Category Archives: Anecdotes

Because I’m one of the teachers whom a lot of students are comfortable talking to, sometimes the things that are the most exhausting about my day are one-on-one conversations with students that have nothing to do with the subject I’m … Continue reading →

I got my formal observation report back from my department head yesterday.  My department head once reassured me that “No one but me will ever see your formal observation write-ups.” +5-1

My AP kids did an experiment today (or I guess yesterday because it’s now after midnight) involving thermochemistry and Hess’s Law. I think as a class, they’ve really become the scientists I’ve been trying to teach them to be. After … Continue reading →

Dear student: Before turning in a verbatim copy of someone else’s formal lab report, it would be a good idea to check to see whether your friend’s report contains embarrassing material that might be memorable enough to make its way … Continue reading →

Last week, I asked my students to give me some anonymous feedback on my chemistry classes. Evidently, they seem to be happy. +2-3

I have an AIM screen name that I give my students to use when they want to ask me school-related questions after hours.  Some of my colleagues have expressed concerns about my doing this, but I’m careful to log everything … Continue reading →

For the first time in over 4 years of teaching, I was unable to read one of my students’ handwriting. I gave a test with an essay question, and I was able to make out only about 1/3 of the … Continue reading →

One of my students from my organic chemistry class in Peabody two years ago just sent me the following: hi mr. bigler, i don’t know if you remember me but its $FORMER_STUDENT and you taught me in organic chemistry and … Continue reading →

Every year during my lab safety lecture, I have the kids turn on the eye wash and pull the safety shower chain with a bucket under the shower head.  This year, on about the fourth or fifth kid, the valve … Continue reading →