Hello and welcome to my first blog, Tick Tock Poetry. What the heck does "tick tock" refer to? I have no idea myself. I was staring at this antique clock my grandfather gave me when creating this blog, which I knew I wanted to have something with poetry in the title (I'll get to that in a minute <-- no pun intended there) and in watching the second hand ticking away, I thought to myself, "why not tick tock?" and it just stuck (mostly because ehem, the name was available! =)
So, getting back to the poetry part. I am an avid reader of poetry and a write-when-I'm-inspired poet (which happens anywhere and everywhere). I love all sorts of poetry but my faves are your modern writers: Sharon Olds, Yusef Komunyakaa, Mark Strand to name a few. So, don't be surprised if you see a poem or two on my blog.
Ok, more about me (that sounds so self-centered but that is the point of this first post), I am currently a fashion copywriter for a children's clothing company. Ya know, Elaine's job on Seinfeld? Yeah, that's me. I write the little blurbs you see next to the clothing online. Something like, "a fashion favorite perfect for play date fun! Made of our comfiest 100% cotton jersey, pre-washed for softness..." Brilliant, I know ;-) The sad part is the entire job perpetuates gender stereotypes through the language I select to sell the items. Sigh, but that's the industry, that's our society and that's how it goes.
I am thankfully moving on from that business and am in the middle of finishing up my MAT at Montclair State University to teach English at the high or middle school level. I will be student teaching next semester (Spring 09) and this time next year hopefully teaching in my very own English classroom. I am taking CURR 530 as one of my core requirements (actually substituting it for one of my required courses) and am very much looking forward to learning more about curriculum development. I think this class in conjunction with my methods class will play together nicely in preparing me for my future as a teacher.
One more personal note, I am a HUGE tennis fan and as I write, the U.S. Open Men's Semis are on... so I'll leave you now for the battle between the fantastic Federer & cocky Djokovic (can you tell I'm a Fed fan?) and tick tock with you later.
Self Assessment
17 years ago
12 comments:
Keriann-
I love the title, especially the explanation for it.
You have a great writing style as well; almost like a storyteller. I think that is a fabulous trait to have as an English teacher.
You experience writing for a particular audience should serve you well also, as that is a skill that many students lack; writing for different types of audiences.
I look forward to reading your poems as well!
Well, to me your job sounds pretty cool -- and waht great experience to have before teaching! Your students will benefit from learning from someone who was actually 'out there' writing...I also loved Mark Strand's poem -- so visual:) Can I use it for an art project with my kids?
Wow! It's pretty wierd how you mention gender stereotyping. That was my intro for the first day of school for the Sociology class I teach. My students really got into it and were thinking up of ways in order to try to have people unlearn this behavior and mind set. They are ready to try to explore our school and see how they can make a change just within our building.
As for your poetry, I think it's great that you have such a talent. One of the our teachers just published her second book of poetry.
k8celadon -- srry, what is your real name? OF COURSE you may use the Mark Strand poem I've posted... pls feel free (anyone) to use any poetry I post on this blog for lessons or anything. I would love to hear about the lesson you create with the poem... there's a movement out there called Poetry Plasstique that combines poetry with art (in many forms) and the interplay between the two is AMAZING!
Hey Sandra -- gender roles, language that perpetuates the roles, and other traps that are all around us (in everything we do) are def. something we need to UNLEARN! It's great to teach students sooner than later.. I'm sad to admit I didn't understand the difference between our sex (male/female) and our gender (feminine/masculine) until I was in an undergrad sociology class and yep, the light bulb went off. I did my final research paper on gender-specific language in fashion catalogs (ironic I became the person behind those words) and it has stuck with me in everything I read and write.
Wow! You are an awesome writer, I really wish I had the ability to write like you do. Your job actually sounds pretty cool however, based on your blog I think you are going to be a great English teacher based on how you write and your passion for poetry. Good luck with student teaching.
Keriann-
Good luck with the career change. I think you'll find, like me, that you made the right move. I, too, enjoy your writing and I'm sure you're going to be an excellent teacher.
I'm sure you'll be watching the Fed Monday evening, as I will, as well as Serena and Jelena Sunday night! Go Roger!
Hi Keriann! That is so funny how you came up with your blog title. Just want you to know that I was a big Seinfeld fan back in the idea so I liked The Elaine comparison. Good Luck with everything!
Hi Keriann,
To answer your question - I'm a high school teacher and at this point have taught every grade level from 9-12 and also every level of ability from general to honors.
Good luck with student teaching and becoming an English teacher this time next year! :-)
Keriann,
How fortunate your future students are to have an English teacher like you! I wish that you were finished now...my district just opened up a position for middle school Language Arts. We have an amazing LA department, you would be a great addition!
Congrats on the career change. I never actually thought there was a person who wrote clothing blurbs. Who knew? Thanks for the information.
what type of poetry do you like and why are you considering changing careers?
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