- It is much easier to ask forgiveness than to ask permission. This particularly applies when one does not know the procedures because they have never been posted, shared, or otherwise distributed.
- The people who say the building will be open are typically not the ones who are going to be unlocking it at 6 am. They are the ones who show up an hour after you have been sitting outside the gate though.
- Your favorite students fall ill, but the ones you most wish would contract laryngitis never do.
- Adminstrative policies rarely make sense.
- (most) Middle school students are thugs. (the ones at my school are!)
- Kindergardeners cannot read signs indicating girl and boy bathrooms. And middle schoolers do not appreciate the hand drawn-stick figure pictures with pink dress or blue shirt that has been put up for the kinders. And 5th graders are terrified to venture to the bathroom between 11 and 1 every day.
- Never ask for a permanent marker "to have". Admin will freak out.
- Students never hear directions the first 30 times.
- Unless it is an announcement there is no homework.
- Never announce "no homework" early in the day.
- Students will continue to use words they think are hysterical, like "tushie". You will re-think using words like "tushie" instead of what you really mean.
- The students who most hate writing are the ones who typically have to get a drink and/or go to the bathroom as soon as you start writing a prompt on the board.
- Students will never all put their names on their papers. They enjoy giving you a mystery to figure out.
- Even the most annoying student will have moments of brilliance.
- Even the most brilliant student will have moments of annoyance.
- No matter how hard you strive to make questions clearly stated, one student will give you an answer you never remotely considered.
- And you kind of want to give that student partial points for creativity.
- Even 12 hour days pass quickly.
- Print out answer keys.
- Stay on top of the grading.
- Double sided copies count as two copies.
- Smile and nod, and then go back to your classroom and do what is best for your students. Ignore the idiocy.
- When students listen to classmates giving speeches on Explorers, they only key in on two factors: the birth date and the death date.
- They will ask really stupid questions that were answered in the speech. ("Where did the 'Father of Canada' explore?")
- You will be sorely tempted to provide an incorrect answer to that student.
- Counting to ten only works early in the year. Counting to a million takes too long later on in the year.
- Students will be impressed that there is at least one classmate who focused on the work at hand and completed it before it was assigned for homework.
- The one who will be most impressed is the one who has done the least work.
- Even though you have announced what page to turn to in the science book multiple times AND written it on the board, there will be at least one student who still will ask you what page.
- Students will amaze you in all sorts of ways. Not always in a good way. But not always in a bad way, either.
- As annoying as they can be, they still kind of wriggle into your heart.
Monday, October 17, 2011
One quarter down, three to go
In a single quarter of teaching, I have learned many new things. Here is a sampling of the latest lessons...
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Science Quiz Answers
We have been studying force and motion in science, and learning new vocabulary words like friction, inertia, and velocity. The students have a "Science Dictionary" that we add to each time we have new vocabulary. So as you read the following answers to a recent science quiz, keep in mind that yes, this was taught, and yes, these are terms we have been using in class regularly.
The question that stumped so many students was:
What would one need to know in order to find a car's velocity? (speed and direction)
And here are some answers that literally had me laughing so hard I was crying:
- a gun that police use to give tickets out when you are speeding
- you would need to take the car out for a test drive
- an odometer
- to know how to take a car apart and put it back together again
Then there was a motorboat question, in which a motorboat has stopped and is decelerating slowly. When asked why this happened, a couple of answers were particluarly creative:
- the boat had to overcome it's interia.
- the boat ran out of engine.
Needless to say, I re-taught the terminology.
The question that stumped so many students was:
What would one need to know in order to find a car's velocity? (speed and direction)
And here are some answers that literally had me laughing so hard I was crying:
- a gun that police use to give tickets out when you are speeding
- you would need to take the car out for a test drive
- an odometer
- to know how to take a car apart and put it back together again
Then there was a motorboat question, in which a motorboat has stopped and is decelerating slowly. When asked why this happened, a couple of answers were particluarly creative:
- the boat had to overcome it's interia.
- the boat ran out of engine.
Needless to say, I re-taught the terminology.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Week #2 and I am still standing
I love teaching. I sincerely do. I love having my own class and planning what we are going to do, and seeing how the students react, and what their questions are.
It's the "other" stuff that is wearing. Like schedules that don't really work and are changed daily. (No really, the first week, it was DAILY changes.) And procedures not fully communicated to those involved. Or procedures changed at the last moment. Or trying to figure out where supplies are locked up, and how to gain access. And trying to figure out how to dress for AZ weather when you've brought school-prohibited clothing, like sleeveless tops.
In the end, it's all good. I tell myself and I tell my kids that every day is an adventure when we face a new deviation from the anticipated pathway. I fear my smile is wearing thin, but I will push on. And things are getting better, as days pass and everyone settles into their own routines.
My first week was busy. Turns out the classroom I put all my stuff in was the wrong one, so my first day (when we were asked to wear professional clothing) I spent moving all my boxes into the other room. It was a meager 80 degrees or so. Then I got to meet all the other teachers. In full sweat. I am sure I made an impression. Oh well. The other classroom was reserved for my partner teacher who, it turns out, was expecting to be in first grade, not fifth. It took her about a week to readjust her mind to upper elementary needs. I really like her. She has proven to be a great teammate.
So I arranged my classroom. Square room, 2 doors in odd places, a one-way window we look into the cafeteria through, 2 white erase boards (one that is ready to fall out from the wall, the other 3/4 up the wall, so I can reach the lower third), no closet/storage, an odd selection of textbooks, and 21 student desks. Not perhaps the "dream" classroom, but all mine. I set up the desks, set up the student center and class library (thank you, IKEA!). I organized the textbooks into "sets" - ones I have enough to make a class set, and those I do not. I put up a Reading board, a Space board (but we decided to study Forces and Motion first), a bunch of Language Arts posters students typically ignore, and a map of the United States. And I pondered what to do with the one-way window. (I still am, actually, but have placed a reading poster in the center for the time being). I printed out labels at home, and re-printed labels as students were added to my roster.
I met parents and students on the Friday Open House before school, hoping I wasn't looking as nervous as I felt. I was warmly welcomed by parents and shyly approached by students sizing me up. I planned for the following week.
My first week seemed like it was spent doing a lot of talking. Routine this, procedure that, always, never, and so on. I memorized the kids' names by the end of the first day. Got used to them calling me "miss" (not Middleton or M, just miss). Listened to their gripes as the changes mounted, encouraged flexibility, and smiled a lot. When the gigantic 2 inch long cockroach scrambled across my floor, a student offered to kill it, and the rest of the class assured me it "wasn't all that big". By the end of the week, the kids were more comfortable with me. I could tell because they were starting to act up, so I put a stop to that by making them write about respect. That helped.
I spent the weekend reviewing assessment data, personal journals (one of them thinks I am a spy - what, like I have time for that too?), and planning for my second week. I learned the basics of how to run the assorted computer softwares, and discovered all my work was being "converted" when I brought it to work on a thumb drive. So then I spent evenings turning everything into a .pdf.
The work never ends. The changes to my roster are easing up, although I know one student who isn't going to show up, so his desk has been pushed to the side. I have lessons to plan, write, and submit to what I refer to as "Taskmaster", an online site the school uses. Grades are already due and I am recording those in my gradebook, to transfer later in the week onto the computer. I have set up folders for Science and Reading Conferences, collected items for science experiments, and ensured that every student has all the supplies he/she could possibly need. I still have reading assessments to review and finish calculating, math worksheets to check over, and I am sure there is something else, but I can't recall what it is right now.
And did I mention I love this? All of it. Yes, my eyes hurt from trying to read all the handwriting. My back hurts from sitting in a chair correcting papers and recording grades for longer than I care to admit. I am terrified of turning on the light in my classroom and seeing something scurry across the floor. I am still too warm every day.
But I'll tell you what: it's worth it. Every day is worth it. I love these kids already. And you know what? I think they kinda like me, too.
It's the "other" stuff that is wearing. Like schedules that don't really work and are changed daily. (No really, the first week, it was DAILY changes.) And procedures not fully communicated to those involved. Or procedures changed at the last moment. Or trying to figure out where supplies are locked up, and how to gain access. And trying to figure out how to dress for AZ weather when you've brought school-prohibited clothing, like sleeveless tops.
In the end, it's all good. I tell myself and I tell my kids that every day is an adventure when we face a new deviation from the anticipated pathway. I fear my smile is wearing thin, but I will push on. And things are getting better, as days pass and everyone settles into their own routines.
My first week was busy. Turns out the classroom I put all my stuff in was the wrong one, so my first day (when we were asked to wear professional clothing) I spent moving all my boxes into the other room. It was a meager 80 degrees or so. Then I got to meet all the other teachers. In full sweat. I am sure I made an impression. Oh well. The other classroom was reserved for my partner teacher who, it turns out, was expecting to be in first grade, not fifth. It took her about a week to readjust her mind to upper elementary needs. I really like her. She has proven to be a great teammate.
So I arranged my classroom. Square room, 2 doors in odd places, a one-way window we look into the cafeteria through, 2 white erase boards (one that is ready to fall out from the wall, the other 3/4 up the wall, so I can reach the lower third), no closet/storage, an odd selection of textbooks, and 21 student desks. Not perhaps the "dream" classroom, but all mine. I set up the desks, set up the student center and class library (thank you, IKEA!). I organized the textbooks into "sets" - ones I have enough to make a class set, and those I do not. I put up a Reading board, a Space board (but we decided to study Forces and Motion first), a bunch of Language Arts posters students typically ignore, and a map of the United States. And I pondered what to do with the one-way window. (I still am, actually, but have placed a reading poster in the center for the time being). I printed out labels at home, and re-printed labels as students were added to my roster.
I met parents and students on the Friday Open House before school, hoping I wasn't looking as nervous as I felt. I was warmly welcomed by parents and shyly approached by students sizing me up. I planned for the following week.
My first week seemed like it was spent doing a lot of talking. Routine this, procedure that, always, never, and so on. I memorized the kids' names by the end of the first day. Got used to them calling me "miss" (not Middleton or M, just miss). Listened to their gripes as the changes mounted, encouraged flexibility, and smiled a lot. When the gigantic 2 inch long cockroach scrambled across my floor, a student offered to kill it, and the rest of the class assured me it "wasn't all that big". By the end of the week, the kids were more comfortable with me. I could tell because they were starting to act up, so I put a stop to that by making them write about respect. That helped.
I spent the weekend reviewing assessment data, personal journals (one of them thinks I am a spy - what, like I have time for that too?), and planning for my second week. I learned the basics of how to run the assorted computer softwares, and discovered all my work was being "converted" when I brought it to work on a thumb drive. So then I spent evenings turning everything into a .pdf.
The work never ends. The changes to my roster are easing up, although I know one student who isn't going to show up, so his desk has been pushed to the side. I have lessons to plan, write, and submit to what I refer to as "Taskmaster", an online site the school uses. Grades are already due and I am recording those in my gradebook, to transfer later in the week onto the computer. I have set up folders for Science and Reading Conferences, collected items for science experiments, and ensured that every student has all the supplies he/she could possibly need. I still have reading assessments to review and finish calculating, math worksheets to check over, and I am sure there is something else, but I can't recall what it is right now.
And did I mention I love this? All of it. Yes, my eyes hurt from trying to read all the handwriting. My back hurts from sitting in a chair correcting papers and recording grades for longer than I care to admit. I am terrified of turning on the light in my classroom and seeing something scurry across the floor. I am still too warm every day.
But I'll tell you what: it's worth it. Every day is worth it. I love these kids already. And you know what? I think they kinda like me, too.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Slowly Settling
The last of the boxes have been unpacked and flattened in my apartment. The IKEA furniture for the classroom was put together when we dropped off the boxes. Since the school isn't entirely certain that my classroom will be the one in which I have stored my things, I have not unpacked. Nor do I have access.
And perhaps that is a good thing. My apartment is functional, I can spend time doing some lesson planning, exploring the area, and sleeping. And just maybe get a little more acclimated. I am stunned at the amount of water I have been sucking down. For someone who doesn't really like water, it comes as a surprise. I realize it shouldn't. It's about survival in a desert. I get that. I really do. It's just another in a series of changes in my new life in Arizona.
One of the nice things about this area is how friendly people are. I went to Trader Joe's yesterday, and the woman at the check out counter noticed I was stocking up on spices. I told her I had just moved from Oregon. As she handed me my receipt, she welcomed me to Tucson and wished me luck. I met one of the middle school teachers when we moved my school boxes into the classroom, and she immediately offered me help and guidance.
It will take awhile to adjust. That's okay. Looks like I have a few days before I officially begin work as a full time teacher. (The idea makes me want to shout, "YEAH!") My fridge is fully stocked. I have a lovely, air conditioned home and car. I have maps and I am starting to be able to navigate my way around town. (This is a very big deal, actually.)
We had a big storm move through the other night. Lightning streaks and booming thunder. Heavy raindrops the desert cannot soak up immediately. And then the day brought bright sunshine and high temperatures. Like life, there are dark periods that are followed by times of breaking joy. I suspect I have just left the storm of unemployment behind, and am beginning the sunny days of teaching. Not that there won't be more storms in the forecast. But I can see the pattern of light, too.
And perhaps that is a good thing. My apartment is functional, I can spend time doing some lesson planning, exploring the area, and sleeping. And just maybe get a little more acclimated. I am stunned at the amount of water I have been sucking down. For someone who doesn't really like water, it comes as a surprise. I realize it shouldn't. It's about survival in a desert. I get that. I really do. It's just another in a series of changes in my new life in Arizona.
One of the nice things about this area is how friendly people are. I went to Trader Joe's yesterday, and the woman at the check out counter noticed I was stocking up on spices. I told her I had just moved from Oregon. As she handed me my receipt, she welcomed me to Tucson and wished me luck. I met one of the middle school teachers when we moved my school boxes into the classroom, and she immediately offered me help and guidance.
It will take awhile to adjust. That's okay. Looks like I have a few days before I officially begin work as a full time teacher. (The idea makes me want to shout, "YEAH!") My fridge is fully stocked. I have a lovely, air conditioned home and car. I have maps and I am starting to be able to navigate my way around town. (This is a very big deal, actually.)
We had a big storm move through the other night. Lightning streaks and booming thunder. Heavy raindrops the desert cannot soak up immediately. And then the day brought bright sunshine and high temperatures. Like life, there are dark periods that are followed by times of breaking joy. I suspect I have just left the storm of unemployment behind, and am beginning the sunny days of teaching. Not that there won't be more storms in the forecast. But I can see the pattern of light, too.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Moving on...
I got the job in Tucson. The interview went well. I feel very confident about teaching and working in the school. It appears from the interview that I have a lot of background that may become a handy thing to have in my arsenal of experience. (Oh, wait, as a sub, I have no "experience". Yeah, right!)
So I have been packing, researching paperwork, licensing (teaching and driving), obtaining a place to live, and organizing. Shopping, too. Lots of shopping. It has been a busy month. I have also played golf, read, hung out with friends and enjoyed the beautiful weather I am about to give up.
And I have been attempting to quell the inner fears. The concerns about how I will adapt to a new city, a new culture, a new environment. The worries about learning the computer system, the software, and creating my little classroom. That niggling, dark wonder, "Will they like me?" And the fear that what I leave behind will change, ignore, or forget me.
As I sit on my couch, making my daily list of things to do, it occurs to me this is the last Friday I will have here, for awhile. My corgi snoozes peacefully nearby, the cat purrs from her kitty apartment, and the puppy is running around our backyard, digging into fresh, earthy, mole mounds. Suddenly, so few days are left. And as I type those words, anxiety blooms from deep within, spreading quickly, reaching my fingers and toes, stinging my eyes.
Opportunity is not without risk. I know that I am capable to taking this on. I want this chance to teach, to prove to both myself and the world that I am a great teacher. I have worked towards this moment, yet I find myself afraid as it approaches. In this quiet moment, sitting alone, the full weight of this decision settles upon my shoulders. That it does not come crashing down tells me that I am not alone, nor did I make this decision alone. My husband, my family and friends all support me and this choice, even though it brings with it a bittersweet goodbye - for now.
I look outside and see the sunlight speckling through the trees onto the forest floor. The day is waiting for me to take action. Dwelling on fears that keep me captive will do nothing for me. Focusing on my goal frees me to smile, enjoy the time I have remaining, and spurs me to action.
My to-do list for the day awaits. Off I go!
So I have been packing, researching paperwork, licensing (teaching and driving), obtaining a place to live, and organizing. Shopping, too. Lots of shopping. It has been a busy month. I have also played golf, read, hung out with friends and enjoyed the beautiful weather I am about to give up.
And I have been attempting to quell the inner fears. The concerns about how I will adapt to a new city, a new culture, a new environment. The worries about learning the computer system, the software, and creating my little classroom. That niggling, dark wonder, "Will they like me?" And the fear that what I leave behind will change, ignore, or forget me.
As I sit on my couch, making my daily list of things to do, it occurs to me this is the last Friday I will have here, for awhile. My corgi snoozes peacefully nearby, the cat purrs from her kitty apartment, and the puppy is running around our backyard, digging into fresh, earthy, mole mounds. Suddenly, so few days are left. And as I type those words, anxiety blooms from deep within, spreading quickly, reaching my fingers and toes, stinging my eyes.
Opportunity is not without risk. I know that I am capable to taking this on. I want this chance to teach, to prove to both myself and the world that I am a great teacher. I have worked towards this moment, yet I find myself afraid as it approaches. In this quiet moment, sitting alone, the full weight of this decision settles upon my shoulders. That it does not come crashing down tells me that I am not alone, nor did I make this decision alone. My husband, my family and friends all support me and this choice, even though it brings with it a bittersweet goodbye - for now.
I look outside and see the sunlight speckling through the trees onto the forest floor. The day is waiting for me to take action. Dwelling on fears that keep me captive will do nothing for me. Focusing on my goal frees me to smile, enjoy the time I have remaining, and spurs me to action.
My to-do list for the day awaits. Off I go!
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
The interview went well...
I arrived back home after an adventure in Arizona. It should be noted that it is important to have air conditioning - functioning A/C mind you - when temperatures reach 107 degrees. I figured this out when I discovered that my rental car no longer was going to produce cooling air and I had to drive all the way back to the airport an hour after leaving it. Fortunately, the good folks at Alamo upgraded me to a nice car with working A/C - after checking to make sure I had "pushed the little green button". I was also able to locate a great apartment.
The following morning, I showered, dressed, and readied myself for the interview. I arrived early enough to be able to take a tour of the school. Small charter school, small classrooms, but the people really care about the students. No library, but the kids have Music and PE and Computer class. There is a lunchroom - I have been working in a school where the kids eat in the classroom, and it's a bit gross. The kids play outside for recess, and I don't have duty.
Then I went into the interview, which I had been preparing for all month. And I was just fine! I wasn't ever stumped on a question, although the superintendant was clear about what he wanted - and what he wants is a good teacher who cares about teaching the kids. I felt clearheaded and confident.
I left the interview feeling great. I was myself - the best piece of advice I heard before I left was to be myself - if they didn't like me, then I would not be happy working there. I didn't have to think about my answers. I figured I had done my best.
Turns out, I did just fine. So well in fact, that I have been offered employment. After three tough years, I suddenly find myself preparing for the start of the school year - which is in four weeks.
What am I worried about? Lots of assessments. Lots and lots of 'em. Small classrooms - where do I put the classroom library, the math manipulatives, the "stuff"?
I have a lot to do. But that's ok, I have been hired! YAY!
The following morning, I showered, dressed, and readied myself for the interview. I arrived early enough to be able to take a tour of the school. Small charter school, small classrooms, but the people really care about the students. No library, but the kids have Music and PE and Computer class. There is a lunchroom - I have been working in a school where the kids eat in the classroom, and it's a bit gross. The kids play outside for recess, and I don't have duty.
Then I went into the interview, which I had been preparing for all month. And I was just fine! I wasn't ever stumped on a question, although the superintendant was clear about what he wanted - and what he wants is a good teacher who cares about teaching the kids. I felt clearheaded and confident.
I left the interview feeling great. I was myself - the best piece of advice I heard before I left was to be myself - if they didn't like me, then I would not be happy working there. I didn't have to think about my answers. I figured I had done my best.
Turns out, I did just fine. So well in fact, that I have been offered employment. After three tough years, I suddenly find myself preparing for the start of the school year - which is in four weeks.
What am I worried about? Lots of assessments. Lots and lots of 'em. Small classrooms - where do I put the classroom library, the math manipulatives, the "stuff"?
I have a lot to do. But that's ok, I have been hired! YAY!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
An Interview at Last!
I head out for an interview tomorrow. I am very excited. Nervous too, but mostly excited.
I made the decision to start applying to other states this spring. As a married mother of a teen, this is not a choice I made easily. I have applied in the state, to no avail. I figured I had best begin looking "outside of the box", with the box being my home state. After two years of searching, I wondered if I was just not looking in the right places. So I expanded my search. Yes, I did get a bunch of rejection letters from other states, too. Actually, I sadly discovered that other states & districts are better at responding than ones locally. Go figure. And other states have plenty of "highly qualified candidates" to choose from as well.
So when I got a phone call from Tucson, AZ, for a 5th grade position, well, you can imagine the thrill.
I have had to wait until the end of the month for the face to face meeting. Which has given me time to plan, prepare, rethink, and sweat it.
I head out to the airport tomorrow morning. I will arrive in 104 degree weather, pick up a car and check out the school location, look at an apartment complex, and wander around the city a little. Then I get to wake up early, check out of the hotel, and arrive on time for my interview. I will have a chance to check out the school, and then head to the airport and fly home.
When will I find out? How will I interview? Will I say the right things? Am I ready to move away from all things familiar?
I don't know the answers to all these questions bubbling up. My friends are excited for me. I have been wished a tremendous amount of luck. I have faith in myself. I have had a friend prep me. What happens next... is what happens next.
I made the decision to start applying to other states this spring. As a married mother of a teen, this is not a choice I made easily. I have applied in the state, to no avail. I figured I had best begin looking "outside of the box", with the box being my home state. After two years of searching, I wondered if I was just not looking in the right places. So I expanded my search. Yes, I did get a bunch of rejection letters from other states, too. Actually, I sadly discovered that other states & districts are better at responding than ones locally. Go figure. And other states have plenty of "highly qualified candidates" to choose from as well.
So when I got a phone call from Tucson, AZ, for a 5th grade position, well, you can imagine the thrill.
I have had to wait until the end of the month for the face to face meeting. Which has given me time to plan, prepare, rethink, and sweat it.
I head out to the airport tomorrow morning. I will arrive in 104 degree weather, pick up a car and check out the school location, look at an apartment complex, and wander around the city a little. Then I get to wake up early, check out of the hotel, and arrive on time for my interview. I will have a chance to check out the school, and then head to the airport and fly home.
When will I find out? How will I interview? Will I say the right things? Am I ready to move away from all things familiar?
I don't know the answers to all these questions bubbling up. My friends are excited for me. I have been wished a tremendous amount of luck. I have faith in myself. I have had a friend prep me. What happens next... is what happens next.
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