Frequently Asked Questions

Questions that my students ask me so much they actually become a distraction in the classroom. The most common, or best, are answered below.

What is your full name?

Matthew Dickinson Randon

Your middle name...are you related to Emily Dickinson?

We're not sure. One of my students suggested that I write a book of poetry and market it as the second-coming of Emily Dickinson. He was sure I could make millions.

I'm thinking about it.

How old are you?

That's a question you learn the answer to when you become an alumnus of my class.

Where did you grow up?

Fairfax, VA

Why did you grow your hair?

I take my job as a teacher very seriously. In my experience, haircuts that makes me look like an English teacher...help with my English teaching!

Where do you live now?

Far away from you.

Where did you go to school?

The University of Pittsburgh.

Why teaching?

Because every day is different.

Why English, then?

The English curriculum allows for great flexibility in where I take class discussions, and hopefully, I use this freedom to tailor the class to personalities in the room.

What's the weirdest thing that has happened in your room?

In Pennsylvania, I confiscated hand cuffs, real ones, from a student who had no idea what was wrong with bringing a pair of hand cuffs to school.

Are you going to put this on the internet? The real internet?

Yes.

The only one I know of.

What World of Warcraft server do you play on?

No. You can't hang out with me virtually.

Do we *really* have to do *work* today?

Yes. The answer is always yes.

What is your favorite book that you teach?

1984 by Orwell

What did you grow up reading?

The Bourne Trilogy by Robert Ludlum

The Dark Tower series by Stephen King

If you could teach me one thing, what would it be?

1. To express yourself eloquently.

2. To change your mind gracefully.

3. To ignore the confines of questions!

Favorite Exploding Dog drawing?

Full version: "I'm ready to face the world with you..."

Will you *ever* wear black shoes?

I have no idea why this comes up so much, but it definitely is distracting.

The answer is...maybe. But I wouldn't get my hopes up if I were you.

I want to wear my sweater vest when you wear yours! How can we coordinate?

During the winter, if laundry permits, every Thursday is Sweater Vest Thursday.

Who is your favorite rapper?

Ask me that question after school, and I'll talk to you about Hip Hop until the late busses come home, or until my carpool leaves.

Why are your tests so hard?

Some teachers have physical intimidation on their side, I have intellectual.