It's once again teacher appreciation week. That's a week late in the semester ostensibly celebrating our teachers. Over the years there have been a few highlight moments for me during these teacher appreciation weeks but overall, I can't say I've been a fan of the "event." Why not? Because it's usually made up, superficial, and frequently patronizing. Some stores offer discounts. Staples and Office Depot offering essentially discounts on supplies for the classroom that teachers shouldn't have to purchase in the first place.

As I'm sure you're aware, recently, in his latest racist, fascist proclamation, Ron DeSantis threatened to stop offering AP African American Studies (APAAS) in Florida because, well, we can't actually teach our children anything resembling our actual rather checkered history. I'm sure you're also aware that the College Board just announced changes to APAAS which basically removed everything DeSantis found objectionable. I've been seeing articles, blog posts, Tweets and more all calling the College Boards act a cowardly one.

Lots of layoffs in big tech recently. Overall lousy but I am encouraged by the number of people trying to organize the local community to be supportive in helping those affected. Clearly this "correction" can turn current employees worlds upside down and place individuals and families in precarious financial situations but the effects also affect the incoming workforce. In addition to layoffs, internships and offers have been canceled left and right.

Some time ago I wrote about some of the things our students remember (link - sorry for the bad formatting). Lessons, concepts, stories, or even small jokes I remember telling but had no idea that they left a lasting impression on any students. Fast forward to yesterday. I spent some time yesterday at a friend, a former student's company for their holiday get together. My friend was telling a story about how I helped get him started - I won't get into details but while I do remember the overall impression of including and encouraging him, I don't remember the detailed specifics.

Links to the three posts in this series: If you're seeing this before the previous two posts, I'd encourage you to read post 1 and 2 first. Post 1: Why I'm retiring Post 2: What was accomplished at Hunter Post 3: This post As I said at the start of these three posts, I do want to stay in the game. Maybe take a break and definately slow down but I still think I've got something to contribute.

Links to the posts in this series If you're reading this before the previous post, I'd recommend going back and reading that one first. Post 1: Why I'm retiring Post 2: This post Post 3: What I think I'll be looking for next I think I've carved out a somewhat unique career. Never set out to be a teacher and a couple of different turns here or there and things could have been very different.

I've been dropping mentions of this here and there for a while now but I think it's time to come out more formally - I'm planning on retiring from Hunter at the end of this Spring. This doesn't mean getting out of the CS or CS Ed game entirely - I could stay on in a part time capacity and, after some decompression I think I still have things to offer but the plan is retire, collect my pension, and then see where I can continue to be contribute to the Ed/CS Ed scene.

Hunter College, like most colleges and universities is facing unprecedented demand for CS. It's the hot major. Being a public college, we have an obligation to provide the best education possible to as many students as we can in our locality. This means we can't just put a GPA requirement or other cap on the major and we can't do things I've heard "elite" schools do like essentially making applicants apply to the major direct from HS.

It's fall so for HS teachers who taught juniors last year it's recommendation writing season. For many of those teachers, they're already well into the season with early decision deadlines being as early as November 1. Writing recs is one thing I don't miss now that I'm working at the college level. Sure, it was always an honor to be asked but it was a lot of work. Now I'm on the other side and reading the recs.

So, I turned 55 today. Another year older. The changes? Well, I'm seeing more doctors and seeing them more frequently and to be honest, I'd love to have a day or two without some small niggling ache or pain but that's life. Like many people my age, we've got our health issues but I'm pretty active and managing mine (hey, I had a great 8 mile run this morning :-) ).