Articles written by M. Halyard

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About me - M. Halyard

After 15 years' experience writing business reports for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, M. Halyard switched gears and became a high school English/writing teacher. "I wanted to give the benefit of my experience to a younger generation, and

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Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Sailing: 1 of 50
Cast off the lines, chuck them on a weatherbeaten dock,And let us turn our faces to the wind.Away from traffic, away from an inviolable clockAnd towards a beckoning blue horizon.Now pause as we point directly to the wind;To the mast we scramble and sort rigging;Fasten the main, crank the winch around, and thenUp she goes, bri... More..
Education > Secondary School Issues The problem with public education: 2 of 52
As a public high school teacher, I could be tempted to generalize a few main points about the lofty and noble ideals of American education, and then stand back and admire the view from afar...since a closer examination of the institution of public education seems to reveal an embarrassing lack of artistry. However, I promise ... More..
Education > Teachers & Administrators Should teachers be required to take mental stability tests?: 2 of 19

All teachers should be tested for mental stability before they are placed in the charge of children. That includes high school English teachers, who are notoriously NOT tested for signs of mental instability. Especially during the months of March and April, when research papers are due.Not only should all teachers be tested, ... More..
Education > Educational Philosophy How to be a good teacher: 8 of 51
Every year, as my daughters skip off to elementary school, I hope that they will each have a teacher who is patient, caring, and motivated to somehow bring out their best. I hope that their teachers will provide an outstanding role model of citizenship and will encourage my girls to develop a curiosity about the curriculum th... More..
Education > Education (Other) Is there a solution to school violence?: 4 of 21
Following the now-infamous school shooting at Columbine High School, Colorado, in 1999, the FBI completed a two-year study of school shootings in America. Not surprisingly, they concluded that the violent behavior of many teenagers has been inordinately influenced by violent movies, video games, and music. In fact, the final ... More..
Home & Garden > Pet & Pest Problems How to rid your house of fleas: 3 of 14
The last four weeks have been a Crusade. Instead of taking back Jerusalem, however, I've been taking back my dog and my cat from the infidel fleas.If you haven't waged war against a flea infestation in your own home, let me tell you, you haven't lived. Because you can't just give Fido a flea shampoo and expect to declare vict... More..
Politics, News & Issues > US Economy When the state of the economy hits home: 25 of 105
Some people will always remember where they were when they heard that JFK had been shot. Some people remember their circumstances when they heard that the World Trade Center had experienced dual plane attacks. But I will always remember the moment that I learned about the state of America's post-housing-boom economy: it was t... More..
Sports & Recreation > Boating & Sailing Tips for sailing safely: 1 of 4
As a former single handed sailor, I offer the following safety advice to all landlubbers considering a first sailing voyage in the wild blue seas of Offshore:Know Your BoatWhat? You never hoisted the sail on that 45-foot ketch that you're planning on sailing to Bermuda? You don't know if there's extra engine oil on board, or ... More..
Education > Teachers & Administrators Tips for substitute teaching at the high school level: 4 of 15
At first glance, substitute teaching at the high school level may seem like an intimidating way to make a few dollars. However, anyone with good organizational skills and the ability to keep a calm demeanor while enforcing discipline can be a successful substitute teacher.What should you expect? At the high school level, you ... More..
Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Haiku: 83 of 299

Five syllables first.Who made these rules, anyway?Five more, period.If you can't say itin seventeen syllables,Is it worth saying?Phooey! OK, I'll bendthe rules a little bit, but-They won't leave me be. More..