Cynthia sounds/feels weird calling you that after so many years in FHSEC calling you Dr. Alby; this will take some getting used to if that is what we're supposed to call you.
I can totally relate to the whole "blind" thing. I've worn vision correction since I was in Kindergarten. (Thank goodness for contacts, which I got in 5th grade).
My questions is: How in the world did you end up in Cincinnati for school?
My sister dog sits for two teachers that have 12 dogs and every time I go over to help her with meals or walks I quickly become overwhelmed, trying to remember which dog gets what food, with what medicine, and what their names are.
I've recently been hearing about "Have a Heart Save a Life" over and over again. The family I babysit for just adopted the most wonderful dog from the organization, and I have seen the organization at the fountain recently too.
My question is how did you get involved in "Have a Heart Save a Life"?
Now that you all are in graduate school, you can definitely call me Cynthia. That's what most students call me. But some still go with Dr. Alby, either is fine with me.
When I was in high school, two of my best friends were from Cincinnati and considering going back there for college. So when they went there for a school visit, I went too and fell in love with it. (I admit, I was dating one of these guys, so wanting to be with him played a part, but thankfully it was a great decision.)
I got involved in "Have A Heart, Save a Life" through my husband. We are both dog fanatics, and had over the years we've ended up with more and more dogs. We even built our house especially to accommodate dogs. Then back in October I'd say, my husband stopped to chat with the "Have A Heart" folks and offered to foster a dog. A month later we were working at all the Saturday events. Soon my husband ended up working full time for the group. There are times when the pound is really overwhelmed with dogs, and in order to keep them from being put down, we foster bunches. Right now there are 16 dogs at my house. It is chaotic, but we are used to it, and we have a rhythm. It IS really hard to remember all those names though!
My friend is a biologist at the ATL Zoo right now.. what animals did you mainly work with? (She works with the chimps!) Did the zoo in anyway spark your interest/knowledge of reptiles that led to the hereptology magazine?
I really want to know more about this excursion to Sweden! What was the major differences in the school-routine? What is the best advice you would give about being prepared to teach in another culture?
I haven't fenced in many, many years! There aren't many fencing clubs in the rural southeast. It's a shame as it is a great workout, and it is fun to wave a sword around from time to time.
When I worked at the zoo it was back when it was considered the worst zoo in the country. I worked with the prairie dogs. Cute little suckers! Generally I have just always loved all animals. I'm not sure where I got that, since my parents are definitely not animal people. I had pet lizards growing up, but I dated a guy in college who was a reptile expert, and he is who got me into herpetology and the editing gig.
I am definitely intrigued by the dissertation on race and education that you completed at UGA. Can you give a brief synopsis of the conclusions of your research? What was the difference between teachers who succeeded at connecting with students of all races and the teachers who did not?
you said you have a glass workshop? does that mean you work with glass sculptures or do you know how to blow torch glass like they do in the shops in Helen, GA?
when did that start to become a hobby? it's very interesting!
Hi Cynthia, I love interior design and I found it really interesting that you grew up around two designers. I can’t help but wonder what style of décor you have throughout your home, or do you have an eclectic mix of styles?
Hello, Dr. Alby, Your autobiography mentions that you majored in classical languages: Greek and Latin, how have these languages effected your writing? Are you or have you been more inclined to include translations of classical texts in your classes because of these studies?
My trip to Sweden really changed how I viewed what is possible in education. I could go on and on here, but I'll save most of it for later. But I will say that the biggest thing to me was how schools there were not police states like they often are here. Students had loads of freedoms and responsibilities. Teachers there don't have to discipline much. They teach kids to do the right thing and they do it.
One of the main findings from my dissertation was that people who had multiple classes on diversity issues did better with students of other races. So for example, students who had taken African American literature and then a language course that looked at ebonics and code switching and then a course in teaching diversity - those people had more success.
I don't blow glass, since that would require a studio that would be huge and cost thousands. I work glass in a torch. I can only make small things, mostly beads, but it's still pretty cool. I will demonstrate for you one day. I've made it part of one of my lessons.
You'd think that since my mom and aunt live so close by that I'd see them often, but I tend to be crazy busy, so I don't see them as often as I like. I usually work in Athens three days a month, so I usually swing by on my way home from that. Of course I see them on holidays too and every May we all go to St. Simons together along with my cousin and two sisters. My husband is the only guy there. What a trooper!
You all will definitely just have to come see my house. I usually have a get together at my house in September (when it is nice enough to be outside) and right before we leave for winter break. I'd call my style modern country with an art gallery twist.
Funny you should ask about teaching translations. To some degree I got kind of burned out on classics for quite a while and I'm just now getting over that. Last week I shared with my students some poetry by Sappho (Greek) and Horace (Latin). I was able to bring a lot more to that than most teachers can because of my background.
In my own reading I tend to prefer things written in the past 10-20 years, and I don't feel like the style of the ancient writers has influenced my writing style much. But it is true that my background has given me a big vocabulary, and I think that comes through in my writing.
Hey Dr. Alby, I am really interested in different teaching methods and you mentioned working at a Montessori school...so, I was just wondering if you think one method works better than others? Or if you have a favorite method...I know all of them have their ups and downs, but I am just so intrigued by homeschooling/private schools vs. public, and I cannot help but wonder from a professional point of view how you think they affect children?
I am a big fan of Montessori education, especially for very young learners. For middle and high school students, I am a big believer in a method called "experiential learning" with a strong focus on the arts.
Home schooling and private schools are hard to comment on. Often times these offer excellent options, but too often they are used by parents who want to keep their children away from "the rabble. The best thing about homeschooling is the one on one attention and the ability to tailor instruction to the student's needs. The best thing about private schools is that they tend to have fewer discipline problems. Ideally, we should provide more individual attention and better discipline in public schools.
Cynthia sounds/feels weird calling you that after so many years in FHSEC calling you Dr. Alby; this will take some getting used to if that is what we're supposed to call you.
ReplyDeleteI can totally relate to the whole "blind" thing. I've worn vision correction since I was in Kindergarten. (Thank goodness for contacts, which I got in 5th grade).
My questions is: How in the world did you end up in Cincinnati for school?
My sister dog sits for two teachers that have 12 dogs and every time I go over to help her with meals or walks I quickly become overwhelmed, trying to remember which dog gets what food, with what medicine, and what their names are.
ReplyDeleteI've recently been hearing about "Have a Heart Save a Life" over and over again. The family I babysit for just adopted the most wonderful dog from the organization, and I have seen the organization at the fountain recently too.
My question is how did you get involved in "Have a Heart Save a Life"?
Now that you all are in graduate school, you can definitely call me Cynthia. That's what most students call me. But some still go with Dr. Alby, either is fine with me.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was in high school, two of my best friends were from Cincinnati and considering going back there for college. So when they went there for a school visit, I went too and fell in love with it. (I admit, I was dating one of these guys, so wanting to be with him played a part, but thankfully it was a great decision.)
I got involved in "Have A Heart, Save a Life" through my husband. We are both dog fanatics, and had over the years we've ended up with more and more dogs. We even built our house especially to accommodate dogs. Then back in October I'd say, my husband stopped to chat with the "Have A Heart" folks and offered to foster a dog. A month later we were working at all the Saturday events. Soon my husband ended up working full time for the group. There are times when the pound is really overwhelmed with dogs, and in order to keep them from being put down, we foster bunches. Right now there are 16 dogs at my house. It is chaotic, but we are used to it, and we have a rhythm. It IS really hard to remember all those names though!
ReplyDeleteYou said you started a fencing program at Xavier, and I think that is badass. Do you still fence?
ReplyDeleteDr. Alby,
ReplyDeleteMy friend is a biologist at the ATL Zoo right now.. what animals did you mainly work with? (She works with the chimps!) Did the zoo in anyway spark your interest/knowledge of reptiles that led to the hereptology magazine?
I really want to know more about this excursion to Sweden! What was the major differences in the school-routine? What is the best advice you would give about being prepared to teach in another culture?
ReplyDeleteI haven't fenced in many, many years! There aren't many fencing clubs in the rural southeast. It's a shame as it is a great workout, and it is fun to wave a sword around from time to time.
ReplyDeleteWhen I worked at the zoo it was back when it was considered the worst zoo in the country. I worked with the prairie dogs. Cute little suckers! Generally I have just always loved all animals. I'm not sure where I got that, since my parents are definitely not animal people. I had pet lizards growing up, but I dated a guy in college who was a reptile expert, and he is who got me into herpetology and the editing gig.
ReplyDeleteDr. Alby,
ReplyDeleteI am definitely intrigued by the dissertation on race and education that you completed at UGA. Can you give a brief synopsis of the conclusions of your research? What was the difference between teachers who succeeded at connecting with students of all races and the teachers who did not?
Dr. Alby,
ReplyDeleteyou said you have a glass workshop? does that mean you work with glass sculptures or do you know how to blow torch glass like they do in the shops in Helen, GA?
when did that start to become a hobby? it's very interesting!
Hi Dr. Alby!
ReplyDeleteSince your mom and your aunt live relatively close to Milledgeville, do you spend a lot of time together?
Hi Cynthia,
ReplyDeleteI love interior design and I found it really interesting that you grew up around two designers. I can’t help but wonder what style of décor you have throughout your home, or do you have an eclectic mix of styles?
Hello, Dr. Alby,
ReplyDeleteYour autobiography mentions that you majored in classical languages: Greek and Latin, how have these languages effected your writing? Are you or have you been more inclined to include translations of classical texts in your classes because of these studies?
My trip to Sweden really changed how I viewed what is possible in education. I could go on and on here, but I'll save most of it for later. But I will say that the biggest thing to me was how schools there were not police states like they often are here. Students had loads of freedoms and responsibilities. Teachers there don't have to discipline much. They teach kids to do the right thing and they do it.
ReplyDeleteOne of the main findings from my dissertation was that people who had multiple classes on diversity issues did better with students of other races. So for example, students who had taken African American literature and then a language course that looked at ebonics and code switching and then a course in teaching diversity - those people had more success.
ReplyDeleteI don't blow glass, since that would require a studio that would be huge and cost thousands. I work glass in a torch. I can only make small things, mostly beads, but it's still pretty cool. I will demonstrate for you one day. I've made it part of one of my lessons.
ReplyDeleteYou'd think that since my mom and aunt live so close by that I'd see them often, but I tend to be crazy busy, so I don't see them as often as I like. I usually work in Athens three days a month, so I usually swing by on my way home from that. Of course I see them on holidays too and every May we all go to St. Simons together along with my cousin and two sisters. My husband is the only guy there. What a trooper!
ReplyDeleteYou all will definitely just have to come see my house. I usually have a get together at my house in September (when it is nice enough to be outside) and right before we leave for winter break. I'd call my style modern country with an art gallery twist.
ReplyDeleteFunny you should ask about teaching translations. To some degree I got kind of burned out on classics for quite a while and I'm just now getting over that. Last week I shared with my students some poetry by Sappho (Greek) and Horace (Latin). I was able to bring a lot more to that than most teachers can because of my background.
ReplyDeleteIn my own reading I tend to prefer things written in the past 10-20 years, and I don't feel like the style of the ancient writers has influenced my writing style much. But it is true that my background has given me a big vocabulary, and I think that comes through in my writing.
Hey Dr. Alby,
ReplyDeleteI am really interested in different teaching methods and you mentioned working at a Montessori school...so, I was just wondering if you think one method works better than others? Or if you have a favorite method...I know all of them have their ups and downs, but I am just so intrigued by homeschooling/private schools vs. public, and I cannot help but wonder from a professional point of view how you think they affect children?
I am a big fan of Montessori education, especially for very young learners. For middle and high school students, I am a big believer in a method called "experiential learning" with a strong focus on the arts.
ReplyDeleteHome schooling and private schools are hard to comment on. Often times these offer excellent options, but too often they are used by parents who want to keep their children away from "the rabble. The best thing about homeschooling is the one on one attention and the ability to tailor instruction to the student's needs. The best thing about private schools is that they tend to have fewer discipline problems. Ideally, we should provide more individual attention and better discipline in public schools.