Real Name: Cameron Weckerley Member Since: March 14, 2006 Last Signed In: August 25, 2008 Profile Views: 4841 Blog Views: 7391 The Coolest Place We Never Went This is so cute I want to puke...;} The Abuse of Power by Doctors and a Desperate Gamble Looking for other Kern County Podcasters Lines in the Sand...The ALL MUSIC episode of Road Show Ok this is the REAL demo.... Visiting the SideStrider home base.... 36th Annual Griffith Park Side Car Show Frankenbike lives Road Show Has a Birthday and and Album is Born December 06 January 07 February 07 March 07 April 07 May 07 June 07 July 07 August 07 September 07 October 07 November 07 December 07 January 08 February 08 March 08 April 08 May 08 June 08 July 08 August 08 September 08
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Taking on Bullies and Feeling Empowered
I had a job performance review today. Not from my "real" job which I consider photography and journalism, although those don't completely pay the bills yet. But from my other job...my so-called teaching job.
The review did not go well...I was dinged hard for not being a linear thinker...I am not! I was dinged for not having my students engaged or following the curriculum... Let's see...The Subject Matter was WWII here is a picture of a poster my students made outlining the 5 major periods of WWII  Look pretty engaged to me...and let's see...do you think they learned more by dividing up a poster paper into five sections and deciding the appropriate content to put in each section, or reading it of the textbook, which we also did, and taking a standardized test? I am probably going to get in big trouble for this, but I am not going to be so cowardly as to post anonymously. Second bully I am taking on today...False Advertisers. I needed a little cash to get through the weekend and had been carrying around a personal check that was a gift for my recent birthday. Going to my usual check cashing place which advertises...we cash ALL checks. I was dutifully informed that they only cashed personal checks from a certain bank.  Do you see that anywhere on that sign? So I dutifully came home, looked up the laws and false advertising and check cashing establishments and found them to be in violation of FTC and CA law. I printed up the appropriate documents and just handed them to the clerk asking her to give them to her boss. I will of course be filing a complaint with the BBB and the DA...is this really a big deal. No, BUT...having spent most of my life just accepting what I have been told and being pushed around....I am broke and probably soon to be unemployed but I FEEL empowered and fantastic! My new motto for life Believe in Something, But Question Everything! BMWeerman...out 14 comments from 6 users
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posted by
adampayne
on Apr 27, 2007 at 06:21 PM
BMW, given the incredible amount of turnover at the teacher level throughout the state I'm pretty sure your job is safe if you want to go back for another year. I'm rooting for you expanding your photographer gig and being able to earn a living doing what you love to do. Best of luck! Oh, and all those check cashing places are bad news. The state should shut them all down.
posted by
bmweerman
on Apr 27, 2007 at 06:30 PM
Thanks for the encouragement adam...it is most appreciated right now!Just for the record...this is my 10th year teaching and my first bad review...new administrator...and in fairness...I don't think he is a bad guy per se, We just have horribly conflicting personalities. I have appealed the review to the next level of administration and if that fails, I am going to bring in my CTA rep...I have only had to use her once before, but she is one tough broad. (pardon please the use of the phrase) Besides venting on this forum I will continue to follow protocol. NEVERTHELESS...Thank You! BMWeerman posted by
drilnliftcrude
on Apr 27, 2007 at 06:48 PM
What's with the hand gestures that are blurred out? Gang symbols? Flippin' the bird?
posted by
bmweerman
on Apr 27, 2007 at 06:59 PM
Their gang signs change everyday...so even though I checked and didn't see any, just to be on the safe side I blurred them out.I love 'em but they're sneaky little rascals! posted by
tonyh
on Apr 27, 2007 at 07:09 PM
I think your job is safe............. Gabe Cotter is retired by now, and you two are the only ones who actually LIKE to teach Sweathogs (lol). I'll share my personal Philosophy on this subject. "Chose your battles wisely, then fight to win. If it's not worth THAT MUCH fight, it's not worth your time at all." posted by
bmweerman
on Apr 27, 2007 at 07:21 PM
Hey tonyh...The Sweathogs! What an apt analogy....I'm cool with the Gabe Cotter thing too, I just don't have enough hair.As to choosing your battles....very sage advice. And you know, after sucking it up and being a, somewhat squeaky cog in the educational system, I think I want to go to the mattresses on this one. Wish me luck! Thanks posted by
tonyh
on Apr 27, 2007 at 07:29 PM
Gabe Cotter loved his Sweathogs because they were all good kids inside. It was the people who wouldn't take the time to get to know them, who thought ill of them all. Good luck in your fight, man. It sounds like you've got the passion to win it. posted by
dusty1215
on Apr 27, 2007 at 07:41 PM
It's interesting how personalities play such a big role in reviewing an employee. Good luck Bmweerman! We do enjoy your road shows and pics. I am sure your kids are fond of you as well. You seem like such a personable guy.
posted by
bmweerman
on Apr 27, 2007 at 07:56 PM
Thanks tony and dusty...a very big thanks!and btw tony, you are exactly right! posted by
tonyh
on Apr 27, 2007 at 07:59 PM
Look at my profile. I'm a "Kid Guy" myself...........................I completely understand.
posted by
bmweerman
on Apr 27, 2007 at 08:48 PM
Right on T!! You DO get it. And, I couldn't help but notice that motorcycling is among your interests!Are you currently riding? posted by
tonyh
on Apr 27, 2007 at 09:07 PM
Black 2000 Yamaha Roadstar........ I got it in February of 2000 ( $9,200 out the door) and promptly modified the whiz out of it. reground myself a set of cams made some longer push rods to make up for the lift that I lost on the regrind Replaced the pipes with Bub's Big Willies (they set off car alarms in parking lots) Rejetted the Carb Replaced the air intake box (needed more air) Removed the smog gear (not required in Tennessee) (These mods really woke up that 98 cu. in. (1602cc) engine. My friend has a Screaming Eagle Road Glide (YOU KNOW WHAT THOSE COST) and I can have my way with him. The ol' "Butt Dyno" says that it makes gobs more power than it did out of the box) Modified some red rear blinker lenses from a Tour Glide and replaced the single element rear blinker sockets with dual elements. Now, they're running lights AND turn signals. rebuilt a set of hard bags from a 1976 Police Harley and fabricated mounting brackets for them. Added a Blue Dot to the tail light Leather Seats with studs Low Back Rest for rear seat Crash bars, Memphis Fats windshield Throttle lock Cruise Control I like it better than a Harley. The wheel base is about 10 inches longer and more comfortable for me to ride. It's a nice Putt, for what I've got tied up in it (@ $13,400) posted by
bmweerman
on Apr 27, 2007 at 09:16 PM
Sounds like we need to go riding! yeeee haaa....
posted by
msemilyh
on Apr 27, 2007 at 09:18 PM
sorry about your bad review. i guess some just expect all students to sit at desks quietly, not talk, and read a textbook at all times. i'm all for active engagement and alternatives to traditional penciland paper tests. makes for great learning experiences for both teacher and students.
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