Sally O’Brien
@sallyohbrien.bsky.social
Perpetually awaiting a rebirth of wonder.
οὐ μὲν γάρ τοι ἔτ’ ἄλλος ἐλεύσεται ἐνθάδ’ ᾿Οδυσσεύς.
Proud #PHLed neighborhood school teacher and parent.
she/her
οὐ μὲν γάρ τοι ἔτ’ ἄλλος ἐλεύσεται ἐνθάδ’ ᾿Οδυσσεύς.
Proud #PHLed neighborhood school teacher and parent.
she/her
As I get ready to take the beloved veteran in my life out to lunch this Armistice Day, I am thinking again of this piece by S Brian Willson, which I often return to.
November 11, 2025 at 6:45 PM
As I get ready to take the beloved veteran in my life out to lunch this Armistice Day, I am thinking again of this piece by S Brian Willson, which I often return to.
what I normally do for homework is have students read (usually a book of their choice, occasionally an assigned text) and fill out a log where they have to write a few sentences. this week I rolled out an alternate format where instead of writing every day they just write a book review at the end.
November 11, 2025 at 6:31 PM
what I normally do for homework is have students read (usually a book of their choice, occasionally an assigned text) and fill out a log where they have to write a few sentences. this week I rolled out an alternate format where instead of writing every day they just write a book review at the end.
@marcusluther.bsky.social I SUCK at bulletin boards and the last two years I have fully intended to do this and it just…stayed blank thru June. but this is gonna be the year! finally got it populated! will let you know how the youth respond!
November 11, 2025 at 6:18 PM
@marcusluther.bsky.social I SUCK at bulletin boards and the last two years I have fully intended to do this and it just…stayed blank thru June. but this is gonna be the year! finally got it populated! will let you know how the youth respond!
the youth of today are divided over whether John Proctor or Giles Corey has more aura.
"...but just think about the way he went out in that last scene! refusing to lie on his name!"
"...nah Giles Corey is peak aura. "MORE WEIGHT." as they are CRUSHING HIM to DEATH. bro WHAT."
"...but just think about the way he went out in that last scene! refusing to lie on his name!"
"...nah Giles Corey is peak aura. "MORE WEIGHT." as they are CRUSHING HIM to DEATH. bro WHAT."
November 11, 2025 at 2:28 AM
the youth of today are divided over whether John Proctor or Giles Corey has more aura.
"...but just think about the way he went out in that last scene! refusing to lie on his name!"
"...nah Giles Corey is peak aura. "MORE WEIGHT." as they are CRUSHING HIM to DEATH. bro WHAT."
"...but just think about the way he went out in that last scene! refusing to lie on his name!"
"...nah Giles Corey is peak aura. "MORE WEIGHT." as they are CRUSHING HIM to DEATH. bro WHAT."
third grade was in many ways a hot mess but my son STILL talks about reading Number the Stars, two years later. I can barely get him to tell me anything about his day at school but I can usually get a couple sentences out of him about what happened in Esperanza Rising.
You know what has brought my kid alive as a reader this year? His teacher introduced POETRY. "Mom! Dad! Have you guys even heard of ROBERT FROST?"
November 11, 2025 at 1:25 AM
third grade was in many ways a hot mess but my son STILL talks about reading Number the Stars, two years later. I can barely get him to tell me anything about his day at school but I can usually get a couple sentences out of him about what happened in Esperanza Rising.
me at 20: ugh I can’t imagine spending my life writing criticism about Homer that nobody outside the academy will read, what else can I do w/ my classics degree
me at 40: yesss it’s my leisure time, can’t wait for my weekly Iliad zoom and then gonna crack open this new book of Homer criticism
me at 40: yesss it’s my leisure time, can’t wait for my weekly Iliad zoom and then gonna crack open this new book of Homer criticism
November 4, 2025 at 5:30 AM
me at 20: ugh I can’t imagine spending my life writing criticism about Homer that nobody outside the academy will read, what else can I do w/ my classics degree
me at 40: yesss it’s my leisure time, can’t wait for my weekly Iliad zoom and then gonna crack open this new book of Homer criticism
me at 40: yesss it’s my leisure time, can’t wait for my weekly Iliad zoom and then gonna crack open this new book of Homer criticism
“Why rush to adopt new technology that we know to make us dumber when we have old technology—books—we know to make us smarter?”
bars!!!
bars!!!
. @dan-sinnamon.bsky.social and I put CLOSE READING FOR THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY together to help connect what undergrads do in assignments with what we do as scholars
then we found ourselves talking to a lot of high school teachers
slate.com/life/2025/10...
then we found ourselves talking to a lot of high school teachers
slate.com/life/2025/10...
There’s a Literacy Crisis. One Classroom Solution Should Be Obvious.
You can't get better at reading until you care about a text.
slate.com
October 25, 2025 at 1:15 AM
“Why rush to adopt new technology that we know to make us dumber when we have old technology—books—we know to make us smarter?”
bars!!!
bars!!!
BARS from @mattrkay.bsky.social, an educator I respect a great deal.
October 15, 2025 at 12:38 AM
BARS from @mattrkay.bsky.social, an educator I respect a great deal.
Your feel-good #phled story of the day, courtesy of @newskag.bsky.social, featuring my amazing students and my equally amazing colleagues!
I thank my stars every day that when I go to work I leave with so many reasons to be hopeful.
I thank my stars every day that when I go to work I leave with so many reasons to be hopeful.
These #PHLed students never had a school library. They built one on their own, and now, the community has their back. Loved reporting this story: www.inquirer.com/education/ke...
These Philly students built their own school library. The community has their back.
The students behind DreamEscape Library at Kensington Health Sciences Academy created a social media account, built buzz and earned grants to support their work.
www.inquirer.com
October 6, 2025 at 10:32 PM
Your feel-good #phled story of the day, courtesy of @newskag.bsky.social, featuring my amazing students and my equally amazing colleagues!
I thank my stars every day that when I go to work I leave with so many reasons to be hopeful.
I thank my stars every day that when I go to work I leave with so many reasons to be hopeful.
…the feeling when you’re in the teacher’s lounge yapping about the recent @laborjawn.bsky.social episode about the 1981 Philly teachers strike and your amazing colleague perks up and says “I wrote my undergrad thesis about that strike!!”
I did a big research project in 10th grade US history about the IWW, and it made me the person I am today (union schoolteacher & shop steward who closes out union meetings with a playlist of classic Wobbly songs)
How much exposure did you have to organized labor and workers striking through public school education?
September 18, 2025 at 10:55 PM
…the feeling when you’re in the teacher’s lounge yapping about the recent @laborjawn.bsky.social episode about the 1981 Philly teachers strike and your amazing colleague perks up and says “I wrote my undergrad thesis about that strike!!”
@uniondrip.bsky.social idk if this is official union gear but it is truly magnificent
RAN after this driver to take a picture of his incredible vest!!! I want one so bad but he said they’re only available for MTA workers 🏆🚍🏆
September 9, 2025 at 12:10 AM
@uniondrip.bsky.social idk if this is official union gear but it is truly magnificent
I did a big research project in 10th grade US history about the IWW, and it made me the person I am today (union schoolteacher & shop steward who closes out union meetings with a playlist of classic Wobbly songs)
How much exposure did you have to organized labor and workers striking through public school education?
September 4, 2025 at 10:07 PM
I did a big research project in 10th grade US history about the IWW, and it made me the person I am today (union schoolteacher & shop steward who closes out union meetings with a playlist of classic Wobbly songs)
Reposted by Sally O’Brien
The hours wasted on shiny new tech in the past 20 years by K-12 teachers across America is an astounding number of human hours
August 19, 2025 at 5:28 PM
The hours wasted on shiny new tech in the past 20 years by K-12 teachers across America is an astounding number of human hours
Reposted by Sally O’Brien
“You can’t get into heaven without that union card” 👼🗑️
Day 8 of the DC33 strike in Philly, set to the melodious tunes of our dear city’s pub sing led by Ben Fink. Mayor Parker, PAY THESE PEOPLE.
#parkerpiles #phillystrike #dc33
Day 8 of the DC33 strike in Philly, set to the melodious tunes of our dear city’s pub sing led by Ben Fink. Mayor Parker, PAY THESE PEOPLE.
#parkerpiles #phillystrike #dc33
July 8, 2025 at 7:22 PM
“You can’t get into heaven without that union card” 👼🗑️
Day 8 of the DC33 strike in Philly, set to the melodious tunes of our dear city’s pub sing led by Ben Fink. Mayor Parker, PAY THESE PEOPLE.
#parkerpiles #phillystrike #dc33
Day 8 of the DC33 strike in Philly, set to the melodious tunes of our dear city’s pub sing led by Ben Fink. Mayor Parker, PAY THESE PEOPLE.
#parkerpiles #phillystrike #dc33
I am BEGGING for a comprehensive account of how much tax money has been spent as a consequence of Parker’s refusal to offer DC33 a fair deal—not just OT for supervisors at PWD & elsewhere but the cost of hiring contractors to service dumpsters / handle the July 4 set-up and breakdown / etc etc etc
The city is relying on managers to fill essential jobs at Philadelphia's water facilities, paying them more handsomely than their DC 33 counterparts.
They're sleeping on cots, working 24/7 shifts, and earning double time.
They're sleeping on cots, working 24/7 shifts, and earning double time.
Sleeping on cots, 24/7 shifts, and double time: How Philly is keeping water clean during the DC 33 strike
As the strike carries into a second week, the city has relied on managers to fill essential jobs at Philadelphia's water facilities, paying them more handsomely than their DC 33 counterparts.
www.inquirer.com
July 8, 2025 at 9:01 PM
I am BEGGING for a comprehensive account of how much tax money has been spent as a consequence of Parker’s refusal to offer DC33 a fair deal—not just OT for supervisors at PWD & elsewhere but the cost of hiring contractors to service dumpsters / handle the July 4 set-up and breakdown / etc etc etc
Reposted by Sally O’Brien
It’s honestly so disrespectful and irresponsible that the national media has mostly ignored the DC33 city worker strike in Philly so far. It’s a huge story with massive implications for the 6th biggest city in the country.
Hell, I’ll write about it for ya! Email me! www.inquirer.com/politics/phi...
Hell, I’ll write about it for ya! Email me! www.inquirer.com/politics/phi...
Philly is in its first municipal strike in the social media age. Does that affect how events are unfolding?
So far, the national press has largely ignored Philadelphia's first strike by city workers since 1986.
www.inquirer.com
July 7, 2025 at 9:37 AM
It’s honestly so disrespectful and irresponsible that the national media has mostly ignored the DC33 city worker strike in Philly so far. It’s a huge story with massive implications for the 6th biggest city in the country.
Hell, I’ll write about it for ya! Email me! www.inquirer.com/politics/phi...
Hell, I’ll write about it for ya! Email me! www.inquirer.com/politics/phi...
Reposted by Sally O’Brien
Trash piling up? Libraries & pools closed? Long wait times for emergency calls?
Text DC33 to 30403 to contact the Mayor's office & tell them to give striking AFSCME DC 33 workers a fair contract.
Text DC33 to 30403 to contact the Mayor's office & tell them to give striking AFSCME DC 33 workers a fair contract.
July 7, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Trash piling up? Libraries & pools closed? Long wait times for emergency calls?
Text DC33 to 30403 to contact the Mayor's office & tell them to give striking AFSCME DC 33 workers a fair contract.
Text DC33 to 30403 to contact the Mayor's office & tell them to give striking AFSCME DC 33 workers a fair contract.
Dropped my son off for his first day of camp today. The pool at his rec center is closed, and the rec leader, a guy I trust and admire greatly, is on strike. THIS is who I want my tax dollars going to, not the “deputy director of strategic patronage”! FAIR CONTRACT NOW for @afscme.bsky.social DC 33!
July 7, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Dropped my son off for his first day of camp today. The pool at his rec center is closed, and the rec leader, a guy I trust and admire greatly, is on strike. THIS is who I want my tax dollars going to, not the “deputy director of strategic patronage”! FAIR CONTRACT NOW for @afscme.bsky.social DC 33!
Reposted by Sally O’Brien
AFSCME District 33 workers are on STRIKE for fair wages, dignity and respect. They’re holding the line no matter how long it takes. #AFSCMEStrong
July 7, 2025 at 12:58 AM
AFSCME District 33 workers are on STRIKE for fair wages, dignity and respect. They’re holding the line no matter how long it takes. #AFSCMEStrong
@pftlocal3.bsky.social a beautiful day to support the DC33 strikers on the picket line! the workers where I was at had a lot of appreciation for our union—one that I talked to was a former PFT para.
July 5, 2025 at 3:18 PM
@pftlocal3.bsky.social a beautiful day to support the DC33 strikers on the picket line! the workers where I was at had a lot of appreciation for our union—one that I talked to was a former PFT para.
Come gather round Philly
Bad news to you I’ll tell
The streets are piled high with trash
And you can thank Cherelle!
Solidarity with the striking workers of DC 33 from a member of @pftlocal3.bsky.social!
Bad news to you I’ll tell
The streets are piled high with trash
And you can thank Cherelle!
Solidarity with the striking workers of DC 33 from a member of @pftlocal3.bsky.social!
Solidarity with the hardworking folks from DC 33, featuring @shainakapeluck3676
YouTube video by Sally O'Brien
youtu.be
July 4, 2025 at 7:53 PM
Come gather round Philly
Bad news to you I’ll tell
The streets are piled high with trash
And you can thank Cherelle!
Solidarity with the striking workers of DC 33 from a member of @pftlocal3.bsky.social!
Bad news to you I’ll tell
The streets are piled high with trash
And you can thank Cherelle!
Solidarity with the striking workers of DC 33 from a member of @pftlocal3.bsky.social!
Reposted by Sally O’Brien
I should be asleep, but can’t stop thinking about a striking sanitation worker I met today. He told me about the time a trash bag full of human shit burst in his face, and he had to spend two days in the hospital to ensure he hadn’t contracted any dangerous diseases.
He makes $19 an hour.
He makes $19 an hour.
July 3, 2025 at 5:47 AM
I should be asleep, but can’t stop thinking about a striking sanitation worker I met today. He told me about the time a trash bag full of human shit burst in his face, and he had to spend two days in the hospital to ensure he hadn’t contracted any dangerous diseases.
He makes $19 an hour.
He makes $19 an hour.
From @inquirer.com-- why I keep paying for a subscription even though they keep hiking up my rates.
"Ms Parker, Cherelle Parker to be exact, give them people they money! It's summertime."
"Ms Parker, Cherelle Parker to be exact, give them people they money! It's summertime."
Watch: Philly residents frustrated with temporary trash drop-off sites on day two of strike
Members of AFSCME DC 33 are striking for a second day in an attempt to secure contract concessions from Philly Mayor Cherelle L. Parker.
share.inquirer.com
July 3, 2025 at 12:11 AM
From @inquirer.com-- why I keep paying for a subscription even though they keep hiking up my rates.
"Ms Parker, Cherelle Parker to be exact, give them people they money! It's summertime."
"Ms Parker, Cherelle Parker to be exact, give them people they money! It's summertime."
Reposted by Sally O’Brien
A message from the striking municipal workers of Philadelphia:
July 2, 2025 at 4:31 PM
A message from the striking municipal workers of Philadelphia:
Reposted by Sally O’Brien
If every site is like this, it’s literally going to be 63 dumpsters versus the combined detritus of the sixth largest city in America during a 90 degree heatwave. JUST PAY THEM
July 1, 2025 at 7:27 PM
If every site is like this, it’s literally going to be 63 dumpsters versus the combined detritus of the sixth largest city in America during a 90 degree heatwave. JUST PAY THEM