Week 1 - A reflection

Well, this has been an interesting week.  By far a great turn around today (Friday) from Monday, thank goodness.  Today was probably the best day this week has seen, and I'm grateful.  I needed to end on a happy note, considering how this week started...

Oh boy.  That was interesting, to be sure.

If you missed the juicy details, read the previous post to be filled in.  If you know what's going on, please continue reading.

I'm moving on either way.  So, here we go!

My cooperating teaching came back on Tuesday and we discussed the incidents of the previous afternoon.  Needless to say, he was appalled at the behavior of his students and took care of them right after we discussed it.  Later that day, in 8th period, one of the students who had been misbehaving the day previous came up to me and apologized for his actions, hoped that I hadn't taken what he had said as disrespectful, and apologized again.  I told him that yes, I did take it as disrespect (you would too if you he had made the same comment to you), but that I accepted his apology, and asked him to please not do it again because I don't want to have to be the bad guy all the time, etc.  He said he wouldn't do it again, I thanked him, and we left it at that.  I didn't smile because I wanted him to know that I meant business, that I wasn't playing around, and what have you.  I hope that was right... If I did anything wrong, all you education people should guide me on how to do that better the next time.  

The other student didn't say anything and I was okay with that.  But my cooperating teacher took care of the class and they were much better towards me the rest of the week. 

Moving on!

That was Tuesday.  Wednesday, I did more lecturing (as I had the previous day), graded papers, and mostly observed.  That was probably the least exciting day.  I'm usually more busy in the evening getting ready for the next day than I am during the day.  Is that normal?  I thought during teaching you were going to be busy all day and all evening.  Seems to me the days are less stressful than the nights.  Oh well, it gives me more time to plan during the day.  I like it.

Thursday, I took over a second class - 3rd period.  So, now I am responsible for 16 more children's education.  Ain't that fantastic?!  We did a "Getting to Know You" exercise where I had them all tell me about themselves again and then I made them do a map quiz like the other class.  They had 15  minutes to get all 50 states and several bodies of water as well as as many capitals as they knew.  Only about two people got to the cities.  Most of them didn't read the directions, which means I can put hidden stuff in their directions to make sure they read them all!!  They need to get into that practice.  Haha!  I'm so mean... :-D

They'll get over it.

Besides the directions, they also need to work on their maps.  Big time.  It's unfortunate, but I don't think it's in the state standards that these kids need to know where the 50 states are in high school.  Several of them told me they did this in Jr. High, but that was about 4 years ago.  Not that the states have changed since then, but it's important to review it.  By the time I leave, I plan on having these kids know the U.S. backwards and forwards.  States.  Capitals.  Bodies of water.  All that good stuff.

Today, I had the kids watch a video about Lindbergh.  All but one of the classes had started the video.  So, since I have two of the U.S. History classes now, I had them take notes on the video and told them that since we don't have time to actually talk about Lindbergh (and because I just love him and the beginnings of aviation) anything in the video would be up for grabs on the test.  They moaned, but that was it.  I took it up for a completion grade.  Those that missed will have a short report to do (I'm leaning towards a 1-page, double-spaced report on Lindbergh) for their completion grade because they can't make up the movie.  They don't have time.  So, if they're present on Monday, they will have an assignment to do.  Isn't that wonderful?!  I'm sure they love me.... or they will eventually.  Or maybe not.  That's not the point.

I'm giving them a grade.  My first one!!  Woo!!

That was the extent of the day pretty much.  Oh, that and I caught two girls passing a note and I told everyone in 8th period goodbye with a smile.  I want them all to know that I really don't hate them.  So, I said goodbye with a smile and they all said something.  All of them :-)  It might be slow progress...

So far, I have most of my lesson for Monday and plans for the rest of the week.  That makes me so excited.  I have to start writing the test and I can't wait!  Woo!  Writing my first test for a grade.  That's such an awesome feeling.  Hard work put to good use.  It will be chock full of directions, maps,  matching, fill in the blank, multiple choice, short answer, and maybe an essay.  I haven't decided yet.  I don't know if they're prepared for that much writing on a test.  They're used to having everything handed to them pretty much.  I want to break that trend.  I want them to work for their grade.  I hate worksheets - I can find something better for them to do for a grade.  They may be doing a lot of writing for me, but that's great practice, since they don't get to do a lot of that as far as I know.  If they do, they aren't used to writing in history class.  And they can use all the English practice they can get.  Poor kids... I feel really sorry for them.  I only want what's best for them.  As long as they understand that. 

Next week will be another adventure in the making.  I have my first observation on Wednesday and I'm SOO nervous!!!  But I'll get things to work on and that's always good.  

I'm all about working on things.

Anyway, that's all for this past week.  I hope the next week will be just as exciting.  I'm sure it will be.  

Until next time!

Aimee

It's Day 1 and I'm All Alone...

Well, today was interesting as all get out.  Quite a contrast from Friday for on that day, I did an activity with the class I was starting out teaching the next school day (which was Monday - today).  That was fun and I know all the kids in that class... I think.  Anyway, the rest of that day went by uneventfully.  Then I went home, but that has nothing to do with student teaching.

Moving on!

Today, I taught my first lesson.  I was tired, but ready... but not really.  I didn't feel ready, which is always a downer, even if you prepared.  Anywhoo, I got to school and noticed several of the 1st period students standing outside of my cooperating teacher's door.  I walked in, turned on the light, and turned around to see the principal in the doorway.  And wouldn't you know it, my cooperating teacher had called in and was not going to be at school.  So, I had all 7 class periods.  All. By. My. Self.  Honestly, I was totally okay with that.  Mr. M had given all the classes worksheets to do and all of the students knew what to expect with that.  Only for the second period class, I was to start out with my first lesson of student teaching... all alone.  Isn't that fantastic?!  I got practice being a real teacher without someone looking over my shoulder.  Woo! (yet terrifying)  They were good for the most part.  I gave them a pop quiz right out of the box so I'm sure they all think I'm going to be really hard.

Maybe I will be :-) Just for them.  And 8th period, but I'll get to that later.

Their pop quiz was over the 50 states.  It's an American History class, so I believe it's important to know all of the states (as well as their capitals) if you're going to study a entire country's history like the U.S.  They weren't too excited about it, but such is life.  That quiz took a long time for them to complete.  I didn't know how much time to give them, so I just let them take it.  The next time I give it, I'm going to give them a time limit - something like 15 minutes tops - to get all 50 states and as many capitals as they think they know.  Then we can get down to lecturing and the rest of the good stuff that kids come to history class for.  At least, that's what I like to think.  I went into lecture, but we didn't get very far, mostly because we didn't have that much time left and partly because I think they were excited to see a new face, so they were a little talkative.  But only a little.  

The rest of the day went great!

And then came 8th period.  

This is the class that every teacher hates to have.  Most of the kids don't care to learn and would rather goof off and ask impertinent questions rather than do the work required of them.  This frustrated me because it was the last class of the day and I was ready to go home.  But I knew that if I gave them any leeway, they would eat me alive.  The first question I got asked was, "Are you strict?"  Well, only when I have to be and with that class, I definitely have to be, so "yes."  And then the rest of the class period commenced with them seeing how far they could push me before I got upset (i.e. making snide remarks, asking questions they didn't have any business knowing the answers to, making rude gestures, the works).  I kept my cool (at least I'm pretty sure I did) and tried really, really hard not to get upset in front of them.  But, they persisted and I handed out detentions and almost sent two kids to the office, but then the bell rang.  By the end of the class, I was so frustrated with them, I could hardly think.  

The ride back to campus was quiet for the most part, but a friend and I grabbed some Sonic before getting back to the dorm and that made me feel a little better and forget for a while my traumatic last class period.  

Thank goodness they are the last group to I have to deal with.  By the time I get them, I'll only have them for about a month before I have to go.  There will be no fun and games in that class whatsoever.  They can't handle it.  If I have to talk and make them take notes for 45 minutes straight, then that's what I'm going to have to do.  Their map reviews might need some readjustment, but I think I can figure something out.  

Any ideas for that?  How to get kids to shut up and know you mean business if you've already shown them you do mean business?  What kinds of challenges can I place on them to get them to enjoy their time in my class?  I'm having a hard time trying to come up with something.  I still have 6 weeks before I get them, but I sort of need some ideas now, so I can start brooding on them and seeing if they will work with this group of disruptive, rude, disrespecting students.

P.S. I only was frustrated with 3 of them, and a fourth was hanging on the line.  The rest of the class worked like they were supposed to, the little angels :-)

Well, that's been my day.  I wonder what tomorrow will bring... and if I will be alone again or if my cooperating teacher will be back.  Somehow I don't think worksheets are going to cut it for some of these kids.  They're too easy.  They need something challenging/hard to keep them occupied!!!!

Still reliving 3:00,

Aimee

And it's only been 3 days!

Today, I decided that teaching is going to be an expensive career... and that I need to wed someone who will make a lot of money.  

Why you ask?  

Well, this evening was the District basketball tournament for my school as well as the band fund raiser at the local pizza place.  Since I am supposed to be establishing rapport with my students and support them in every way possible, I decided that I should attend both venues.  So I did.  Me and two fellow student teachers, Laura and Ashley.  It cost $4 at the door.  Not expensive, but for a poor college kid, that's a little  in the hole.  The girls lost their game, unfortunately, but the cheering section was pretty decent for a really small school.  Then, Ashley and I went to eat pizza to support the band (since we have both been in the band and know how badly public school kids need band money).  That was so much fun!  I saw several of my students and they were all very excited to see me sporting their colors and supporting the band.  I think they thought I was cool.  At least that's what their faces said.  I'll know tomorrow when we all get back into the classroom.  

In essence, I have spent a lot of money today (at least, it's a lot for a college kid) and I anticipate doing more of that throughout the semester and when I actually get a real teaching job.  I am not complaining.  Oh, not at all!  I'm just mentally preparing myself for the road ahead because that venue was definitely something I had not considered before.  But now I have, and now you have been enlightened.  Press on faithful subjects!!

Something has go to be said about the creativity of a small country school.  I was asked to participate in playing Donkey Basketball for another fundraiser.  I didn't know "donkey" and "basketball" went in the same sentence, let alone in the same "sport."  Apparently, riders have to play basketball while riding bareback on a live donkey.  That just sounds hysterical and I haven't yet decided whether or not I really want to humiliate myself that badly.  Should I keep face or smell like an animal???  Either way, I'm going to experience the fundraiser because it sounds like a blast!

So, what have I been doing all week?

Well, not much actually.  I've mostly been just observing the classes since there really is nothing that I can teach them because I would be starting in the middle of all the notes and that's just not a good idea for a history class.  I've also been grading papers - mostly worksheets, but also some tests.  Then I get to record them in the gradebook.  That's fun.  Don't ask me why but I love that stuff.  If I'm done with that, I simply sit back and enjoy watching students, answering questions, listening to the lecture, and making mental notes of things I want to do and not do, things I want to try and things I can leave out while I'm teaching.  It's been a pretty productive week.

Tuesday, I attended the education fair here on the college campus.  I've been asked to apply several places and have one lead that I think may be promising.  But I'm not getting my hopes up just yet.  I sent in the application yesterday afternoon after school and emailed their office today to let them know I was interested and had applied and that it was on its way, etc.  If I get any leads on it, I will be sure to keep you updated on that.  

Today was pretty eventful.  I've already expounded on my evening.  The day, while not quite as exciting, still held some new things for me.  First of all, I gave a test to 7th graders.  They were the sweetest kids!  I had to get on to one kid for talking during the test, but he was good after that.  I just made a nasty teacher face to let him know I was serious before I gave him detention.  He didn't talk after that.  Hehe - do you think he knows I'm serious???  I'm seriously asking...

After that, I observed some more and graded some more.  Lunch was new today.  I ate in the teacher's lounge!  Woo!  Lunches before I've had things to look over or look up or something teachery to do.  But today, I braved the teacher's lounge... and it was great!  Everyone is SOO nice and they really seem to enjoy the new faces in their midst.  I already feel like a part of the family they have.  It's so wonderful to be accepted and treated like an equal (I mean, I am legally, but socially I don't have to mean anything).

I've only been at the school for three days and already I have fallen in love with it.  It has put my nerves to rest a little bit.  First coming in, I was terrified that people would hate me and not treat me with respect.  But, I have found that to not be true in this situation.  Everyone seems to like me and the students treat me as if I am their teacher.  More and more I truly feel like this is the only place I want to be - teaching.  I can't see myself in any other field, but I still have the rest of the semester to figure that out for sure :-)  Let's hope nothing changes.  I'm having a blast right now and I foresee things only getting better from here on out.  

Busier and better :-)

Things that I've noticed that really get on my nerves:

1.  Announcing a student's grade in the middle of the hallway where every teacher and half of the students can hear

That should be reserved between the student and the teacher exclusively.  That is not for anyone else to hear.  Can you imagine how embarrassing it would be to have a teacher announce your grade to half of the school?  I would hate that.  I saw that the student even felt uncomfortable and that made me sad.  If I ever do that, you have permission to drop an anvil on my head and tell me how stupid and inconsiderate I am of a student's personal information.  I would deserve every whelp.

2.  Making announcements in the middle of class

And by announcements, I mean from the front office over the intercom - from the secretary or the principle.  It is SOO disruptive to the class.  And then, when the intercom is left on!!  Oh dear... then you get to hear all of the conversations behind the 'page button' and then you can't teach.  Seriously, what happened to email??  Most of those announcements could be put in an email and sent directly to the teachers for future notice.  If announcements have to be made in class, the office should wait until the tardy bell has rung and then make any announcements so the class is not interrupted.  Then the teacher can get on with their teaching without worrying if their students are going to get called out in the middle of class.  It's very disruptive and inconsiderate.  Now, I have no control over this in the class, but I thought I would point it out because that's going to get on my nerves when I teach... I may have words with the secretary.  No, not really.  But I will get frustrated that they have the nerve to interrupt my instruction.

I'm still garnering a list of positives and I'll post that up later.  But for now, this is all I have in my life.  I'm doing an activity tomorrow with the class I'm going to start teaching on Monday.  That should be fun.  It's one of the larger classes.  Hehe.  Oh boy!

Until next time!

Aimee

Everyone has to start somewhere

Dear Reader,

If you are reading this, I hope you are as prepared as I pray I am for the roller coaster ahead during the next semester.  Neither of us knows what to expect in the coming weeks, but without a doubt, it will be the adventure of a lifetime - at least until I get thrown out into the real world.  Hehe.  

Oh dear, where are my manners?  Introductions are must-haves in the education field!  Since you have been subjected to my words (of I have subjected you to...), I will introduce myself, but only if you want.

Well, if you insist... :-)

Hi!  My name is Aimee and I am a teacher... in training.  During the next few months, the posts on here will be all about my experiences as I student teach.  I hope and pray it will be as exciting for you as I'm praying it will be for me.  But I have no doubts...not many, anyway.

Where am I?  I'm located in a small public country school in the Tennessee/Arkansas/Mississippi area.  My supervising teacher, we will call him Mr. M, has been fantastic in every way so far.  The rest of the school has been oh, so wonderful and helpful.  Such is the luck I get with a small school.  I love it!  What else... Oh yes!  The students.  Well, they're high school kids, what do you expect?  Yep, that's right.  I've thrown myself to the dogs; subjected myself to those upper class scoundrels who either don't seem to care or care so much they get on your nerves.

I'm kidding!!

Well, sort of...

Onwards!!!

What am I going to be teaching?  Before you stop reading, let me just say that I absolutely love the area I'm getting a career in, so don't knock it 'cause you thought it was boring in high school.  History can be fun!  Oops... did I say that out loud?  History can be fun?  Yes!  And with every cell in my being I want to try and make this an enjoyable experience for these kids.  Some of them really do love it.  Some of them couldn't care less.  Some of them are in the middle.  I still have to figure out who those kids are... But I am SO very excited and I hope you can share in my joy.  I will be graduating in May, but I'm hoping to update a few days a week, whenever I can in between lesson planning and meetings and events and class, etc.  I may wind up doing one large post on the weekends.  Who knows?!  I like it that way.  Sometimes, I love not knowing what's coming.  It makes life so much more enjoyable.  Know what I mean?

Today was my first day of student teaching.  How this is going to work will be the first week, I will mostly observe, start getting to know the students, grading papers, taking attendance, etc.  The second week, I will take my first class, teach that class for a week, then add another class the third week (meaning I will be teaching two classes a day), and add another class every week until I have my supervising teacher's full load.  In the meantime, I will be preparing lessons for my University Supervisor as well as my portfolios and all that good and wonderful teaching stuff.

I never thought I would get here 4 years ago.  It's simply unreal.  I've worked so hard (had many a sleepless night...) and come so far and now, it's almost over.  Life really does go faster the longer you live (not that I've lived very long at this point...).  Truthfully, I am TERRIFIED of becoming a teacher, but I am so excited at the same time.  These kids scare the mess out of me and inspire me at the same time.  They're awesome!  I have no idea what to expect from this.  Only know that I can't wait to find out what's in store for me.  I hope when I am finished with this semester, I will understand a little better what makes an exceptional teacher.  Not that I will live up to all those expectations all of the time, but I will certainly try.

For those of you who either do not know me, know me but were unaware that it existed, or simply forgot, here is the link to my pre-student teaching experience in Scotland.  I would do that again in a heartbeat!  Now, it's not very long because apparently I didn't have much time in 5 weeks to write anything (I will admit I'm sort of bad at the whole blogging thing), but you get a good idea... I think.  I haven't actually read it in 7 months, but that's my bad.  Behind those posts you get into my semester abroad the autumn before that, if you're into that stuff.  Shakespeare, Ireland, Italy, and London galore!

Anyway, this blog is about my Student Teaching semester with High School History and Geography.  It should be fun.  Maybe I'll get some really good ideas about what to do as a teacher in the classroom.  Got any suggestions right off the top of your head?  I'd love to hear them.  Anytime!  Really, even at 3 in the morning.  I'll see what I can do to make it happen and give feedback.  I'm very open to suggestions of all kinds.  

I'm starting the Jazz Age on Monday if that helps stimulate any thinking synapses...

Look at that History teacher knowledge!  Being put to such good use :-)

Above all, I hope that I can share my love of education with you as you watch me being molded into the teacher I will become.  I've dreamt of this since I was 14 and for it to actually be upon me is very scary, but I love that feeling.  

And now, off to do the teacher thing 'cause I have responsibilities, yadda yadda yadda.  The joys of being a college student.

Enjoy your evening, Tuesday, week, weekend, whatever floats your boat.  Pitch might help...

Cheers everyone!!

Aimee