Jordan Merritt

I am a high school English teacher. I am on here for a PLN for my Master's degree in secondary English education.

[Jordan Merritt @JordanM78066103]

We have met our 30-minute requirement. I am going to go now, but I will see you all on the 8th for either our Zoom or Hangouts meet. Take care! #teachingonfire8333

[Jordan Merritt @JordanM78066103]

Is everyone wanting to dismiss at 12:30pm? That is fine by me, but if anyone wants to discuss anything else, I will stay put for a few extra minutes. #teachingonfire8333

[Jordan Merritt @JordanM78066103]

I really loved the first chapter by Ayers where he said "Each student is of incalculable value." Such a powerful statement. #teachingonfire8333

[Jordan Merritt @JordanM78066103]

I just think it's sad that people make their political stance their whole identity. I try to teach my kids that they have an identity that isn't based off of some political affiliation. #teachingonfire8333

[Jordan Merritt @JordanM78066103]

@lankford_mrs @TinaciousH @courtneyburn Same! If students want to discuss it in a calm manner then that's fine, but sadly that typically is never the case. Things always tend to get heated.

[Jordan Merritt @JordanM78066103]

@TinaciousH That is so sad! Yes, I am teaching in a new system this upcoming year, and I am so glad to be in a more diverse environment. While I really wish I could've reached the kids in my old system, the higher-ups made that impossible to achieve.

[Jordan Merritt @JordanM78066103]

@lankford_mrs @TinaciousH @courtneyburn My administration and even our school board was extremely ignorant, and I would go as far to say racist. Our principal advocated a "Blue Lives Matter" event AT OUR SCHOOL! She even promoted it on the school's official social media page! They had cardboard cutouts of Trump!

[Jordan Merritt @JordanM78066103]

@LilliannaMulvey @lankford_mrs @courtneyburn Yes, I thought that was amazing! I wish I had this book earlier!

[Jordan Merritt @JordanM78066103]

I was cognizant of this, but reading the first two sections made me realize how divided we are as a country, as a people. It's really sad that our own government are fighting like children (but I guess that's been going on for a while now). #teachingonfire8333

[Jordan Merritt @JordanM78066103]

@LilliannaMulvey I am all about lists! I will be re-reading this and try to absorb it more.

[Jordan Merritt @JordanM78066103]

Hello everyone! How are you enjoying the book so far? #teachingonfire8333

[Jordan Merritt @JordanM78066103]

@TinaciousH Me too! I found myself tearing up at all the lives lost due to police brutality. I find it crazy that people try to sweep stuff like that under the rug without talking about it. Kids are hearing about all this, so it's important to provide a safe space to discuss it!

[Jordan Merritt @JordanM78066103]

@lankford_mrs I also liked that she recognized that times were still pretty rough in our country (unfortunately).

[Jordan Merritt @JordanM78066103]

I thought Delpit's introduction was very powerful! Reading about her experiences in 6th grade really stood out to me! It reminded me of when I was in middle school watching the 9/11 attacks! #teachingonfire8333

[Jordan Merritt @JordanM78066103]

@lankford_mrs Me too! I loved the concept of "woke" and "still-waking!"

[Jordan Merritt @JordanM78066103]

@LilliannaMulvey Me too! It's hard to remain sensitive and neutral when discussin topics, so I totally agree with you!

[Jordan Merritt @JordanM78066103]

I have read almost all of it. I particularly liked the "Culture Matters" section. I think today we're supposed to focus on the introduction, and the first two sections (politics and race). #teachingonfire8333

[Jordan Merritt @JordanM78066103]

Thank you to #edchat for breaking me in to the Twitterverse! I will definitely be coming back for networking, resources, advice, and ideas!

[Dr. Marcia Tate @drmarciatate]

There’s always something we can do to help others. #edchat