C4T#1

Today I read the blog Stump the Teacher by Josh Stumpenhorst. I read the post entitled "Educational Erosion". This post was interesting as it talked about the concept of how a "sucky" teacher got to that position. He used the metaphor of erosion, specifically water pressure, types of rocks, pressure, supports, and shelter, to illustrate the daily and yearly outside sources that may cause an educator to lose their initial passion. Teachers do not ever stop wanting to teacher. However, many outside sources trying to control how they teach is what causes them to look elsewhere for a job. The article discusses the idea that a "sucky" teacher might not have always been that way. It is up to us as fellow teachers, co-workers to give each other support to help balance the stress caused by things such as assessments, initiatives, and meetings. Stumpenhorst states at the end of the post "erosion over time can create smooth and polished masterpieces if it is controlled and nurtured. However, if unprotected it will ravage and destroy all in its path". He helps us visualize through this illustration just how important it is to keep your passion and help those around you do the same. 

The next post by Stumpenhorst was Bullies, Trolls, and Fakes. In this post he talked about the inevitable point that no matter what you post on the Internet there will always be someone there to talk you down. Either someone will get mad at you for being your race, ethnicity, etc and commenting, for commenting on the topic in general, or for not commenting soon enough. He also posted on the "fakes" or the people who only post their success online. Stumpenhorst pointed out that they aren't as perfect as they seem and one should not let that get them down. The "fake"s only post what is good and not those bad days in the class. Overall it is a good reminder for anyone new to the Internet that there will be someone against you no matter your stance on any topic.