Third week done and I think I've almost got a handle on this rotating schedule. The fact that I can look out at a class and say with confidence, see you Tuesday, because my mind has already worked through the mathematics that says that period is dropped on Monday means I'm in a groove.
Speaking of grooves - nothing throws you off your teaching groove quite like having a 30+ year teaching vet come sit in the back of your classroom and take literally 15 pages of notes! As she pointed out during our debriefing, I had nothing to be concerned about, she just wanted to write down EVERY word I said. However, I made more mistakes (rather, had more things that needed correction or improvement) than I thought possible in a 68 minute time-frame. Though, I suppose if I was so good that I needed no direction, anyone could become a teacher at the drop of a hat. It is, however, amazing to consider that one person has so much knowledge about teaching locked up in one brain! She has an answer to every question, a suggestion to every comment, and a compliment (there were a couple) for every job well done. That being said, I'm not entirely enthusiastic to cross paths with her again on Feb. 13th...
But what about the students, you ask? Well, I have to say I burst a few (and by that I mean all) bubbles this week when I not only assigned homework, but a project AND told the honors class they would be having a quiz next week. I guess you can say the honey-moon is over, and they're starting to realize that I'm not going to just be all fun and games (though, I wouldn't MIND playing 7-up if there was a way to make it educational.... yes, a girl asked to play that this week).
But some of the best moments of the week did not occur in the classroom, instead they were in the hallways in between classes or at the end of the day. There is nothing more gratifying than seeing a student in the hallway and hearing "hey Mr. B!" or "Have a good weekend Mr. B!" because whether or not they enjoy your class (and I'm not naive to believe they enjoy it at all...) they at least acknowledge your existence and it feels nice. One girl, who is totally vying for the favorite student/teacher's pet award, even told me after my supervisor had visited that she thinks I'm going to be "a great teacher someday." Regardless of the underlying motivation, it was nice to hear.
Now for the Super Bowl and some Patriots action! - wouldn't mind if the weekend dragged just a little...
-MB
Speaking of grooves - nothing throws you off your teaching groove quite like having a 30+ year teaching vet come sit in the back of your classroom and take literally 15 pages of notes! As she pointed out during our debriefing, I had nothing to be concerned about, she just wanted to write down EVERY word I said. However, I made more mistakes (rather, had more things that needed correction or improvement) than I thought possible in a 68 minute time-frame. Though, I suppose if I was so good that I needed no direction, anyone could become a teacher at the drop of a hat. It is, however, amazing to consider that one person has so much knowledge about teaching locked up in one brain! She has an answer to every question, a suggestion to every comment, and a compliment (there were a couple) for every job well done. That being said, I'm not entirely enthusiastic to cross paths with her again on Feb. 13th...
But what about the students, you ask? Well, I have to say I burst a few (and by that I mean all) bubbles this week when I not only assigned homework, but a project AND told the honors class they would be having a quiz next week. I guess you can say the honey-moon is over, and they're starting to realize that I'm not going to just be all fun and games (though, I wouldn't MIND playing 7-up if there was a way to make it educational.... yes, a girl asked to play that this week).
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| Image - www.cartoonstock.com |
Now for the Super Bowl and some Patriots action! - wouldn't mind if the weekend dragged just a little...
-MB
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