FAQ: How to Deal with Mr. Wevodau

Q: I'm getting C's and F's on some of my essays. I've never earned grades below B's before--and I am trying. What's wrong with me? (Or, more likely, what's wrong with Mr. Wevodau?)

A: Nothing is wrong with you. Or me. The Advanced Placement English program is challenging. Quite frankly, I am not aware of any GCISD teacher under Grade 11 who fully knows and understands AP English course expectations.  Expect a period of adjustment. Most students come to me having written only one or two AP-style English essays. Struggles are normal at first; however, standards are not lowered. To improve grades, conference about your work and writing. It is the fastest way to higher scores. Do not lose heart. Over the past three years, 85 percent of my students have passed the exam and also earned a class grade above 85. Most are extremely successful--and I expect you to be as well. But that doesn't mean you start earning A's and B's immediately.

Q: I have late work. Can I turn it in?

A: You will find Mr. Wevodau to be extremely understanding. All people make mistakes. Our hectic lives, meshed with inevitable unexpected events, means that assignments are not always completed on time. I often waive late penalties if I am told about difficulties in advance (e.g., a game in a school night involving considerable travel). When the unexpected happens, I am understanding. Do know, though, that I maintain a strong sense of dignity and honor for myself, and that I expect that in others. Late assignments should be rare, and my consideration should not be taken advantage of. I do have an excellent memory.  

Q: Will Mr. Wevodau write me a recommendation?

A: Most likely. I have kind words to say about any student who gives his or her best effort and maximizes potential. Students should be advised that asking a teacher to write a recommendation does require at least 45 minutes of effort on the teacher's part. A careful writer like Mr. Wevodau, who has the power to make anyone look like a god or goddess through words, often takes considerably more time. Unfortunately, in my busy life, time is often at a premium. Frequently, I am forced to write recommendations after school, when I am often extremely dehydrated. Of course, an ice cold Dr. Pepper from my mini-fridge gives me a 10-minute burst of energy during which my thoughts run clearer. Six Dr. Pepper's may produce a full hour of frenzied, high quality writing. Students wanting recommendations perhaps should ensure that I have enough Dr. Pepper's in my fridge to keep up with their requests.  

Q: Is Mr. Wevodau a nerd?

A: No. But I pretend to be one since I'm assigned to teach the smart kids.

Q: Mr. Wevodau didn't respond to my email. What's up with him? Why did he ignore me?

A: Consider this: Your teacher cares for three young children, runs a large household, oversees a major student organization, plans daily lessons, compiles performance assessments for 180 students (every three weeks, mind you), and trains for marathons. It is inevitable that a few of the hundreds of emails received daily are forgotten about. If you don't hear back from me within 24 hours, please try again. Also, keep in mind that the district spam filter does flag some email addresses. And, as a further complication, if you misspell "Wevodau," I'll never get it.

Q: Will Mr. Wevodau be my Facebook friend?

A: Yes. Mr. Wevodau does maintain a poorly updated Facebook page for school use. I will be glad to have you as my friend; however, be advised that I use the site mostly to spy on my students in an attempt to understand contemporary teenage culture.

Q: Why does Mr. Wevodau wear so many sweater vests? Where does he buy them?

Q: I love Mr. Wevodau. What gifts does he like? What awards should I nominate him for?

A: No gifts and no awards. You will not give Mr. Wevodau gift certificates at Christmas. You will not bring him freshly made brownies. You will not bring him morning coffee. You will not nominate him for Who's Who Among American Teachers. You will not ask him to go to the Top 20 Dinner (he is philosophically opposed to it). You will not nominate him for some monthly student award. Why? To oversimplify: If you can't please yourself, then the satisfaction of others seems absurd. The best way to show appreciation is simply to learn and participate in class--although I do admit that I keep a folder of student letters that I read through on those bad days.

Q: Mr. Wevodau is sitting quietly at his desk with a thoughtful look on his face, staring off into space. Should I approach him with my question?

A: No.

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