 months ago
When I think back to my school experience in the rural Green Bay area, I remember being valued, but not necessarily by all. There were certain teachers throughout my school experience who made it their mission to get to know you and your story, and then there were those who were present and taught content. The ones who stood out were the ones…[Read more]
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Eric Pendowski started the topic 2nd reflection… in the forum On Austrian Soil – 2021 Summer Seminar Responses 3 years, 9 months ago
For the 2nd half of the book, I don’t know that there is just one thing or passage that stood out above any other. With that said, one of the ways that Sondra’s book has sunken into my subconscious is the way that she has dealt with her deep-seeded questions/demons from her past. A very wise friend colleague of mine always used to say, “It’s when…[Read more]
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Eric Pendowski replied to the topic Reflection 2: On Austrian Soil in the forum On Austrian Soil – 2021 Summer Seminar Responses 3 years, 9 months ago
Stephanie,
The incident that you mentioned that happened in the city where you live is gut wrenching! One of the reasons why I am so passionate about social justice and Holocaust related issues is because I work with students who often don’t have a voice of their own. This past year was the first year that I was able to teach the curriculum…[Read more]
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Eric Pendowski started the topic Being "morally neutral" as an educator in the forum On Austrian Soil – 2021 Summer Seminar Responses 3 years, 9 months ago
While reading through Sondra’s book for the second time, something that stood out to me, and that was the idea of being a “morally neutral” educator. This topic was addressed early on when Sondra worked with her students in Austria. The Austrian educators admitted to having to be morally neutral as educators, and admitted to struggling with the…[Read more]
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Eric Pendowski replied to the topic Austrian Soil in the forum On Austrian Soil – 2021 Summer Seminar Responses 3 years, 9 months ago
Deb,
I agree that very often, the best and most authentic learning that takes place in the classroom is when things “veer” from what has been planned. Taking teachable moments and having conversations in the moments when they are real and needed, are invaluable when teaching students. When I think back on my teaching career, these are the…[Read more]
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Eric Pendowski replied to the topic Hello Everyone! in the forum 2021 Summer Seminar Participant Introductions 3 years, 10 months ago
Scott,
Congrats on the new position. Although it will be a challenge, it sounds like a rewarding one. Looking forward to getting to know you and the others in the coming months!
~Pendo
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Eric Pendowski replied to the topic Hello from Vermont in the forum 2021 Summer Seminar Participant Introductions 3 years, 10 months ago
Sandy,
My family I went through Vermont for the first time last year on our way to Maine. We took a state highway rather than using the interstate and it was lovely! Additionally, I am glad that you love working with middle kids because I think it would be a struggle for me. Do you find it hard to teach those tough topics with kids who often…[Read more]
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Eric Pendowski replied to the topic Hello from Austin, TX! Michele Reed in the forum 2021 Summer Seminar Participant Introductions 3 years, 10 months ago
Michele,
There is a special place in heaven for you and all other middle school teachers! I don’t know that I would have the patience for all of “the middles”. Congrats on the successful surgery and on your new lease on life. It sounds like you have a lot to be grateful for.
~Pendo
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Eric Pendowski replied to the topic Greetings from California in the forum 2021 Summer Seminar Participant Introductions 3 years, 10 months ago
Ann,
Sounds like you have a pretty nice set-up out where you are. Additionally, I hope to be able to be one of the primary leaders of the Wisconsin satellite at some point as well. Look forward to getting to know you and the others.
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Eric Pendowski started the topic Greetings from Wisconsin! in the forum 2021 Summer Seminar Participant Introductions 3 years, 10 months ago
Hello all,
My name is Eric Pendowski and I just finished my 18th year teaching, and my third year at West Bend East High School as an English teacher. Specifically, I specialize within our school as the teacher who works with students who struggle for any number of reasons. My classes are primarily composed of students with IEP’s, 504’s, and…[Read more]
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Eric Pendowski changed their profile picture 3 years, 10 months ago
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Eric Pendowski became a registered member 3 years, 11 months ago