This last month has been a good type of challenge. I’ve been
working on finishing my KPTP and brainstorming with another teacher who works
really well under pressure. She’s given me a lot of insight on life and teaching
so I decided to make a list for teachers to remember when they are finishing up
their last 9 weeks in the school system and things I’ve heard in the building
and classroom that student teachers and first few years teaching.
1.
We are all winding down with the last few weeks
of school but don’t let that trick you. There’s no more “time” to put off the
little things so get them done early so they don’t catch up with you later
2.
Be resourceful. Use the Wiki we made in class and
resources others give you with pride and confidence. Don’t be too proud to
accept help from others
3.
Be positive. Do not get into the rut of thinking
the kids can’t learn today or there’s no
hope for them.
4.
Never give up. Not only should you not give up
on your students but also yourself. Remember to keep sane and don’t stretch
yourself too thin. Give yourself time to grade those last essays and finals at the
end of the year.
5.
Be smart about your decisions. Be careful what
you say and who you say it too or you might hear about it later from people you
least expected.
6.
Be professional. Be professional even when you
are friends with the teachers. This will help you out positively in the long
run.
7.
Learn when to say yes and no. This includes in
stretching yourself too thin. Don’t do it if you cant fit it in with your regular
duties.
8.
Rework your KPTP even when you think you are
finished. This will insure that you are finished and are confident with your
answers. Keep academic honesty and professionalism throughout your experience.
One thing I’ve also been working with is the fact I got
hired at the place I am currently student teaching at. I am incredibly excited
but also incredibly nervous. I’m unsure how I could approach the new year. I am
working on getting my new classroom ready from afar but also about to garage
sale dive for books and resources for my room. I learned (sort of ) where I’ll
be and what classes I have but that all could change, too. I’ve been working on grading tests after my
KPTP and finishing up with my other hours that I will be co teaching after the
1st of April. We are doing a unit of writing so I’m currently looking
for resources for writing. I’ve had to apply what I’ve learned in classes such
as Writing for Secondary Students and our scaffolding pieces in our current textbooks
as well. Our writing 680 comp class really will be the biggest help for our
writing unit. Technology was the biggest
factor in the comp class so students are using technology to help their writing
instead of hindering it. Students are doing their prewriting using some help
from teacherspayteachers.com for topic ideas for Fahrenheit 451. Then they will do their rough draft and final
on the laptops in class. This will ensure they are getting the best of worlds, writing
and typing.
I really enjoyed your post this week and I find myself thinking some of these same things.
ReplyDelete“Be positive. Do not get into the rut of thinking the kids can’t learn today or there’s no hope for them.”
I have heard so many teachers do just this. I found that it seems to be kind of an April slump that gets them thinking this way. I am feeling it again this years and I have to actively guard against it. The students are also acting this way, especially the Seniors. They get so negative and entitled this time of year. It must be an upper classmen kind of thing. I try to ignore the negative energy floating around the school and guard against it. Thanks for reminding me that we are all in this together.
“Be smart about your decisions. Be careful what you say and who you say it too or you might hear about it later from people you least expected.”
Yep! I said something about not looking forward to reading a specific text over the next 4 weeks and my CT heard it. Oops! My CT proceeded to explain to me the merits of said text and I felt rather sheepish. Of course as I am preparing for Monday I read the first two chapters this weekend and much to my surprise I found that I enjoyed the book. Whoopie! The way I felt about the book stemmed from my Highschool experience and I should have had an open mind. That being said, it made me think about other literature that I haven’t given a chance. So I need to listen to myself when I am telling my students to have an open mind…
“Be professional. Be professional even when you are friends with the teachers. This will help you out positively in the long run.”
I agree so much! I know that I have not been the most professional person in the past. Sometimes we all have bad days but hopefully others will forgive and forget? I have definitely been in need of positive/professional energy over the last year.
Ms. Vaughn,
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with the advice that you have given in your blog this week. So many things can go to the wayside if we are not careful. I especially agree with #7. "Learn when to say yes and no. This includes in stretching yourself too thin. Don’t do it if you cant fit it in with your regular duties." There are so many things that we would like to take on so we get the "full experience" as student teachers. However, we all need to realize that we can only do so much. We should not stretch ourselves to the brink of exhaustion and stress.
As new teachers, we should take advantage of anything that we might be able to get our hands on to help us in the classroom. You never know when something might spark the next amazing lesson.
Thank you for your insight. I'm glad to see that someone else is also trying to find the good things about the next few weeks to make them positive and fun for not only our students but for ourselves as well.
Ms. Roseberry
Ms Vaughn,
ReplyDeleteYour advice given in the blog this week is on point. In particular, I would like to address #5 and #6.
"Be smart about your decisions. Be careful what you say and who you say it too or you might hear about it later from people you least expected."
This is so true. You never know how people will twist your words and tell others what you have expressed. Make sure you are always able to own what you say and make no excuses for your stance on a subject.
"Be professional. Be professional even when you are friends with the teachers. This will help you out positively in the long run."
This is extremely hard to do, when we have passion and feelings. There have been times when I have made the mistake of expressing my feelings and have had it turn on me. I have learned to remain positive and listen. If I disagree, I tend to keep my thoughts to myself and reflect before I open my mouth. If I am going to fight for something, I want it to be something that I feel strongly about and am truly willing to "go to the mattresses."
With both of these statements, always remember that there is a difference between working relationships and friendships. I do think it is possible to have both. However, be careful who you befriend, especially in your first few years of teaching. Sometimes, I have found that people have their own agendas and they have used others to accomplish what they feel is important. This may be at your expense. On the other hand, I have found some of my deepest friendships in teaching.
I am so glad that you have been able to have the experience to student teach in the school you will be working. I hope you have learned many things that will guide you to your first year at our school.
All the best,
Mrs. Quincy