Ruminations from a Winding Career
Viewing comments for Chapter 14 "Dems that Do"Thoughts from almost 50 years
14 total reviews
Comment from Jannypan (Jan)
I can tell, Jan, from your earlier writing in this series, that you were one of 'dems that do,' I enjoyed reading this little story. I could see everything you mentioned as I read. Your lines progress well to tell this story.
Thanks for sharing.
Respectfully, Jan
reply by the author on 03-Apr-2021
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I can tell, Jan, from your earlier writing in this series, that you were one of 'dems that do,' I enjoyed reading this little story. I could see everything you mentioned as I read. Your lines progress well to tell this story.
Thanks for sharing.
Respectfully, Jan
Comment Written 02-Apr-2021
reply by the author on 03-Apr-2021
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Thanks so much, Jan. Jan
Comment from Susan Newell
I enjoyed your story and it brought back memories. I would have to say that the Dems that do are not restricted to teachers. You'll find the same thing in all circles of community life--politics, nonprofit organizations, churches, etc. and often the Dems that do are involved in multiple circles.
One style issue: I think a hyphen without spaces is preferred to an em dash for "5-10 minutes."
reply by the author on 01-Apr-2021
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I enjoyed your story and it brought back memories. I would have to say that the Dems that do are not restricted to teachers. You'll find the same thing in all circles of community life--politics, nonprofit organizations, churches, etc. and often the Dems that do are involved in multiple circles.
One style issue: I think a hyphen without spaces is preferred to an em dash for "5-10 minutes."
Comment Written 29-Mar-2021
reply by the author on 01-Apr-2021
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Thanks so much for your kind review and your suggestion. I agree that every company/organization has the same problem. Jan
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You are welcome.
Comment from Wendy G
This resonates with me. There sure are "dems that do and dems that don't", but the former have a far richer teaching experience. Their classes probably have few discipline problems too, because the kids know and like those that care enough to give their own time for them. Thank you for sharing this!
reply by the author on 28-Mar-2021
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This resonates with me. There sure are "dems that do and dems that don't", but the former have a far richer teaching experience. Their classes probably have few discipline problems too, because the kids know and like those that care enough to give their own time for them. Thank you for sharing this!
Comment Written 28-Mar-2021
reply by the author on 28-Mar-2021
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You are rght, Wendy. After my first year of teaching, I had few discipline problems because I learned the importance of relationships that first year. Jan
Comment from Mastery
Hi Jan Same thing I experienced with coaching Little League baseball. LOL
(I suggest you take all of the "I woulds" out of this paragraph, like this for instance:
"Mr. M and I would normally serve as the cashiers as students entered the lobby of the school. We had three jobs as we sat by the door: 1) ensure that no intruders entered the building during the dance; 2) collect the cost of admission, and, 3) remind students to take their shoes off before entering the gym.
Also: One nit: "He took a sit beside me (seat)
reply by the author on 27-Mar-2021
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Hi Jan Same thing I experienced with coaching Little League baseball. LOL
(I suggest you take all of the "I woulds" out of this paragraph, like this for instance:
"Mr. M and I would normally serve as the cashiers as students entered the lobby of the school. We had three jobs as we sat by the door: 1) ensure that no intruders entered the building during the dance; 2) collect the cost of admission, and, 3) remind students to take their shoes off before entering the gym.
Also: One nit: "He took a sit beside me (seat)
Comment Written 27-Mar-2021
reply by the author on 27-Mar-2021
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Bob, I edited this chapter and was able to eliminate most of the woulds in it. I also corrected the nit. As always, I appreciate your keen reviews and your willingness to help me improve my writings. I trust you are well. Jan
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Thank you so much, dear friend. :) Bob
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I hope you didn't mind my suggestions. :) Bob
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I am always appreciative of your suggestions, Bob. Thanks. Jan
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:) Bob
Comment from barbara.wilkey
I agree with Mr. Miles and it's those teacher that give the rest a horrible name. I wish we could do something about them. LOL Thank you for sharing your words of wisdom.
reply by the author on 27-Mar-2021
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I agree with Mr. Miles and it's those teacher that give the rest a horrible name. I wish we could do something about them. LOL Thank you for sharing your words of wisdom.
Comment Written 27-Mar-2021
reply by the author on 27-Mar-2021
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Thanks so much, barbara. I know my life has been so much better because I was/am one of "dems that do." Jan
Comment from blondie560
I knew you were a dem that does. I've been able to see how much you care for your students, but also others that aren't in your classes. Since the day my daughter started teaching she has been so involved with the clubs and sports that is like a second job. She started as a JV cheerleader coach. She was asked in her interview if she'd want to do that. She had been on her Pom squad for her 4 years of HS and we joked that she got her job not to teach but to be the cheerleader coach. She is now the Student Council Adviser as well as the executive director of the conference of SC's. She does scoring for volleyball, does timing for track, is a proctor for SAT tests, plus the miscellaneous ticket seller, dance chaperone etc. and she always talks of those that don't. They stay at school until the time they are required and then split. No staying to see if students may need help, or have questions. I think you and my daughter would have wonderful conversations comparing stories! Thanks for another great chapter.
reply by the author on 27-Mar-2021
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I knew you were a dem that does. I've been able to see how much you care for your students, but also others that aren't in your classes. Since the day my daughter started teaching she has been so involved with the clubs and sports that is like a second job. She started as a JV cheerleader coach. She was asked in her interview if she'd want to do that. She had been on her Pom squad for her 4 years of HS and we joked that she got her job not to teach but to be the cheerleader coach. She is now the Student Council Adviser as well as the executive director of the conference of SC's. She does scoring for volleyball, does timing for track, is a proctor for SAT tests, plus the miscellaneous ticket seller, dance chaperone etc. and she always talks of those that don't. They stay at school until the time they are required and then split. No staying to see if students may need help, or have questions. I think you and my daughter would have wonderful conversations comparing stories! Thanks for another great chapter.
Comment Written 27-Mar-2021
reply by the author on 27-Mar-2021
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I wish your daughter and I could compare stories. I was the cheerleader sponsor, a track coach, scorekeeper for basketball games, assistant softball coach, department chair after only three years of teaching, etc. Thank you so much for sharing with me about how your daughter is one of "dems that do." God bless you both. Jan
Comment from Judy Lawless
What a wonderful story! I'm glad you finally got to ask your question, and that Principal Miles had a simple and humorous answer. Well written.
This sentence has a problem: "I've just don't bother dems that don't!" - should it just be "I just don't bother..."?
reply by the author on 27-Mar-2021
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What a wonderful story! I'm glad you finally got to ask your question, and that Principal Miles had a simple and humorous answer. Well written.
This sentence has a problem: "I've just don't bother dems that don't!" - should it just be "I just don't bother..."?
Comment Written 27-Mar-2021
reply by the author on 27-Mar-2021
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Yes, Judy, that is what it should be. I will go back and correct that before I sign off tonight. Jan
Comment from Raffaelina Lowcock
My hat is off to 'Dems that do.' This is a very well-written essay with a very comical answer to your question. It is true throughout life, the whole extracurricular thing is done by 'Dems that do.' LOL
Ralf
reply by the author on 27-Mar-2021
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My hat is off to 'Dems that do.' This is a very well-written essay with a very comical answer to your question. It is true throughout life, the whole extracurricular thing is done by 'Dems that do.' LOL
Ralf
Comment Written 27-Mar-2021
reply by the author on 27-Mar-2021
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Thanks so much, Ralf. Jan
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
Mr Miles was right, and it never changes. We can all thank our lucky stars that they were willing to do so, or there would have been no after school activities. I enjoyed this one, it was a great lesson in life. :)) Sandra xx
reply by the author on 27-Mar-2021
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Mr Miles was right, and it never changes. We can all thank our lucky stars that they were willing to do so, or there would have been no after school activities. I enjoyed this one, it was a great lesson in life. :)) Sandra xx
Comment Written 27-Mar-2021
reply by the author on 27-Mar-2021
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Thank you, again, Sandra, for your warm review. Jan
Comment from lyenochka
Well, that's wonderful that you were one of those special teachers who cared about the students, not only in their academic endeavors but also in their social events. Thanks for being one of "dems that do."
Observation:
Principal Miles took a sit beside me (is this colloquial speech to say "took a sit"? I normally hear "took a seat" but you were both on the bench. I guess it sounds more folksy than just "sat next to me."
reply by the author on 27-Mar-2021
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Well, that's wonderful that you were one of those special teachers who cared about the students, not only in their academic endeavors but also in their social events. Thanks for being one of "dems that do."
Observation:
Principal Miles took a sit beside me (is this colloquial speech to say "took a sit"? I normally hear "took a seat" but you were both on the bench. I guess it sounds more folksy than just "sat next to me."
Comment Written 27-Mar-2021
reply by the author on 27-Mar-2021
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Actually, lyenochka, it was a typo. I have corrected it. Jan
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Okay! Thanks for letting me know. I think I have heard people say, "Have a sit."
