NYC's Best Kept Secret - Locations of 13 Rubber Rooms

March 21 Update - Good article in the NY Post - the Rubber Rooms are so secretive, that I got the wrong count on the number of rooms in NYC:

8 rubber rooms citywide
675 educators in them every day
140 for misconduct
117 for corporal punishment
102 for arrests outside school
45 for incompetence
$40.5M paid to these teachers in last fiscal year
12 years one teacher had been in a rubber room
http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/bored_of_ed_in_fPRMkAqNVBQ4hWAs1XYICM/1#ixzz0ioIRDlLk

Update from Friday, December 11, 2009 Post

I sent the below letter to the Rubber Rooms in Staten Island (through the assistance of a teacher) and to one in Brooklyn and Manhattan (by stumbling upon addresses mentioned in news accounts). I am on a quest to find the address for the Queens Rubber Room, since that is where I grew up. Here's the letter sent to Brooklyn and Manhattan:

February 2, 2010

NYC Department of Education
Teacher Reassignment Center
333 7th Ave.

New York, NY 10001-5004

25 Chapel Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201-1952

Re: Enclosed Book - Unlocking Your Rubber Room

Dear Teachers:

I am a native New Yorker from Queens (PS 184, JHS 194, Bayside HS) and a Legal Studies professor at Georgia State University in Atlanta, who recently read about your ordeal in The New Yorker. One of the most telling quotes in Mr. Brill’s piece concerned a teacher’s situation, when the city official stated: “Our standard is tighter than ‘beyond a reasonable doubt’.”

I had never heard the term “Rubber Room” used in the school system context, until I started researching the title for my book, Unlocking Your Rubber Room. I also didn’t appreciate the depth of NYC Rubber Room issues until after the book was published. Unlocking Your Rubber Room is a humorous look at law and life (Sections I & II), with my own bent perspective on the justice system (Section III). While the book isn’t about teacher Rubber Rooms, I believe its lessons will offer you some needed levity (starting with the book title!), and possibly help maintain or regain your perspective on the teaching profession, as you await due process hearings.

Please e-mail me with any comments on my book or just to say hello. I wish you peace of mind and happiness in 2010.

Sincerely,

Perry Binder

Book Web Site: http://www.yourrubberroom.com/ Crazy Classroom Teacher Blog: http://yourrubberroom.blogspot.com/

Dec. 11 Post:
NYC Teachers Sue for a Pass Out of Rubber Rooms

While this blog is dedicated to inspiring teacher stories, I'd be remiss if I didn't post this story about K-12 teachers who believe they are being unjustly treated:BROOKLYN (CN) -Some 2000 schoolteachers say New York City is discriminating against them by confining them on trumped-up charges in infamous "rubber rooms" until they retire. Rubber rooms are study hall-like places where teachers are paid full wages to do nothing -- sometime for years. Continue reading - http://www.courthousenews.com/2009/12/01/Class_of_Teachers_Sues_NYC_For_a_Pass_Out_of_Rubber_Rooms.htm
I stumbled across the rubber room issue when selecting the title of my book.

In my book Intro:

Rub·ber Room (noun)A confining mind-set where thoughts and possibilities bounce aimlesslyIn my book

Epilogue:Rub·ber Room (noun)An isolated place where schools send unruly teachers awaiting disciplinary proceedings

After the fact, I dug deeper into the NYC Rubber Room problem, and discovered some reasons (justly and possibly unjustly) that teachers get sent there. One of the biggest issues is how long teachers must wait until given a due process hearing to get reinstated (they are suspended with pay until a resolution). Though my book has nothing to do with the NYC Rubber Room issue, a couple of months ago I wrote this letter to provide moments of levity for Rubber Room occupants awaiting a hearing:

September 28, 2009

Michael Mulgrew

President, United Federation of Teachers

52 BroadwayNew York, NY 10004

Re: The Rubber Room New Yorker article – Your Letter to the Editor

Dear Mr. Mulgrew:

I am a Queens, New York native (PS 184, JHS 194, Bayside HS) and a Legal Studies professor at Georgia State University, who read your Letter to the Editor in The New Yorker with great interest. One of the most telling quotes in Mr. Brill’s piece concerned the city official’s statement: “Our standard is tighter than ‘beyond a reasonable doubt’.”I had never heard the term “Rubber Room” used in the school system context, until I started researching the title of my enclosed book, Unlocking Your Rubber Room (2009).

The reason I am writing is because I am interested in supplying each borough’s “Rubber Room” with a copy of my book (at no cost). http://www.yourrubberroom.com/ Unlocking Your Rubber Room is a humorous look at law and life (Sections I & II), with my bent perspective on the justice system (Section III). I believe that the book would help Rubber Room occupants maintain or regain perspective as they await their hearings. If anything, the book’s title and content would offer some needed levity. Please let me know if you have any thoughts on how to accomplish the above task. Thank you for your time and consideration.Sincerely,Perry BinderMr. Mulgrew's Letter to the Editor of The New YorkerBrill captures the Kafkaesque quality of Rubber Rooms, in which teachers linger while the Department of Education ponders accusations against them.

Read more: http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/letters/2009/09/28/090928mama_mail2Postscript:

To date, I have not heard back from Mr. Mulgrew, but a couple of people are attempting to assist me and get free copies of my book into the five NYC Rubber Rooms.

Lessons Learned from Sports

Published in the early 90's for the 25th Anniversary Event Program, honoring Bob Beamon for the Greatest Track & Field Feat in Olympic History (Mexico City, 1968)

WIND BENEATH MY WINGS
by Bob Beamon with Perry Zane Binder

Sometimes when I get home after a particularly hectic day, I'll put on some jazz and take out my African drums to strike up a beat. As I close my eyes, my body succumbs to the rhythmic vibrations of pounding drums. With the stress of the day draining off, I kick back and try to reflect on where I've been and where I'm going. Sometimes my mind wanders back to Mexico City and 1968; but mostly, I think about today and tomorrow, one day at a time.

I work up a good beat and follow the flow. This morning, I went to an elementary school to talk with a few hundred children about precious opportunities. The kids cheered when I showed a replay of the jump. That got their attention. But then one kid laughed when I confided that I couldn't read a book at his age. He didn't mean anything by it, but it's hard to know sometimes who listens closely to the lessons of the past - who we can reach and who remains lost in America's school corridors and neighborhood back alleys.

As a kid growing up in Jamaica, Queens, I could barely find a positive role model in the
neighborhood. The money and fancy clothes flashed around by local drug dealers and pimps were tempting and offered a quick way out. The message of sacrifice offered by parents, guardians and teachers who toil anonymously in the trenches was brushed aside to satisfy the appetite of the moment. When a young man today wonders if he'll live to see his twenty-fifth birthday and our babies are having babies, it's easy to identify such an overwhelming sense of resignation on our nation's street corners.

The statistics are mind blowing. Nationwide, an estimated 270,000 firearms are brought to our
kids' schools every day. While a recent United Way survey identified that non-profit groups reach out to an estimated 15,000 "at-risk" youth in Dade County, Florida, another 120,000 needy kids aren't getting proper attention. Let's get one thing straight - in some way, all of our youth are at risk. Before we can isolate what makes children tick, their parents must first discover what makes themselves function effectively. Before parents can instill a sense of pride and dignity in a child, before we can talk about molding model citizens, mothers and fathers must feel good about who they are. A stable home life is the first priority our country must address before we can consider the active role that athletes can play in developing healthy minds and bodies.

Obviously, each kid is not going to cross the finish line first, but as Baron Pierre de Courbertin of
France (the inspiration behind holding the modern Olympic Games) stated: "The important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part; the important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. "

Ultimately, the lesson for our youth to gather is that it is not imperative to take home the gold
medal. Champions are not made on the field or track; champions are made according to your
accomplishments and abilities in every day life situations. The same tools that I used to succeed
athletically can be applied to succeeding personally. Just as practice in long jumping made me
successful, practice in whatever your profession or hobby may be will make you equally as
successful. A sound work ethic will offer a framework for a youth's self-worth and the impetus to
stand up and scream: "I am a Champion!"

One key to my athletic accomplishments, however, is that someone was eventually there to give
me an opportunity. Whether it was Larry Ellis, my high school track and field coach, or Ralph
Boston, Mr. Long Jump, a helping hand guided me to focus out distractions and concentrate on
honing my skills.

While an Olympic jump gave me notoriety and stature, that success does not define who I am.
But sports did give me a backdrop of discipline to apply each day. This stable force helps me to face the realities of keeping up with today's rigors. Our children must be taught such lessons from sports - how to set realistic goals, stick to them, work through them and redefine them to stretch their talents to new heights.

Because as the image of an eternal Olympic torch burns an indelible message of hope and respect in our hearts and minds, the flame is beginning to flicker. The fire in our neighborhood streets is
simply suffocating the spirit and dreams of every kid who is taken for granted and not given an
opportunity to flourish.

The great news is that high profile athletes are anxious to offer their time to find solutions. From
Nate Archibald in Harlem to James Worthy in Compton and everyone in between the two coasts, athletes are coming to the rescue of young people in vast numbers. The simple point is that we have the ability to attract a kid's attention. Let's use our gifts constructively.

The boys and girls growing up in America are the wind beneath my wings. They are my
motivation for rising each morning with an inspired outlook. So tonight, my eyes are open as I allow the drum beat to guide my thoughts about yesterday and today. About Mexico City. About some anonymous kids marking time by hanging out on the corner. About tomorrow's journey.

My beat is strong and fluid now, yet it seeks interpretation and clarity. It reaches out for your
understanding and support.

The beat goes on. It simply has to.

1994 Bio: Perry Zane Binder is a sports radio talk show host on WSBH in Miami Beach (Love of the Game).

c 1994-2016 Perry Binder

Lessons to Transform Your Classroom, Part II

I just got back from Savannah, where I met 150 great teachers, K-12, at the Georgia Association of Educators (GAE) annual conference. At the beginning of my session (Lessons to Transform Your Classroom), I passed out index cards and asked participants to write:
- One word which describes your typical classroom environment (108 responses)
- Your favorite TV show or movie about teachers

The movie, Lean on Me, was the overwhelming favorite. As to the "one word" question, I promised the teachers that I'd post the responses on my blog:

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: musical, warm, intense, light-hearted, busy, discombobulated, spirited, small group, exciting (2), structured (3), unique, supportive, organized, crazy, happy (2), hyper, survival, variety (2), colorful (2), active (2), fun! (5), funny, organized chaos, organized mess, learning, compassionate, busy (2), parents!, packed, interactive, unbalanced, supercalifragelistic, spontaneous, interesting, talkative, hectic, diverse, inviting, non-traditional, light, investigative, cooperative, entertaining, engaged, spontaneous, jumping beans, autism

MIDDLE SCHOOL: challenging, exciting (2), engaging, ssshhh!, talk show, electric, accepting, greedy, real, pleasant, fun (3), busy, peaceful, serious, interesting, funny, interactive, active (2), talkative, me, teamwork

HIGH SCHOOL: organized, popping, literary, engaged, happy, unpredictable, structured, homey, exploring, interesting, indescribable, everyone wanting one-on-one help, productive, high energy, support, innovative

TEACH AT ALL LEVELS (or grade level not identified): challenging, alert, happy, maintaining order, homey, structure

Articles for Classroom Motivation

Enjoy!

Light Bulb Moments for Teachers
http://www.perrybinder.com/lightbulb.htm

Perry's Graduation Speech
http://www.perrybinder.com/graduation.htm

Making a Case for Classroom Humor (AJC Op-Ed)
http://www.perrybinder.com/classroomhumor.htm

Transform Your Classroom by Unlocking your Rubber Room (Teachers.net Gazette)
http://www.perrybinder.com/transform.htm

Lessons to Transform Your Classroom

This week, I'm leading a workshop for the Georgia Association of Educators on Lessons to Transform Your Classroom from my book Unlocking Your Rubber Room. In addition, I will have "Lessons of Justice for the Classroom" with Participant Activities, including this one:

Lessons to Transform Your Classroom
Perry Binder, J.D.

Lessons on teaching, life, fun, and the intersection of education and justice – where you can make a difference in your life, your students’ lives, and the world around you. Lessons of Justice can be taught at all grade levels

Participant Activity, Part I
Hypothetical: You are a teacher in the state of Georgia looking for a way to teach lessons of fairness, justice, and empathy for your class. Today, you read about the following (fictitious) story: In the State of Apathy, the Utopia elementary school sits 400 yards downstream from a dam holding back billions of gallons of water mixed with coal sludge. The Apathy state government and local school board have refused to build a new elementary school in a safer location. The not so apathetic parents of children attending Utopia, afraid for their children’s lives, have tried for years to get a new school out of harm’s way. Finally, in April 2010, the local school board will discuss and vote on possible funding for a new school.

Pick one of the following grade grouping (we can refine the grouping if needed)
Grades 3-5
Grades 6-8
Grades 9-12

Brainstorm with one or two other teachers and come up with an interactive assignment for your students to better understand, connect with, and help the students at Utopia.

Participant Activity, Part II (handed out after completing Part I):

What would your lesson look like if this wasn’t a hypothetical and these events were occurring at your school?
Marsh Fork Elementary School, West Virginia
Advocacy Group: http://www.penniesofpromise.org/

Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=2256931294

Radio Interview, Thursday, Jan. 21 @ 3pm EST

I'll be discussing Unlocking Your Rubber Room on "Nothing but good news" with Kandee G (Miami, FL 880AM)

http://www.880thebiz.com

Kandee G hosts the Nothing But Good News Radio Show which helps listeners transform ordinary events into extraordinary moments. She is dedicated to bringing greater awareness to broadcast programming and satisfying the increasing public demand for integrity, honesty and impassioned living though quality programming.

On the Nothing But Good News Radio Show you will hear Kandee G interview the great leaders of today along with those everyday heartwarming stories that reflect personal breakthroughs. Our programs focus on the most current trends in science, philosophy, human potential, leadership development, team building, visionary qualities and improvements for personal development with practical solutions for better living in an ever-changing world.

What Makes a Great Teacher?

Good article in this month's Atlantic...

Education January/February 2010 Atlantic
For years, the secrets to great teaching have seemed more like alchemy than science, a mix of motivational mumbo jumbo and misty-eyed tales of inspiration and dedication. ...

Things that you might think would help a new teacher achieve success in a poor school—like prior experience working in a low-income neighborhood—don’t seem to matter. Other things that may sound trifling—like a teacher’s extracurricular accomplishments in college—tend to predict greatness.

by Amanda Ripley

Continue reading: http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/201001/good-teaching

Motorized bar stool in Ohio still unsold

What is your price point for these motorized beauties? (and will proposed legislation against distracted driving diminish their resale value)

MOTORIZED STOOL - Person who bid $1,125 didn't come through with the cash
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34644141/ns/us_news-weird_news/


MOTORIZED RECLINER (steering wheel, headlights, rear roll bars, power antenna, stereo, and cup holders included. It can top out at 15 to 20 miles per hour. Stickers on the back include a National Hot Rod Association logo and one that reads, "Hell yeah it's fast." What, no built-in fridge?) - sold for $9,999.99?
See my prior post from Nov. 6, 2009:
http://yourrubberroom.blogspot.com/2009/11/motorized-la-z-boy-dui-e-bay-lawyers.html

MOTORIZED RED ARM CHAIR - there were 24 e-bay bids (that's it?) - the highest was $700.00, but "reserve not met" when bidding ended in November
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ARMCHAIR-CRUISERS-MOTORIZED-RECLINER-LAZYBOY-NOT-DUI_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem2c51817176QQitemZ190345998710QQptZLHQ5fDefaultDomainQ5f100

State Bills to Curb Distracted Driving Gain Momentum
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/02/technology/02distracted.html?sudsredirect=true

What is your preferred mode of travel?

Happy New Year - 2010 Rubber Fun

2009 was a fun year for me in the classroom and out promoting the book - here's a podcast from December, a newly published article, and a sneak preview to some upcoming Rubbery events:

Thursday, January 21, 2010 - 3:00pm-4:00pm - Dare to Be Remarkable (880AM - Miami, FL)

Saturday, January 30, 2010 - Georgia Association of Educators Annual Conference - Lessons to Transform Your Classroom

Wednesday, February 10, 2010 - Noon - GSU Law School - Topic TBA

Friday, February 12, 2010 - 17th Georgia Conference on College & University Teaching

Tuesday, March 9, 2010 - Kiwanis, Peachtree City, GA, Book Discussion: Follow Your Dreams - At Any Age!

Podcast: Perry's Interview on A Closer Look Radio, Coast-to-Coast
http://www.achieveradio.com/archplayer.php?showname=A%20Closer%20Look%20with%20Pam%20Atherton&ShowURL=http://audio.achieveradio.com/closer-look/Dec-17-2009-at-01-00PM---A_Closer_Look.mp3

Just Published by Teacher.net Gazette (Cover Story)

Transform Your Classroom by Unlocking Your Rubber Room

Perry Binder

Rub•ber Room (noun) A confining mindset where thoughts and possibilities bounce around but never turn into action

At whatever level you teach, K-12 or college, the continual cliché to “Have a positive attitude” is intended to keep you inspired and refreshed in the classroom. Drawing from hilarious or serious lessons as a teacher and former student, this article digs down below that cliché with examples of what makes us tick as people, so we can in turn be better teachers. It is an exploration and celebration of our childhood motivations, passion to teach, and the special quality that fires us up to walk into a classroom each day.

Continue reading: http://teachers.net/gazette/wordpress/perrybinder/transform-your-classroom/

New teachers reflect on their first semester

I enjoyed this article about new teachers, the mistakes they've made, and the motivation they have to succeed in the 2010 spring term.

Enthusiasm is contagious (excerpt):

When I was in college, I had several friends studying to be teachers. Every time they would talk about student teaching or creating lesson plans, I would think 'No way. Not me.' " At that time in my life, the idea of holding the education of 20-some students in my hands was enough to strike terror in my heart. Now the idea of putting up with 20-some children who are not mine is enough to do the same. So my hat is off to those who decide to pursue that career. The best teachers are the ones who hold that calling on their life, who have that special gift of inspiring students to do their best and to explain the concepts they need to know in a way that each child can understand.

Read the article:

http://mywebtimes.com/archives/ottawa/display.php?id=394586