Friday, May 18, 2012
Almost done...
Well, this has been a hell of a year! However, I do feel that change is on the borizon (soon come).
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Day 1 2011-2012
All in all, today was a good day!
Highlights:
--Students seem well behaved.
--The class period went by crazy fast (went from 90 minute blocks to 60 minutes)
--Many of my class sizes are manageable
Areas for Improvement:
--Having lesson plans for next week done by Sunday
--Make a seating chart for each class
--Tighten transitions
Highlights:
--Students seem well behaved.
--The class period went by crazy fast (went from 90 minute blocks to 60 minutes)
--Many of my class sizes are manageable
Areas for Improvement:
--Having lesson plans for next week done by Sunday
--Make a seating chart for each class
--Tighten transitions
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
End of School Year 2010-2011
Wow! I never thought that this day would come!! Even though I have (paid) a workshop to attend for the rest of the week, I am soooooo glad to put this school year behind me. I'm slightly worried by the teacher gossip; I just need to be me and do what needs to be done for the kids. Until next time!
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
January Update
In a recent school letter, my principal compares teachers to car salesmen, especially when it comes to positive thinking. This part of the letter especially stood out--"The difference between the effective and the ineffective teacher is that the effective teacher only thinks or speaks it once. They identify the problem and spend the rest of their time focused on solving it."
It's so easy to get caught in the trap of complaining all of the time. I know that I am guilty of it. However, as I was telling my husband earlier today, as __________ as my students can be at times, I still see so much potential. When I see my students making real-life connections, it makes me realize that I am teaching them way more than my subject matter. I am teaching my students valuable life skills.
I know that I may not have the answer to every one of my students problems, but I hope that by the time they leave my classroom in June, they are better speakers, writers, and thinkers.
It's so easy to get caught in the trap of complaining all of the time. I know that I am guilty of it. However, as I was telling my husband earlier today, as __________ as my students can be at times, I still see so much potential. When I see my students making real-life connections, it makes me realize that I am teaching them way more than my subject matter. I am teaching my students valuable life skills.
I know that I may not have the answer to every one of my students problems, but I hope that by the time they leave my classroom in June, they are better speakers, writers, and thinkers.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
New Year Reflections
Well, three days into the new year and all is okay in my neck of the woods. I still have some work to do with my students (group work is a 'work in progress', too many students are borderline failing) but I know that I go in everyday and give it my all. That's half the battle right there!
I really need to capitalize on my students' strengths. I tend to lecture, lecture, lecture and then give very limited and often extremely guided learning activities. Once I get a chance to really sit down with my curriculum (anyone else running like a chicken with its head cut off this year?), I'd love to have my talkative class have accountable discussions with each other rather than me. Or for my class full of kinesthetic learners to have tons of hands-on projects to complete. I know that things like this require time and resources to build up. I'm hopeful for the rest of this school year.
I really need to capitalize on my students' strengths. I tend to lecture, lecture, lecture and then give very limited and often extremely guided learning activities. Once I get a chance to really sit down with my curriculum (anyone else running like a chicken with its head cut off this year?), I'd love to have my talkative class have accountable discussions with each other rather than me. Or for my class full of kinesthetic learners to have tons of hands-on projects to complete. I know that things like this require time and resources to build up. I'm hopeful for the rest of this school year.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Reverb Prompt 24
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.
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.
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!
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