Prompt: Everything's OK. What was the best moment that could serve as proof that everything is going to be alright? And how will you incorporate that discovery into the year ahead?
I definitely felt anxious at the beginning of this school year. Over a third of the staff at my school left and the administration is brand new. All summer long I kept telling myself that everything's ok but I didn't believe it until I saw the positive changes that the new administration has brought. Don't get me wrong; everything isn't perfect. However, the new administration is willing to listen, and try to do what's best for the students. That, right there, is half the battle.
With all of the changes happening, the principal(s) have told me more than once that I am a valuable asset to my team. As I come to a crossroads professionally, I am discovering that self-doubt will not get me far. I have to celebrate my strengths, and learn from my weaknesses.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Reverb Prompt 22-Travel
Prompt: Travel. How did you travel in 2010? How and/or where would you like to travel next year?
Other than traveling back and forth to visit my mother in Boston, I haven't gone anywhere out of the ordinary this year. I would love to participate in a tour of Civil Rights memorials in the South. Or take a fun day-trip to an amusement park out of state. This summer, I plan to be on the road as much as possible!
Other than traveling back and forth to visit my mother in Boston, I haven't gone anywhere out of the ordinary this year. I would love to participate in a tour of Civil Rights memorials in the South. Or take a fun day-trip to an amusement park out of state. This summer, I plan to be on the road as much as possible!
Reverb Prompt 21 Future Self
Prompt: Future self. Imagine yourself five years from now. What advice would you give your current self for the year ahead? (Bonus: Write a note to yourself 10 years ago. What would you tell your younger self?)
Five years from now, I am a homeowner. My oldest daughter is a successful college freshman and my youngest daughter is in kindergarten. My husband and I are more in love than ever. Most importantly, I am teaching in a spiritual capacity. My future self would advise the following:
"Dear L,
Stay true to yourself. Don't let other people's perceptions of reality mess with your head. You will not remain a middle school teacher forever. As a matter of fact, once you break out of your shell and start really putting yourself out there, you will attract the spiritual teachers/like-minded individuals that you so desperately crave. Do something to make yourself happy everyday. Always live with intention."
Ten years ago, I was entering the second half of my sophomore year in college. I was very insecure about my place in college. I was still trying to sort out a dysfunctional relationship with my oldest daughter's biological father. I had an abortion. I had no real sense of what it meant to be a woman. Here's what I would tell my former self.
"Dear L,
Although college may seem like the hardest thing you've done so far, you'll look back on these years with fondness in your heart. Yeah, your family is crazy, and you did not grow up with a lot of resources, but you've earned your seat. You deserve all the success and accolades that come your way, and more. You will travel, complete an amazing project that will put you in touch with one of your heart's desires, and will meet your future husband.
Your oldest daughter will grow from being a bratty spunky kid to being a headstrong opinionated teenager who just so happens to have two loving parents that will go to the ends of the earth for her.
The abortion, while necessary during that time, will do more damage to your psyche and your body than you realize. You will beat yourself up over the fact that you even got pregnant again, especially given the fact that the baby may not have even been his. Though he cheated on you, you will guilty for exploring other options. He had a hold on you that took a long time to break.
However, you do heal. Eventually, you become pregnant again and everything is right. You are married, have benefits, a decent job, and most importantly, feel thankful for another opportunity to be a mommy again.
While the pregnancy will be relatively uneventful, the birth will be quick and intense. Later, the doctor will tell you that you had a hole in your uterus and will show you a picture of it.
You will inspire young minds. You will see your mother become clean and stay clean (this time for good). You will know your worth as a woman. Everything will happen according to God's plan."
This has been so cathartic typing this out!
Five years from now, I am a homeowner. My oldest daughter is a successful college freshman and my youngest daughter is in kindergarten. My husband and I are more in love than ever. Most importantly, I am teaching in a spiritual capacity. My future self would advise the following:
"Dear L,
Stay true to yourself. Don't let other people's perceptions of reality mess with your head. You will not remain a middle school teacher forever. As a matter of fact, once you break out of your shell and start really putting yourself out there, you will attract the spiritual teachers/like-minded individuals that you so desperately crave. Do something to make yourself happy everyday. Always live with intention."
Ten years ago, I was entering the second half of my sophomore year in college. I was very insecure about my place in college. I was still trying to sort out a dysfunctional relationship with my oldest daughter's biological father. I had an abortion. I had no real sense of what it meant to be a woman. Here's what I would tell my former self.
"Dear L,
Although college may seem like the hardest thing you've done so far, you'll look back on these years with fondness in your heart. Yeah, your family is crazy, and you did not grow up with a lot of resources, but you've earned your seat. You deserve all the success and accolades that come your way, and more. You will travel, complete an amazing project that will put you in touch with one of your heart's desires, and will meet your future husband.
Your oldest daughter will grow from being a bratty spunky kid to being a headstrong opinionated teenager who just so happens to have two loving parents that will go to the ends of the earth for her.
The abortion, while necessary during that time, will do more damage to your psyche and your body than you realize. You will beat yourself up over the fact that you even got pregnant again, especially given the fact that the baby may not have even been his. Though he cheated on you, you will guilty for exploring other options. He had a hold on you that took a long time to break.
However, you do heal. Eventually, you become pregnant again and everything is right. You are married, have benefits, a decent job, and most importantly, feel thankful for another opportunity to be a mommy again.
While the pregnancy will be relatively uneventful, the birth will be quick and intense. Later, the doctor will tell you that you had a hole in your uterus and will show you a picture of it.
You will inspire young minds. You will see your mother become clean and stay clean (this time for good). You will know your worth as a woman. Everything will happen according to God's plan."
This has been so cathartic typing this out!
Monday, December 20, 2010
Reverb--Avoidance
Prompt: Beyond avoidance. What should you have done this year but didn't because you were too scared, worried, unsure, busy or otherwise deterred from doing? (Bonus: Will you do it?)
I've avoided working to my fullest potential as a teacher this year. I still haven't got the right groove for lesson planning and grading yet. And frankly, I feel like a hamster on a wheel lately.
I've been avoiding pushing myself because I'm lazy and I don't really feel like it. I don't see the reward in stressing myself out or coming up with fabulous lessons only for the kids to say that they 'still don't get it'.
Hopefully, the holiday break will re-energize me enough to want to do this, at least until something better comes along.
I've avoided working to my fullest potential as a teacher this year. I still haven't got the right groove for lesson planning and grading yet. And frankly, I feel like a hamster on a wheel lately.
I've been avoiding pushing myself because I'm lazy and I don't really feel like it. I don't see the reward in stressing myself out or coming up with fabulous lessons only for the kids to say that they 'still don't get it'.
Hopefully, the holiday break will re-energize me enough to want to do this, at least until something better comes along.
Reverb--Prompt 19
Healing. What healed you this year? Was it sudden, or a drip-by-drip evolution? How would you like to be healed in 2011?
I definitely feel like my body has finally healed from my daughter's birth in January 2009. I'm not sure if it was the time of year or my age, but it took a long time for me to get back to myself. I'm glad this day has arrived!!
In 2011, I need a healing for my soul. I desperately need to carve time out for myself to just be in the moment and breathe. My life isn't as difficult as it could be--I want to always be thankful for my blessings and working towards more abundance in my life.
I definitely feel like my body has finally healed from my daughter's birth in January 2009. I'm not sure if it was the time of year or my age, but it took a long time for me to get back to myself. I'm glad this day has arrived!!
In 2011, I need a healing for my soul. I desperately need to carve time out for myself to just be in the moment and breathe. My life isn't as difficult as it could be--I want to always be thankful for my blessings and working towards more abundance in my life.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Reverb 17-18
Lesson learned. What was the best thing you learned about yourself this past year? And how will you apply that lesson going forward?
I've learned to never underestimate my abilities. I've been told throughout this year by various people in my life that I have what it takes to make it. I just have to believe in my self, and make it happen! Speaking of making things happen,
Try. What do you want to try next year? Is there something you wanted to try in 2010? What happened when you did / didn't go for it?
For 2011, I really want to live as authentically as possible. No more lying, feeling shameful, or less than. No more not pursuing my dreams because of x, y, or z. Life is too short for "if onlys".
I've learned to never underestimate my abilities. I've been told throughout this year by various people in my life that I have what it takes to make it. I just have to believe in my self, and make it happen! Speaking of making things happen,
Try. What do you want to try next year? Is there something you wanted to try in 2010? What happened when you did / didn't go for it?
For 2011, I really want to live as authentically as possible. No more lying, feeling shameful, or less than. No more not pursuing my dreams because of x, y, or z. Life is too short for "if onlys".
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Reverb 12-16
12. Body integration. This year, when did you feel the most integrated with your body? Did you have a moment where there wasn't mind and body, but simply a cohesive YOU, alive and present? The beginning of 2009 versus 2010 was definitely a body integration moment as that is when I gave birth to my second daughter. I think that anytime a body goes through that much intense pain at once, after awhile, your body and mind start to operate as one.
13. Action. When it comes to aspirations, its not about ideas. It's about making ideas happen. What's your next step?
My next step is definitely putting some of my thoughts into action; specifically to do with spirituality and my career aspirations. I really need to get back to the basics and follow the golden rule. Once I start treating people the way that I want to be treated, I am positive that more doors will open for me.
14.Appreciate. What's the one thing you have come to appreciate most in the past year? How do you express gratitude for it?
I definitely appreciate that my mother is a totally different person than she was a year ago. Without going into too much detail here, for a while I did not think that my mother would live to see age 50. It makes me so happy to see her succeed. I show my gratitude every time I see her by telling her that I am so proud of her and that I love her dearly (although I keep my distance because she's a Sagittarius, and Sags are crazy!! haha!)
15.5 minutes. Imagine you will completely lose your memory of 2010 in five minutes. Set an alarm for five minutes and capture the things you most want to remember about 2010. I want to remember my lazy, carefree summer and my baby girl growing into an individual with her own preferences. Mostly, I want to remember the growth in moving from point A to point B. It may not make much sense right now, but it will in the future.
16.Friendship. How has a friend changed you or your perspective on the world this year? Was this change gradual, or a sudden burst? This prompt is hard for me to answer because I don't have a lot of friends, or those that I would consider close friends, anyways. There are two sets of friends that stick out in my mind: at my current place of employ and within the graduate class that I am taking this semester. I've bonded with a few people on my team and they've changed my perspective about the school environment and the students--basically, it's just a job, don't get caught up in the politics, play the game, don't get played. As for my graduate class cohort? They've allowed me to see that we are all life-time learners and no one has all the solutions to every problem that we'll face in the classroom.
13. Action. When it comes to aspirations, its not about ideas. It's about making ideas happen. What's your next step?
My next step is definitely putting some of my thoughts into action; specifically to do with spirituality and my career aspirations. I really need to get back to the basics and follow the golden rule. Once I start treating people the way that I want to be treated, I am positive that more doors will open for me.
14.Appreciate. What's the one thing you have come to appreciate most in the past year? How do you express gratitude for it?
I definitely appreciate that my mother is a totally different person than she was a year ago. Without going into too much detail here, for a while I did not think that my mother would live to see age 50. It makes me so happy to see her succeed. I show my gratitude every time I see her by telling her that I am so proud of her and that I love her dearly (although I keep my distance because she's a Sagittarius, and Sags are crazy!! haha!)
15.5 minutes. Imagine you will completely lose your memory of 2010 in five minutes. Set an alarm for five minutes and capture the things you most want to remember about 2010. I want to remember my lazy, carefree summer and my baby girl growing into an individual with her own preferences. Mostly, I want to remember the growth in moving from point A to point B. It may not make much sense right now, but it will in the future.
16.Friendship. How has a friend changed you or your perspective on the world this year? Was this change gradual, or a sudden burst? This prompt is hard for me to answer because I don't have a lot of friends, or those that I would consider close friends, anyways. There are two sets of friends that stick out in my mind: at my current place of employ and within the graduate class that I am taking this semester. I've bonded with a few people on my team and they've changed my perspective about the school environment and the students--basically, it's just a job, don't get caught up in the politics, play the game, don't get played. As for my graduate class cohort? They've allowed me to see that we are all life-time learners and no one has all the solutions to every problem that we'll face in the classroom.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Reverb 9-11
Prompt Day 9: What social gathering rocked your socks off in 2010? Describe the people, music, food, drink, clothes, shenanigans.
I'm not really a social gathering type of person. However, I was actually very glad that I attended my school's holiday party this year. There were lots of staff members and their partners that I was surprised to see. I did feel a bit awkward at first because my husband and I decided to sit at a table by ourselves. However, once more people arrived, and some folks sat at our table, I felt much better. This event helped me to break out of my shell and stop being so concerned with what others are thinking of me. Or, of what I am thinking about myself. I am still aloof at times--this is one of things that I'd like to change in 2011.
Prompt Day 10: What was the wisest decision you made this year, and how did it play out?
The wisest decision I made this year was to take classes through a licensure program with my school's district. I am learning so much about the craft of teaching. I love the practicality of the activities we are doing and have already started to use some of the strategies I'm learning with my students this year. I wish I had this information during my first or even second year of teaching!
Prompt Day 11: What are 11 things your life doesn't need in 2011? How will you go about eliminating them? How will getting rid of these 11 things change your life?
1. I do not want to procrastinate any longer. I did not start this school year out on a positive note. I was angry and bitter at my previous principal because she was unethical and blind to some situations, and frankly I was (and still am some days) tired of teaching these crazy kids that no one knows what to do with. Therefore, I did not use the summer to create lesson plans for this school year like I wanted to and things just snowballed from there. Now that I know that things are better this year (new administration), I do not need to procrastinate. Some mini goals to break this habit include: writing lesson plans for the following week by each Friday, and grading as much homework and classwork as I can during my prep periods so I can leave work on time.
2. I do not want to be a nag to my husband any longer. We are both stressed out this year (school, classes, raising kids, finances, etc.) and need to cleave to each other, not stand divided. My mini goals to break this habit include: speaking out of love, taking a moment to decompress (drink something hot, take a bath, etc.), and savor the opportunities that we have to connect to each other one on one.
3. I do not want to be a complacent mother. I want my daughters (especially my oldest) to be able to come to me with any questions that they might have and not be afraid to share. My mini goals to be the best mother I can be include: making individual time for each of my girls (re-vamping our book club, concerts, etc.), and letting go of the negative self-talk that I am a bad person once and for all. If I'm confident, that will carry over into my relationship with my girls, and beyond.
4. I do not want every day of my life to be a daily grind. I want to choose one thing to do that makes me happy daily. My mini goals include: reviewing my list of things that make me happy and doing at least one of those activities each day.
5. I do not want to be aloof any longer. I have always been a shy individual and rarely had any friends. Although I've come out of my shell some, I still put up my shields when I'm in a new environment, and/or don't feel comfortable. This does affect my relationship with my in-laws. My mini goals to break this habit include: going out of my way to have a conversation, and actually taking through my thoughts when I start to pull away.
6. I do not want to live from paycheck to paycheck any longer. My mini goals include: setting up an automatic transfer from checking to savings, and cutting out any extraneous purchases.
7. I do not want to spend my entire summer break at home any longer. My mini goals include: finding affordable day trip options, saving money to travel to a different state in summer 2001.
8. I do not want to ignore the spiritual side of my life any longer. I truly need to find a community of like-minded individuals. I know that it will help me be a better person. My mini goals include: visiting nondenominational churches, and spiritual bookstores, and opening up and talking to people.
9. I do not want to be consumed with fear any longer. I want to live authentically; to truly be myself regardless of the outcome. My mini goals include: following "The Four Agreements" more closely, continue writing daily, and live with intention.
10. I do not want to be a teacher of students in an urban school longer than 3-5 more years. I'm starting to outgrow this position and am looking towards a different direction (what yet, I don't know). My mini goals include: start researching other career opportunities, talk with people who work in fields that I may be interested in, look for leadership opportunities.
11. I do not want to be unhealthy any longer. I want to exercise at least twice a week and eat 'cleanly' everyday. My mini goals include: utilizing our Y membership at least 1-2 times a week in addition to bellydance, packing lunch everyday, eating a healthy breakfast, taking a multivitamin every morning, and drinking half of my body weight in water.
I'm not really a social gathering type of person. However, I was actually very glad that I attended my school's holiday party this year. There were lots of staff members and their partners that I was surprised to see. I did feel a bit awkward at first because my husband and I decided to sit at a table by ourselves. However, once more people arrived, and some folks sat at our table, I felt much better. This event helped me to break out of my shell and stop being so concerned with what others are thinking of me. Or, of what I am thinking about myself. I am still aloof at times--this is one of things that I'd like to change in 2011.
Prompt Day 10: What was the wisest decision you made this year, and how did it play out?
The wisest decision I made this year was to take classes through a licensure program with my school's district. I am learning so much about the craft of teaching. I love the practicality of the activities we are doing and have already started to use some of the strategies I'm learning with my students this year. I wish I had this information during my first or even second year of teaching!
Prompt Day 11: What are 11 things your life doesn't need in 2011? How will you go about eliminating them? How will getting rid of these 11 things change your life?
1. I do not want to procrastinate any longer. I did not start this school year out on a positive note. I was angry and bitter at my previous principal because she was unethical and blind to some situations, and frankly I was (and still am some days) tired of teaching these crazy kids that no one knows what to do with. Therefore, I did not use the summer to create lesson plans for this school year like I wanted to and things just snowballed from there. Now that I know that things are better this year (new administration), I do not need to procrastinate. Some mini goals to break this habit include: writing lesson plans for the following week by each Friday, and grading as much homework and classwork as I can during my prep periods so I can leave work on time.
2. I do not want to be a nag to my husband any longer. We are both stressed out this year (school, classes, raising kids, finances, etc.) and need to cleave to each other, not stand divided. My mini goals to break this habit include: speaking out of love, taking a moment to decompress (drink something hot, take a bath, etc.), and savor the opportunities that we have to connect to each other one on one.
3. I do not want to be a complacent mother. I want my daughters (especially my oldest) to be able to come to me with any questions that they might have and not be afraid to share. My mini goals to be the best mother I can be include: making individual time for each of my girls (re-vamping our book club, concerts, etc.), and letting go of the negative self-talk that I am a bad person once and for all. If I'm confident, that will carry over into my relationship with my girls, and beyond.
4. I do not want every day of my life to be a daily grind. I want to choose one thing to do that makes me happy daily. My mini goals include: reviewing my list of things that make me happy and doing at least one of those activities each day.
5. I do not want to be aloof any longer. I have always been a shy individual and rarely had any friends. Although I've come out of my shell some, I still put up my shields when I'm in a new environment, and/or don't feel comfortable. This does affect my relationship with my in-laws. My mini goals to break this habit include: going out of my way to have a conversation, and actually taking through my thoughts when I start to pull away.
6. I do not want to live from paycheck to paycheck any longer. My mini goals include: setting up an automatic transfer from checking to savings, and cutting out any extraneous purchases.
7. I do not want to spend my entire summer break at home any longer. My mini goals include: finding affordable day trip options, saving money to travel to a different state in summer 2001.
8. I do not want to ignore the spiritual side of my life any longer. I truly need to find a community of like-minded individuals. I know that it will help me be a better person. My mini goals include: visiting nondenominational churches, and spiritual bookstores, and opening up and talking to people.
9. I do not want to be consumed with fear any longer. I want to live authentically; to truly be myself regardless of the outcome. My mini goals include: following "The Four Agreements" more closely, continue writing daily, and live with intention.
10. I do not want to be a teacher of students in an urban school longer than 3-5 more years. I'm starting to outgrow this position and am looking towards a different direction (what yet, I don't know). My mini goals include: start researching other career opportunities, talk with people who work in fields that I may be interested in, look for leadership opportunities.
11. I do not want to be unhealthy any longer. I want to exercise at least twice a week and eat 'cleanly' everyday. My mini goals include: utilizing our Y membership at least 1-2 times a week in addition to bellydance, packing lunch everyday, eating a healthy breakfast, taking a multivitamin every morning, and drinking half of my body weight in water.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Reverb Days 7-8
Prompt Day 7: Where have you discovered community, on-line or otherwise, in 2010? What community would you like to join, create or more deeply connect with in 2011?
I've discovered quite a few communities in 2010, mainly at my place of employ. While over 30-40% of the staff has changed in the last 4 years, in 2010 folks have truly rallied around each other.
For 2011, I'd like to join a community of spiritually like-minded individuals. I don't necessarily want to join a church; on the other hand, it would be nice to have individuals in my life (besides my husband) who will hold me accountable for being righteous.
Prompt Day 8 Think about what makes you different and what you do that lights people up. Reflect on all the things that make you different - you'll find they're what make you beautiful.
Borrowing this idea from Analog Girl in a Digital World, here's a list of ten things that make me different.
1. I love to learn about what makes a person 'tick'. I can spend hours listening to or reading about a person's life story. One day, I would love to record/write down African American elders' autobiographies and/or memoirs for a living.
2. I have overcome a lot of obstacles in my 30 years on Earth, the two most significant being living with a drug addicted mother (she's been clean for a year now, thank goddess) and having a child at 16. Thankfully, those obstacles have not prevented me from becoming a successful adult.
3. I have an active imagination. I was an only child until I was 13 years old, so I used to often make up elaborate games to entertain myself. I think I scared my mother into thinking I was crazy because I used to talk aloud to my dolls all the time. Maybe I was really communicating with angels?
4. I have a benevolent spirit. I honestly would love to live in a community where it wouldn't seem suspicious to make cookies for your neighbor, etc. I wish more individuals cared about their fellow man.
5. I love anything to do with color!! I appreciate how color appeals to the senses.
6. I love to sleep in! My ideal work schedule would be 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (with full-time pay and benefits, of course)!
7. I am very observant. It takes me a while to warm up to people, however, once you're my friend, we're friends for life, haha!
8. I am a fighter when it comes to my right to be independent. I like to do things my way, and if I am convicted about something, I rarely change my mind.
9. I am very goofy. There's nothing like a good laugh! :)
10. I am a great listener. People often ask me for advice, and I like being needed in that way.
I've discovered quite a few communities in 2010, mainly at my place of employ. While over 30-40% of the staff has changed in the last 4 years, in 2010 folks have truly rallied around each other.
For 2011, I'd like to join a community of spiritually like-minded individuals. I don't necessarily want to join a church; on the other hand, it would be nice to have individuals in my life (besides my husband) who will hold me accountable for being righteous.
Prompt Day 8 Think about what makes you different and what you do that lights people up. Reflect on all the things that make you different - you'll find they're what make you beautiful.
Borrowing this idea from Analog Girl in a Digital World, here's a list of ten things that make me different.
1. I love to learn about what makes a person 'tick'. I can spend hours listening to or reading about a person's life story. One day, I would love to record/write down African American elders' autobiographies and/or memoirs for a living.
2. I have overcome a lot of obstacles in my 30 years on Earth, the two most significant being living with a drug addicted mother (she's been clean for a year now, thank goddess) and having a child at 16. Thankfully, those obstacles have not prevented me from becoming a successful adult.
3. I have an active imagination. I was an only child until I was 13 years old, so I used to often make up elaborate games to entertain myself. I think I scared my mother into thinking I was crazy because I used to talk aloud to my dolls all the time. Maybe I was really communicating with angels?
4. I have a benevolent spirit. I honestly would love to live in a community where it wouldn't seem suspicious to make cookies for your neighbor, etc. I wish more individuals cared about their fellow man.
5. I love anything to do with color!! I appreciate how color appeals to the senses.
6. I love to sleep in! My ideal work schedule would be 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (with full-time pay and benefits, of course)!
7. I am very observant. It takes me a while to warm up to people, however, once you're my friend, we're friends for life, haha!
8. I am a fighter when it comes to my right to be independent. I like to do things my way, and if I am convicted about something, I rarely change my mind.
9. I am very goofy. There's nothing like a good laugh! :)
10. I am a great listener. People often ask me for advice, and I like being needed in that way.
Monday, December 6, 2010
December 6--Make
Today's Prompt: What was the last thing you made? What materials did you use? Is there something you want to make, but you need to clear some time for it?
Well, I always strive to be artistic, but never really follow through on it. I've tried my hand at crocheting (fail), drawing (fail), and coloring. I would love to make a piece of pottery one day, and I will definitely clear some time in 2011 to do just that.
Well, I always strive to be artistic, but never really follow through on it. I've tried my hand at crocheting (fail), drawing (fail), and coloring. I would love to make a piece of pottery one day, and I will definitely clear some time in 2011 to do just that.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Reverb Prompt Day 5--Letting Go
To get writing more often, I decided to sign up for Reverb 10, "reflect on this year and manifest what's next".
Today's prompt is the following:
Let Go. What (or whom) did you let go of this year? Why? (Author: Alice Bradley)
Let's see... the first thing that comes to mind is letting go of my previous expectations of teaching. I honestly thought that my fifth year in the profession would be so much easier. I've been challenged by apathetic students, low test scores, changing my teaching style, asking for help, and honestly relying on my instincts when dealing with the children and adults in my building.
I've let go of my enthusiasm for the profession. Teaching urban middle school students English/Language Arts is not my passion. An intuitive reading that I had recently suggested that I look into teaching from a spiritual perspective. I am open to that; however I need to take the steps and position myself so that I am meeting the right people at the right time. Perhaps 2011 will be that time to truly let go of this version of teaching and open the door to other aspects of this field.
Today's prompt is the following:
Let Go. What (or whom) did you let go of this year? Why? (Author: Alice Bradley)
Let's see... the first thing that comes to mind is letting go of my previous expectations of teaching. I honestly thought that my fifth year in the profession would be so much easier. I've been challenged by apathetic students, low test scores, changing my teaching style, asking for help, and honestly relying on my instincts when dealing with the children and adults in my building.
I've let go of my enthusiasm for the profession. Teaching urban middle school students English/Language Arts is not my passion. An intuitive reading that I had recently suggested that I look into teaching from a spiritual perspective. I am open to that; however I need to take the steps and position myself so that I am meeting the right people at the right time. Perhaps 2011 will be that time to truly let go of this version of teaching and open the door to other aspects of this field.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Ch, ch, change!
My class sizes have been reduced slightly (largest class is now about 29-30 students). Technology is up and running in my room as of today (sweet)! An Instructional Leader will be in my room at least 2 times a week to co-teach a class. And yet, I still feel like I'm not prepared! Lots of changes have been thrown at me this year. New administration, my oldest started high school, my youngest started daycare, I've started an evening class, and I still haven't figured out a system to keep on top of all the paperwork. It'll get there, slowly but surely.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Beginning of School 10-11
Well, the past three days have had more ups than downs. Here's a breakdown:
Pros:
*new administration that says what they mean and mean what they say
*concrete rules, expectations, and procedures in place from day 1
*students shared what they think 'good' teachers and 'good' students do
*reputation as one who can 'quiet a class down' (THAT'S SO AWESOME!!)
*compliment from a department chair on how well-run my classroom is
Cons:
*very large classes (34 kids!! no aide)
*disrespectful students (already made 3 phone calls home)
*technology not working properly in my room
*feeling unprepared
I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and I know that some of the cons will work itself out as our numbers settle. Still, I can't wait for this three day weekend, glory hallelujah!!
Pros:
*new administration that says what they mean and mean what they say
*concrete rules, expectations, and procedures in place from day 1
*students shared what they think 'good' teachers and 'good' students do
*reputation as one who can 'quiet a class down' (THAT'S SO AWESOME!!)
*compliment from a department chair on how well-run my classroom is
Cons:
*very large classes (34 kids!! no aide)
*disrespectful students (already made 3 phone calls home)
*technology not working properly in my room
*feeling unprepared
I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and I know that some of the cons will work itself out as our numbers settle. Still, I can't wait for this three day weekend, glory hallelujah!!
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Ideas, Thoughts, and all that Jazz
Still in vacation mode but, here's a couple of thoughts floating in my head:
1. I had an okay school year as far as being comfortable with lesson planning & implementation/presentation. I definitely want to increase the amount of project-based learning & real life connections for my next group of students in the fall.
2. Change is coming down the pipeline. We have a new principal, and I know that a couple of my co-workers will no be at the school in the fall. In the past, I've had a tendency to 'jump ship' when things got hectic (and trust, things were mad hectic at the end of the school year), but I'm not feeling that this year. Not to say that things are all good, but I'm more willing to wait it out than before.
3. I'll be taking a couple of classes starting in the fall to move up to the next level of licensure. Eh, it's free so I'm not going to complain too much. I just have to really make sure I'm managing my time well to be on top of my game, teaching and non-teaching wise.
I'll be back in August with some planning strategies, etc. for the new school year.
1. I had an okay school year as far as being comfortable with lesson planning & implementation/presentation. I definitely want to increase the amount of project-based learning & real life connections for my next group of students in the fall.
2. Change is coming down the pipeline. We have a new principal, and I know that a couple of my co-workers will no be at the school in the fall. In the past, I've had a tendency to 'jump ship' when things got hectic (and trust, things were mad hectic at the end of the school year), but I'm not feeling that this year. Not to say that things are all good, but I'm more willing to wait it out than before.
3. I'll be taking a couple of classes starting in the fall to move up to the next level of licensure. Eh, it's free so I'm not going to complain too much. I just have to really make sure I'm managing my time well to be on top of my game, teaching and non-teaching wise.
I'll be back in August with some planning strategies, etc. for the new school year.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
End of Year
The school year is slowly winding to a close. It has been a very interesting year, to say the least. My school is in limbo right now and I'm just really being very cautious about what moves I should make for the following school year.
A couple of things that I'd like to do before the year is over include:
-Write an End-of-the-year newsletter personalized for each of my classes
-Organize some type of fun activities with my team mates for the last couple of Fridays (board game day, field day, etc.)
-Start planning more engaging activities NOW for all my units next year
I've learned a lot about myself and my ethics this year... more to come...
A couple of things that I'd like to do before the year is over include:
-Write an End-of-the-year newsletter personalized for each of my classes
-Organize some type of fun activities with my team mates for the last couple of Fridays (board game day, field day, etc.)
-Start planning more engaging activities NOW for all my units next year
I've learned a lot about myself and my ethics this year... more to come...
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Boundaries
This is a test to see if I can write this diplomatically and without giving away too personal details. In general, I notice a trend among my colleagues: There are those who genuinely care about our students, and there are those who do not. The ones who do not care have no qualms about telling why. It usually involves blaming the students in some way, shape, or form about details that they can't control. What happens when this same toxic attitude effects your child? What does a caring parent do?
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Lightbulb moment
Earlier this week, my first block class represented fiercely on their activator/do now. I had scanned a copy of a painting for the students to view and had them answer the following questions about it: What do you see? What do you think? What do you wonder?
What is usually a 5-10 minute activity turned into a 45-minute powerful discussion of the themes, main ideas, and connections presented in our current text. I love it when everything clicks!!
What is usually a 5-10 minute activity turned into a 45-minute powerful discussion of the themes, main ideas, and connections presented in our current text. I love it when everything clicks!!
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