Exhaustion is setting in...especially when the day begins with breakfast at 8am and ends with a video editing session at 9pm.

Good thing I have my own room. I need to have time to be alone.

Today we shot video in the heat, and while we were only out for about 15 minutes, the heat (108 degrees) was overwhelming.

After working so long and hard these last three days, I'm looking forward to the DiamondBack's baseball game tomorrow.

Today was a long day.
I was awake again at 4:00 am, but I did not go to the fitness center. In the typical fashion, I made my way to the closet CVS (Kara would be proud) in order to purchase some water and yogurt. I was surprised that the CVS here also sells beer and wine. Definitely not in PA anymore.

We had to cover an hour speech today, and then we had 2 hours to write an article about it. This reminded me why I am not a reporter and journalist. It was so STRESSFUL! I was thrilled that I used my Flip video to tape the entire Q&A session, so I was able to go back and review it for full quotes (I had to use 4-5 quotes in my article).

Tomorrow Steve will provide edit and feedback. Not looking forward to that. I'm sure my article needs much rewriting.

On a good note, I'm learning so many new things. I have so many great ideas for lesson plans. I am thoroughly excited to develop more cohesive lessons and ideas for not only my journalism students, but also my newspaper staff. We thought our newspaper was good this year; wait until next year!

It's late, I'm tired, and the morning will come quickly.

Note: Got to the pool this evening. It is really nice. It was still pretty hot outside, but the water was very cool. It was nice. I plan to go during the day (or morning) and take some pictures to post. Check back to see them.

Today was fantastic! One of my main goals during this fellowship was to become more familiar with the 1st Amendment, so I can effectively teach it to my students. The 1st Amendment presentation by Ken Paulsen, ASNE President, was so good that I wish I would have video taped him. Since he was the first presenter, I really had no idea how the sessions were going to be held. However, his presentation really energized everyone, and I am looking forward to designing opening lessons for my journalism classes.

Another great aspect of the day was listening to Steve Elliott's journalism lessons and anecdotes. In fact, I have a few memorable quotes by Steve:

"Journalists are scholars of the world."
This was great because I never really thought about it that way.

"If you want to write, read."
Agreed.

In reference to brainstorming, "Barf them out."
Too many times we want to "organize" brainstorming, and he told us to just get them all out and organize later.

"Tape is a strong credibility tool."
However, he cautions to make sure to always have notes too because your tape WILL fail.

Regarding online research, "It informs your reporting, it's not your report."
Too true, and how hard this is to get through our technologically raised youth.

"Partial quotes are the Devil."
Self-explanatory.

Finally, my favorite Steve quote of the day, "I do find that shame and humiliation are great teaching tools."
Well, for me, shame and humiliation guarantee that I learn from the mistake...maybe not without some residual trauma ;) But I agree that sugar-coating everything is not the way, so I would rather a bit of shame and humiliation.

Steve was not the only instructor to have a memorable quote. In fact, Alan Weintraut from Annandale High School stated today that "Quotes convey emotion, not information."

Lastly, Jen Chandler (Maryland), Mindy Gilman (Kansas), and Deb Grund (Florida) offered some tips regarding information they keep in their classrooms in order to assist students with interviews.

Jen's class keeps a class schedule for all of the students and a master schedule for the teachers at the school, so when interviews are needed the journalists know where to find people.

Mindy's class keeps a "No-No" List, which is a list of students who are not to be interviewed because either (a) the students have already been interviewed once for an article, or (b) the students are friends of the journalists.

Ultimately, Deb's class keeps a list of all students. Each name is highlighted in yellow at the beginning of the year. When a student has been interviewed for an article, his/her name is highlighted in blue. Thus, when a student's name is green, s/he cannot be interviewed again.

Great ideas for organization for the classroom, the teacher, and the students. Bravo!

It is 4:30 am, and of course, I'm up. Maybe not ready to start the day, but I'm awake. Even at 4:00 am Pacific Time (yes, I figured that one out), I had to use the bathroom. It is Eastern Time for me, not Atlantic, so of course originally I would think Western. Makes a bit of sense, huh? However, Arizona is actually on Mountain Time, and they don't observe daylight savings time, like we Easterners (thank you Google). The Navajo Nation here does observe daylight savings time. So I guess I'm entitled to be a bit confused when it comes to the time zone.
Anyway, if it is 4:30 am here, it is 7:30 am (3 hour difference) in Pennsylvania. Thus, my husband is up and getting ready for work, and my son and daughter are still sleeping.

My sleeping habits are chaotic at best. So, I'm going to go and use the fitness room, which is open 24 hours in order to give myself some needed "pick me up." While they recommend to not drink caffeinated drinks when you are in Arizona heat, I'm not going to be able to function without at least one cup of coffee, which I'll need since I'm up at freaking 4:30 AM!

Breakfast starts at 8:00 am, and we were told "enjoy last night's dinner" because the food over at Taylor Place is not the same. It is college cafeteria food, which is what I expected. My thoughts...at least I'm not staying in the dorm, too. ;)

Post B will come later in the day wit

Today, I left for Phoenix at 10 am from Philadelphia. Well, of course, my plane did not leave on time. But this was one of those times when I really didn't care because I did not have a connecting flight. In fact, my anxiety level never moved after I weighed in my luggage at 48.5 lbs!

The flight was a bit bumpy, but I find that most flights are now. Does this have anything to do with the Greenhouse Effect? Or is it that I'm getting older and more paranoid about flying...

After arriving, I was able to get my baggage and shuttle with no issues. Go figure. I don't think that has happened in a long time. In fact, I was the first one dropped off at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown. Yippie!

As I'm departing the van, the Bellman, Chris, comes over, introduces himself, takes my bags, directs me to the check in, and assures me that I bags will be delivered to my room. That was nice, although I didn't have any time to take out a tip for him. That I feel a bit guilty about.

I meander to the check in area where Jennifer kindly checks me in. She tells me that I have complimentary Internet in the room (that is how I am posting my blog). In addition, Jennifer tells me that if I "go green" with my usage of room amenities (no maid service) that they will slip a $5 voucher under my door each day in which I can use in their bar and restaurant. Way to go! Of course, I sign up after I make sure that I can still get clean towels when I need them. Yes, she says. In fact, we will bring more coffee, tea, shampoo, or whatever you need. Can this transfer to my home life when I return to Bethlehem???

So now I go to the bank of elevators to find my way up to Room 2136. I have already been told by Jennifer that the fitness facility, pool, and hot tub are on Floor 4. Hmmm, I wonder. Do I have time for a dip before I need to meet everyone at 5:30 pm? It is now 2:30 Western time (is that right--I don't think so), but I may be able to sneak in a toe dip and a 20 minute sunbathe.

I get to my room, and Wow! I find luxury abounds. I have a king-size bed for just me...this is my dream come true. Now, you all know that just because the place is upper-crust doesn't mean that I didn't check for bedbugs. Also, check out the vanity. Now, why can't all hotels have this kind of vanity in the bathroom?

Within minutes of entering my room, I receive a phone call from the Bell Desk letting me know that my luggage is on the way up. Scott arrives with my bags in tow, and I have $2 for his tip. But wait...Scott proceeds to tell me about the amenities in my room (hair dryer, iron, ironing board, refrigerator, air conditioning, etc.) and then asks me if I would like him to get me some ice from the vending machine. Yes, people this is luxury. Of course, I said yes, and while he was gone, I switched the $2 in my hand for a $5. Scott came back with the ice, and finished his talk by going over the emergency exits with me. Really? I don't think I have ever had ANY hotel

At this point, it is now 3:00, and I need to get a bit organized with my "stuff" for the next 12 days. Signing off for now. I'll post more later.

As I get in my car this morning at 9:10 am to officially leave school for the summer, "School's Out for Summer" by Alice Cooper in playing on the radio. Ironic, right?

While many think that teachers do nothing in the summer, I drove home to take my daughter to work, to go to the gym, and then to sit down at my computer and continue to prepare for my two-week fellowship trip to Phoenix.

I continue to feel anxiety--both good and bad.

Bad anxiety--reading over posts from people who I have not met, and I think "crap, I sound stupid compared to these people." Of course, that is my insecurities talking, not reality.

Good anxiety--still trying to come up with story ideas. The last one I sent Steve seems like it might be a winner. But I won't reveal it here just yet because I don't want anyone else to steal my thunder.

Bad anxiety--I get the information from Steve about the opening reception, time, place, etc. He even includes a Google map. Yikes! I'm someone who has to do a dry-run with my husband in the car when I drive somewhere new. Steve uses terms like go north one block. NORTH? How am I going to know it is north when I won't have any idea where I'm at in relation to...anything?!

Good anxiety--I got my FREE BOOKS! I have been looking through a few things in the AP Style Manual, and yes, we have been making some errors in our paper. Double crap.

Well, at least I'm ending this post on a

One of the technologies that we will be using at "The Institute" is Google Blog. I'm not a big fan of blogs; I don't really have a good reason for my dislike. I am enjoying this personal blog, but I'm not an "everybody post something and read all the entries" kind of gal.

So, when I read that I was required to submit to the blog by introducing myself, I thought hmmm, what am I going to write? I don't want to seem like a slacker who doesn't write enough, but at the same time, I don't want to look like a pompous Easterner who tells her whole life story.

So, do I tell them that while I wanted to be a cheerleader in high school, I was never chosen for the squad? I ended up being a "bando nerdo" instead. Or that I ended up being a cheerleading coach for over 10 years after high school?

Do I tell them about my daughter's visit to China these last two weeks--doing research with PSU on China's polluted water source?

Maybe I tell them that I love to make jewelry, but I don't seem to have the time. That I enjoy crafts, reading, etc...boring, boring, stuff.

After a bit of deliberating, I decided that I would post a bit of information and add links. This way if someone wants to know more about me...they can read on.
Here is my post:

Well, I tried to post last night from my "smart" phone, but it decided that it had been smart enough for one day; thus, I had to wait until I had my laptop, so I could post on the blog.

Greetings everyone!
My name is Karla Erdman, and I am an English teacher at Freedom High School in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. In addition to teaching English to tenth graders, I also teach journalism and SAT preparation. Also, I'm the adviser for The Freedom Forum, our school newspaper. We are going through some major cuts and restructuring, so I may be teaching 11th graders next year, too.

Click the links above in the paragraph to visit some websites pertaining to me, my school, and the school newspaper.

I am excited, nervous, and wound-up to attend the Institute at ASU. I'm looking forward to meeting everyone and working with different people and getting fabulous ideas. Since the temperature has risen quite a bit here in PA, I am slowly getting used to the heat.

My goal is to come away with some great lesson plan ideas, as well as article ideas for the newspaper. While no one is fan of criticism, I know I'll get a lot, but it will be useful and help my students grow.

Signing off for now. See everyone soon. Have a great end-of-the-school-year!

Karla Erdman
Freedom High School
Bethlehem, PA

One of my assignments before I leave for Phoenix is to email Steve with three article ideas for institute publication. No pressure there, right? This is such a daunting task for me. I don't really know why because I usually have tons of great ideas. However, this time I feel pressure to come up with a REALLY GREAT idea--one that will show how savvy and intelligent I am. Well, I don't know if my ideas do that, so I decided to send them and ask Steve for his thoughts. Below is my email to him.

Dear Steve,
As I sit here wracking my anxiety-laden brain for ideas, I thought just send the ideas and get Steve’s insight. So that is what this email is about. While I may be Freedom’s resident journalism teacher, I am by no means a journalist. Therefore, I am having a difficult time trying to figure out what my “angle” would be for these topics. I just know that they are things that either bother or interest me (or maybe a bit of both).
Possible story topics
1.      Dress Code (enforcing it/uniforms/knee-huggin’-pants/underwear peaking for sunlight/club attire seen during the day, etc)
-      Are schools enforcing appropriate student and adult dress codes
-      Alternatives
-      This would push to link to college and business expectations
-      Are employers relaxing their standards based on the prevailing styles
2.      The Privatization of Public Education
-      I am convinced that the turmoil in many states regarding education budgets and the attacks on teachers, teacher unions, performance appraisals, proficiency levels, etc. are all means to try to dismantle public education and put it in the private sector
-      However, I have no idea where to start this, and it is such a large topic, I don’t know what my focus would be
3.      My last idea is about the abhorrent way people express themselves in writing. I’m not talking about texting lingo, although that is relevant to my idea. I can’t stand when people send emails to colleagues with “i” or with no punctuation. Or when publications, like the one I picked up in my doctor’s office, have grammar issues galore. Or even worse, the people, who respond to articles in the newspaper, write on the newspaper’s blog and don’t spell words correctly and can’t use there/their/they’re properly. Again, I don’t know where this may or may not play a role in a possible story/article.

Since my last post, I have booked my flight to Phoenix, received information about the hotel where I will be staying in Phoenix, and I have received the dreaded SYLLABUS. For those of you that are unfamiliar with the term, the document in which I am referring is the required reading and assignments that will take place before, during, and after the two-week program.

Now, don't get me wrong. I fully expect to work my fanny off during the two weeks that I am in Phoenix. I certainly did not expect it to be a vacation. In fact, I am earning educational credits toward my Act 48, which I don't need because I have over 1200 hours (we only need 180), and I have a year left before my time rolls over to a new five-year stint.

However, when I received the 23-PAGE SYLLABUS, I nearly fell off my chair. I have taken graduate classes that did not even have a quarter of the page number. And remember, I'm to complete all of this within a two-week period. So, yes, my anxiety level has certainly increased dramatically.

As I was talking about it today with my newspaper staff, one of the students said, "Wow, Mrs. Erdman! You are going to be an expert when you come back from Phoenix." Well, with a 23-PAGE SYLLABUS, I certainly hope so. Either that, or I'll come back in a straight-jacket. Let's hope for the former.

Today I received a reply to my email to Patricia (Trisha) Turner, who participated in the 2010 ASNE Reynolds Institute. Trisha is a teacher at East Stroudsburg North High School and an adviser to The Wolf Pack newspaper, and she went to Texas last year for her fellowship.

The reason I contacted Trisha was because I am originally from the Stroudsburg area, so I thought it would be easy for me to connect with someone from my hometown. And I was right. In fact, her husband and my husband graduated from Stroudsburg High School the same year.

Trisha was very generous in her information via email to me. While her experience is going to be different from mine because of location, the general ideas should be similar. Trisha stated that it was the best program she has been in and that she had a wonderful time. She made some recommendations about what to bring (an external hard drive), and she described the hotel and the overall feeling of the two-week adventure.

Trisha said that she keeps in touch with the colleagues from the program. In fact, they are planning a get-together this summer.

I am sure that I will have a wonderful experience both educationally and personally.