00:00

See that little title thing? Know what it is?

It's a timer.

It's a time that's all the way down to zero.

It's a time that signals that I am now officially finished with my all girl's school :-(

I possibly couldn't be any sadder to leave a school. I feel I have been truly blessed - possibly more than almost any other event that's happened in my life. I think it might be third on the list, behind my most wonderful boyfriend, and that trip to London I took two years ago that completely changed my life.

Yeah, it's up there.

I have so many good memories of that wonderful school. And I learned a thing or two about teaching! Who knew?!?! :-D

But in all seriousness, I will miss that school more than I think anyone there can imagine. I can only hope that they want me back - because I wouldn't mind at all being back there.

I pray that I can find another school that has blessed me as much as the girls. Thank God that I found them. Thank God for teaching.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

History Teacher P.S.

Oh yeah...


P.S. Happy Pearl Harbor Day!





To the day which will live in infamy and all the people who died in this horrific event, I salute you and your sacrifice for this country.







(Disclaimer: I promise I am not promoting the attack by using the word "happy")

It's winding down

This is my last week to be teaching at my all girl's school. I'm very sad :-( I don't want to leave. I have met so many wonderful people here and I know my efforts have not gone unnoticed. I have tried by best to be the teacher that the school expects me to be and hopefully I have succeeded in that endeavor.

I know the girls will miss me. I am going to miss them, too. So much! We have made a connection and I think it's one that just might continue after I leave.

*Sigh* I only have one class left today but the rest of this week is going to fly by SOO fast. I have presentations to listen to, quizzes to grade, tests to help prepare for, grades to enter, and going away parties I have to be at ;-)

All in all, a sad week for me. I know the girls are anxious to be getting their regular teacher back after Christmas break, but there will be some who will miss me. They've told me so. Goodness gracious they all have a special place in my heart.

I pray that after I am gone that these girls will continue to grow in every way possible.

I wish the best for them every day.

Aimee

A new addiction?

Well, it's the Friday before my last week in my long-term position. I know the other schools I sub at are going to really love having me back. I do miss them :-) But the school I'm at now - they're going to miss me, too. Quite frankly, I'm going to miss them. This experience has been simply wonderful and I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Time must go on. Things must come to an end.

In other news...

I have a slight new addiction. And a story.

The other day, I was doing some research for one of my lessons. Typically if I don't know the answer to question, I will type it into the search bar and see what my results are. Typical. I've done this for a while. Anyway, on this particular day, one of my questions' answers popped up on Yahoo Answers. I'm used to that - happens a lot. Only on this day, I became rather curious. I have a Yahoo account, so I decided to sign in to Yahoo Answers because I found a question that I really wanted to answer. So I did.

And a whole new world opened up to me! I spent the next two hours in the education or social sciences section just answering people's questions, giving advice, doing some research, and enjoying some of the questions that people have put out there.

I probably answered about 10 questions. All very long and thorough answers. Some were asking advice about school, others about homework (to which I NEVER gave them the answer but I helped them figure out how to find it), still others looking for information about how to become a teacher, etc. Most of the questions, I find, are easily answered by just Googling it. It would be so much faster, but then again, some people don't think. Oh well.

I was feeling pretty good about my place in the world at that point - advisee, teacher, general educator. Yeah. Then I can across a question that asked if it would be justifiable to forge a signature to get out of trouble.

Whoa! Hang on!

Rewind...

Freeze!!

Forge a signature... that didn't sound good. So I clicked on the question and read the predicament. I won't go into details because I'm all about privacy, but I answered her question with a story from my past that coincided with her present situation. I also answered it from a teacher's perspective (which, I find, many people actually appreciate!).

I didn't expect the girl to appreciate what I had said, but I posted it anyways.

Then I got an email.

It said: "Your answer has been chosen as the best answer for this question! Congratulations!" or something along those lines.

I clicked the button to see what question it was. Sure enough it was the girl with the signature problem. Politely, she thanked me for my insight and told me that she had decided to do the right thing and take her punishment for breaking the rules - which is what I had said was the right thing to do, instead of forging her mother's signature to get out of the punishment.

I felt so special!! Someone actually appreciated what I had to say and decided to do the right and honest thing. I was so proud of her - like she was one of my own who had seen the light!

I don't know who this girl is, or what her life's story is, but her comment sort of just brought to light how simple little gestures (like saying thank you and MEANING it) really do make the world seem a little less foreboding. This girl's story gives me some confidence that there are parents out there who raise their children right - to be honest and to be polite, to be good and trustworthy students. She is not my student, but I applaud her parents for raising her right. And her, for listening to them.

But this is what I've learned: There are students out there who, despite the positions they may have put themselves in, are willing to pay for their transgressions even if they don't want to.

I mean, I was that student in high school, but I'm glad I'm not the only one who was/is like that.

There is hope in the future. Thank you, S******** for letting me realize this again.

I love my job and I'm so glad I can have an impact on the world - even if it's small. You can, too. Find an opportunity this week to do so. We can all help make the world a better place.

Aimee

A lesson

Today I learned I am the Post-It Note queen.

Don't judge me.

:-D

7 months later...

To keep me, myself, and I updated at the moment, here is where I am right now.

I'm sitting at an all girl's school in my hometown enjoying a few weeks of teaching bliss.

Wait, what? How did I get here? Ha! It's funny you should ask that.

Here's the scoop...

I finished student teaching about a week later in Arkansas. Then I walked for graduation. Then I took a class. Then I got my diploma. All without knowing what the future had in store for me. I spent the summer trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my time when I landed upon substituting. You can always get a subbing job at schools in any city and schools are always short on good subs. So I decided to give it a shot. Little did I know the rewards that I would reap from these experiences.

I chose several schools around my hometown and contacted them on how to get on their sub list. I probably contacted about 15 schools and landed 3 of them without much trouble. One of them was my alma mater and a school that I absolutely adore :-) The other two were the all girl's school and another Christian school around the area (except, not really...) Anyway, I got regular subbing jobs at my alma mater and the other Christian school. But I got a long-term position teaching history (yeah!) at the all girl's school taking over for a teacher on maternity leave.

All I can say is that I absolutely love it here!

And that's weird...

Why?

Because I always told myself that I would NEVER teach in an all girl's school because I knew, I just KNEW I would hate it.

Reality check!

It's probably the best place I have ever been privileged to work. Ok, not probably. Is.

The school is very rigorous but the atmosphere is so much more laid back - cause there are no boys here! They're the ones that cause all the drama! No seriously, they are. There is a little drama that goes on in this school, but not NEARLY as much as what goes on in a co-educational school. The girls here don't have to worry about impressing a boy or whatever else girls worry about when they go to school with boys. It's actually very relaxing and laid back. Not that they don't have structure - because they do. They have such structure that teachers really don't have to have a discipline system because the girls don't misbehave. Whoever heard of a school where the students don't misbehave?!? I certainly had not until I came here. The girls know what is expected of them and they do it - no questions asked. They are not argumentative, disrespectful, or pushy in any way. Sounds like a dream, don't it? (there's my southernness coming out... sorry for the bad English) In all reality, it's better than I could ever have imagined. I honestly never thought I would enjoy being with so many women at the same time but I'm having a blast. I almost just want to stay here forever and never go back to co-ed schools.

You want my honest opinion?

Don't get mad, okay?

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If I had the money and kids, I would send them to a school just like this (all-girl's school for the chick and the all-boys school for the hoss, lol), no questions asked.

Schools like this build character and the girls are free to become independent, think for themselves, be who they really are without the pressures of the opposite sex bearing down on them all the time. They don't have to put on a face in the presence of a boy, they don't have to stab their friends in the back (because, let's face it, it happens every day in a co-ed school). Now, I'm not saying it doesn't happen here (because it does, I've seen it), but it doesn't happen as much.

Plain and simple - there is not as much pressure here as there would be in another school. And I love that. Again, the school is very rigorous and exceedingly hard to do well in (and even get in to), but every girl comes out with her own identity and with the knowledge and skills to do well in college and in the real world. This truly is a one of a kind place and I would work here full-time if they ever offered me a position. No lie. Because I truly love coming to work everyday and feeling less pressured to make sure everyone in class is participating and behaving. I have 100% of that everyday. It's phenomenal.

Hey! You teacher who is reading this! I bet you're having a hard time comprehending what I've been saying. This school sounds like heaven, doesn't it?

Every word is the truth.

Now, please don't think that I have been bashing co-ed schools. I promise I'm not. I'm sure my experience is exactly the same as someone else who grew up in co-ed schools. It's the realization that not everything is as they seem that just gets me every time I come to work. I kick myself all the time for having such a negative view of same-sex schools. They really are not what they seem at first glance.

I know that in a few weeks, when my time here is complete and I go back to substituting at co-ed schools, that I will miss the placid atmosphere of the all girl's school. But I will forever remember and cherish everything that I have learned here and the people I have met and formed relationships with. Every experience changes me in someway and I always learn something new. That's the beauty of teaching - I never stop learning.

Now, more than ever, I know that this is exactly where I am supposed to be. Sure there are aspects of education that I don't appreciate, but no job is ever always rainbows and roses. I work hard and get rewarded for it everyday. There is nothing that I would change about my occupational decision.

To me, it is perfect. It is my zen. My adrenaline. My purpose.

And I love every minute of it.

To those teachers out there who feel like giving up - DON'T! You never know how many lives you touch simply by being there and forming relationships. Yes, it is hard work and yes, it is frustrating at times, but the good outweighs the bad each and every time.

I know I speak from little experience, so take it for what it's worth. But as a recent student and now a working professional, I know without a doubt that teachers have had one of the greatest impacts on my life than any other person on the planet - besides my parents. I don't know if I would have gotten through school if my teachers had not constantly encouraged me to keep going, even when I didn't think I could. They were there for me when family could not be. Don't ever think you are invisible in your student's lives. I promise you are one of the biggest and brightest lights they will ever come across. Taking from the experiences I had in high school and college, I constantly try every day to be a light to the students I see every day, just like my teachers did. They may never realize how much of an impact they all have had on my life, but I learned from everyone of them how important it is to be a good role model and supporter.

Thus far, that is what I have learned. I look forward to learning much more from other teachers and students in the years to come.

Thank you to all of the teachers who have had me at some point in their life. You have been a blessing :-)

I love you all!

This concludes a ridiculously long post...

Aimee

Finally, an ending

It's been a while, but I sort of just realized that I never really ended my student teaching experience. Oops...

Sorry to all my faithful fellow followers out there (alliteration = COOL!)

I will say that my student teaching experience was one of the best learning experiences of my life. I hope the Education is happy I said that...

But really, I absolutely loved it. I miss my little rural high school and all its funny little country quirks, but I loved it even more because it was so different.

You remember that class that I had such a hard time with at the beginning of my semester? They rubbed off on me and became one of my favorite classes! Funny how the tide turns sometimes, isn't it?

I really enjoyed all of my classes and some of them I didn't want to end (like my geography class). Those kids were all like little sponges absorbing any information that I gave them with intense curiosity. So much so that I did more extra research for that class than any of the other classes. It's wonderful getting to teach the things you actually care about! I do love history, but I think in some way I like geography more. I don't know why. I think I just do.

But in all of the subjects I am supposed to be able to teach, the most interesting thing I think that I know I love is the sociology and psychology behind every aspect of human life. I am constantly asking "why?" and "what for?" because if you think about it, social perspectives are the sole reason we do anything. History is not just about names, dates, and facts - its about people's lives, how they think and react to situations, and the reasons they react they way they do. That's what makes history so interesting. If you take out the psychological aspects, all you have are facts on a timeline that mean NOTHING! I don't want history to mean nothing. I want it to mean something to each student that I relay information to. Every class period I try to bring up some question asking why they think people did the things they did. Most of the time, I get some decent answers. Other times I get nothing but silence. But either way, students are learning and it's making my subject that much more important in the grand scheme of things. If all you do in history is teach names, dates, and facts, you aren't teaching history. You are teaching timeline. History is about all the OTHER things that make those events we talk about so important. Why grace over them? You negate the entire purpose of learning about the past if you do!

Sorry, went on a tirade there. I will break down my soap box and talk about something else if that's okay with you.

It better be.

Cause this is my time.

Obey my rules.

Muah hahahaah!!!!

Ok, that was a little unnecessary... I apologize...

Back to seriousness.

I truly enjoyed my learning experience in Rural Town, Arkansas. I know I will never ever forget the kids who taught me how to be a better teacher. How to care as a teacher. How to love as a teacher. How to support as a teacher. How to.... everything as a teacher.

Everything was invaluable. I go back and read the things that I have learned and think to myself "I should have known that then!" but I'm glad I didn't. What would have been the point of student teaching, then?

I still don't know everything - nor will I ever. But I look forward to sharing what I have learned in other classrooms as I am called forth to spread the educational gospel - Social Studies.

Since my time as a student teacher, I have tried my best to utilize what I have learned. I hope I have done a good job and made other schools proud to have me on their payroll.

These are the memoirs of a fledgling teacher.

I still love my job every day. I can't imagine doing anything in the world other than bringing some light to a new future.

With love on a historical slant,

Aimee

It's not much...

Remember that time I said I was not very good at keeping up with blogs?  Well, here is another prefect example.  But not because I didn't want to.  Because I literally have not had the time.  Here's how life has been going:

Get up at 6:00 a.m.

Get to school by 7:40 a.m.

At school until 3:35

Drive back to campus 20 minutes away

Check email

Lesson plan until bed

Go to bed between midnight and 1:00 a.m.

Do it all over again the next day.

Sounds like an exciting semester doesn't it?!

Oh yeah, real tiring.  Not that I'm complaining.  I do love student teaching.  I just wish I could figure out a way to get everything done and get to bed by 10:30.

Unfortunately, I have not found anything.  So I will have to make do with what I have for now.

Overall, since my last post, things have been going very well.  I have all 6 classes now and am enjoying some more than others, as can be expected.  But I love them all in different ways.  I have figured out what I can do with one class that I cannot do with another class.  It's all a learning process but I am loving it.

I still have students telling me all the time that they love my class.  If only they would tell me what I'm doing differently than their other teachers...

Teachers always get warm fuzzy feelings when students tell them they love their class.  But when a student... no, I take that back - TWO students - tell me they're writing an essay about their favorite teacher and that the essay is about me, it kind of makes one stop and think a little as to what the students see in you and appreciate that you're doing to make them think that.  It's a wonderful thing to know that students who previously had no interest in my subject now come to class willing and excited to learn.  They walk through the door smiling and laughing and greet me in happy and eager tones.  I love knowing that they really are getting something out of this course.  They are asking questions, finding answers, and digging deep - and so am I.  I am thinking things and am faced with questions that had never occurred to me before.  I personally am learning so much more than how to be a better teacher - I'm learning how to be a better student as well.  

To be honest, I never asked the questions in high school that would enable me to dig deeper.  I was always the student that was satisfied with just learning the facts and not wondering why, how, where, etc.  But now that I'm teaching, I'm asking these questions all the time allowing me to dig deeper and giving me the ability to guide the students to a deeper meaning.  Yay for teaching!!!

Unfortunately, I cannot learn everything, therefore I cannot answer all questions that are posed to me.  But I try to remember and write down questions to answer later on (when I get the time to look everything up of course).  I am trying so very hard to be the best teacher I can be.  

I've asked the students for feedback of my teaching and, for the most part, they all think I'm doing a great job.  Some do have a few suggestions and I have tried my best to implement those suggestions into the latter part of my time at the school.  Since my time there is short, I cannot implement everything into the rest of the semester.  I only have about two weeks left - if that.  There simply isn't time.

I have done a project with my Geography class.  I absolutely love that class.  The students are willing to talk, ask questions, and wonder about another part of the world.  It's great!  I am loving teaching geography and really hope I can teach it in the future.  There are so many fun possibilities with that subject that it's unreal.  I enjoy teaching history as well :-)  Sometimes, it depends on the class... or the day and whether or not I've had enough sleep.

I find I wake up right after 2nd period, so my 3rd period through lunch or so are my best classes of the day.  I can get excited about the subject which gets the kids excited which helps them ask questions and answer questions and be more willing to participate.  I still have students who would rather not be a part of the class, but a teacher can't expect EVERY student ALL the time to participate... can they?  Can someone answer that?  Please?

And thank you :-)

Tomorrow is my Seminar class, as well as next Friday.  Then I graduate on May 9...  

Wow.  Everything is coming to a close so soon!  I can't believe it's all so close!  But I have SOOO much to do before next Friday, which is when my portfolio is due.  Oh dear.  

Literally, a mountain of paperwork to do - most by Monday.  I suppose I should get started...

After I go to bed and sleep, of course :-)

So far, I love my "job".  I don't get paid for it, but I don't really care.  I love it.  

I love the feeling of knowing that I chose the right profession.  I have had so many people in my life, mostly teachers, that have inspired me to be what I am today.  At least, what I am still striving to be, cause I haven't gotten my degree or license yet.  But soon-ish.  Just ish.

Hopefully, I will have a more informative post the next time.  Nothing really has happened in the past two weeks that's really noteworthy - at least nothing that I can remember.

I love you guys!

Keep it real

Aimee

Game Faces and Warm Fuzzies

Remember the last post?  Like, three weeks ago, or something ridiculous like that?  Yeah... sorry to keep you waiting.  Life has been interesting and I feel the need to share it.  There has been some good... and some not so good.  But that's why you read this, isn't it?  JK.  I really didn't mean that.

Anyway,  the week of March 16-20 I don't really remember.  Perhaps nothing really big happened that week.  My planner isn't giving me much, other than the fact that I had my second observation by my University supervisor.  Same outcome just as before - he really liked my lesson, what I had to say, my powerpoint, my information, etc.  No constructive criticism.  No teacher is that perfect... but I'll take what I can get.

Otherwise, its was a pretty blah week.

The next week was Spring Break for me.  

Pop Quiz!  (because I'm a teacher and I have that right)

As a responsible student teacher, I went home that week and planned the next three chapters in my U.S. History classes as well as my Geography class.  True or False?

Give up?

Well...

it's...

FALSE!

Yeah, I have every intention of doing things many times, but I wind up finding other things to occupy my time until it's almost too late to do any of the stuff I originally planned!  Now, I was productive in other areas.  First off, I spent a day observing classes for my own benefit (there was no class credit involved.  I just wanted to).  Then, I completed my assignments for my portfolio.  Read a  book.  Wrote a paper about book.  And....there was something else but that was a week ago and I haven't slept much since then.

Now, I have an excuse for not doing the Geography lessons.  I left school that afternoon...and completely FORGOT to bring the book with me.  By the time I remembered, I was back on campus, it was 2:30, and the school was closed (we had a half day that day).  I couldn't go back and get it.  Waste of time and gas.  So I went on with life without it and it turned out just fine.

I have no excuse for not doing History.  Except that I wanted to relax for a while before thinking about school work again.  It's really draining on your mental capacity after a while.  But I'm sure I can handle it when I get a real job. :-)

Moving on!

This week....

Lol

Wow

The only thing I can say it that it's been... interesting.  Not in a bad way.  In a good way.  A very good way.  A way that I almost can't believe or understand. 

Here's the skinny:

But first, the not so bright side of the week (because we all want to end on a happy note)

I got to school on Monday.  After Spring Break.  Every teacher knows that students don't want to be in school.  They'd rather another week of break and more time to hang out with their friends (granted, so do teachers, but we can't tell them that).  So, when the kids walked into 2nd period I knew right off the bat it was going to be an interesting class period and that I was going to for sure learn something.  The kids were rowdy and talkative.  I had to get onto them all several times because I cannot talk over them.  *sigh* Oh, the plight of teenagers.  Anyway, I re-examined that class period over the course of the day and realized what I had done wrong.  Since I had never taught a class fresh off of a break, I really had no idea what to expect.  Then it hit me - students really don't want to do any work (I knew that, but these kids EXPECT no work) so they will do everything in their power to keep me from doing my job.  In essence, they succeeded - but only on that Monday.  I had not taken the reigns during the first few minutes of the class and they walked ALL over me!  Embarrassing, but a learning experience nonetheless.  

So, I decided to take a new approach the next day.  Before 2nd period ever walked into the classroom, I looked in my teacher bag of tricks and pulled out the 'game face'.  As soon as they walked into the classroom, they could tell something was different.  As soon as the bell rang, I got started.  I used a very authoritative voice, got straight to the point: no ifs, ands or buts, and moved on.  As soon as ONE kid stepped out of line, I was onto him like a police dog onto drugs.  Bing. Bang. Boom.  Stop the action in its tracks.  It took the kids about 5 minutes to realize that I meant BUSINESS.  The rest of the class period they didn't talk.  They took notes, paid attention, and were GOOD.  

Huh!  What a concept!  The game face seemed to have worked.

They did the same thing the next day because I had the same attitude.  It was amazing to see the drastic difference between Monday's class and Tuesday's class.  Tuesday made my life so much easier! 

I liked being in control - and them KNOWING that.  Yay for a learning experience!

Put your foot down - HARD!  Cause if you don't, they WILL walk all over you.  Even the good kids.

Ready for the skinny?  

Here goes...

I know fellow teachers and educators read this blog and will appreciate the next story I'm about to tell.  I'm sure the rest of you will as well, but perhaps with a different perspective.

The following has happened several times this week (as in more than 5, maybe less than 10) and it gives me warm fuzzies all over just thinking about it:

I started teaching the Geography class on Monday.  We did a map of India the first day.  Tuesday we started taking notes.  Today is Friday. I've been teaching them for 4 days.  Remember that.  I had a student come up to me before class today to talk to me.  The first words out of her mouth?  "I just thought you should know that I really, really love this class now."  (Every teacher can die happy hearing that)  "Before, when we took notes, the classroom was dark (teacher turned off the lights) and I was too busy taking notes to pay attention to the material being covered.  But I love your class (again, it's only been 4 days) because its bright and you love what you teach.  You make it interesting.  The notes are just the right amount so that I can learn, but also hear the extra stuff you're putting in.  I never like Geography until now.  (Student's friend) "Yeah!  I did some extra research about Buddhism last night (that had been our last lesson) and I'm fascinated with it now!  It's so interesting and weird!  I love this class - for the first time ever."

(This was not a reflection of my cooperating teacher's teaching style - fyi)

Doesn't every teacher want to hear that?  I think I can die happy.  The fact that someone has said this to me at least ONCE every day this week really has encouraged me a lot.  I must be doing something right!  I'm not sure if it's because I have a different style or what, but the kids really do seem to enjoy being in the class now.  That was my goal 10 years from now - learn how to show kids to love a subject they had previously hated.  I honestly have no idea what I do or have done to change these students' minds about history and geography, but I like it.  Everyday I see the kids, they always look a little more excited to be there and eager to learn and that encourages me - so I get into the lesson a little more every class, every day.  The kids can see the passion and are embracing it.  How cool is that?! :-D

All I can say is that it has only challenged me to keep doing my best - keep getting better.  How do I do that?  First of all, I can critique myself.  So can my cooperating teacher.  But also, I can ask the kids.  So I did.  That was their essay on their last test - how can I help you better?  And I got some GREAT responses.  I'm going to go through and write down their suggestions and contemplate which really are good ideas and which ones are not.  Most of them have said that they love the way I teach and wouldn't change anything.

They've said things like:

"Keep doing what you're doing"

"I hated history until you started teaching.  Now I never want to leave the class"

"I was never good in history until now.  It's interesting now. I love what you are doing"

and a myriad of other things.  They've given me suggestions on what to do better.  Things they like, things they think should change, etc. 

I love constructive criticism.  It's taken me a while to get used to taking it, but now, I can't get enough of it.  I figured the kids were the best people to ask since they are the ones learning from me - not other teachers.  In order to reach every kid, I have to know how.  That was my goal - and for the next chapter, I will continue to try new ways in which to reach students on their various intellectual levels.  

Needless to say, I have learned a LOT this past week.  Teaching is SOO much fun, and when you can make it fun for the kids (and inspire them to do their own research), you have started making a mark on the world.  

I am NOT by any stretch of the imagination a perfect teacher.

But I do try to perfect the things I have seen in other teachers that I did not appreciate.

This post was not to brag about my teaching styles or whatever (I continue to believe it's because I'm simply a different person).  I hate bragging, and braggers.  It was to make the point that I am trying the hardest I can to reach these kids in a subject most think is pointless and dull.  I am trying so very hard to become the best teacher I can be.  I will always be learning new ways in which to do that.  I will never be the perfect teacher but if I can get one student to love learning what I learn and have passion for it (or anything else), I have done my job.  It's about having a passion for people.  

I can't imagine myself anywhere else.  I am loving student teaching with every passing day.  It has its ups and its downs, but I always try and learn from the downs so the ups will be more rewarding for everyone.  

I try my best every day.  So every day I have to keep trying harder - and the rewards will stay for a lifetime.  

I love this profession!  Have I mentioned that?  

The best is (hopefully) yet to come!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

Learning the game and warming the fuzzies,

Aimee

  

Keep the connection going

Wow, so it's been over a week since I last updated.  Sorry about that.  Hence begins the random postings that will appear.  It all depends on school :-)

Yes, this past week has been slow.  I only had 70% of my students for two days this week - Monday and Thursday.  Tuesday and Wednesday were dedicated for the Juniors and their Standardized Testing stuff that they have to do.  That went from 1st through 5th periods both days.  So, I only had one class after that.  (Oh, and if you didn't know, nearly all of the students I'll have are Juniors)  The classes I did have were dedicated to just a relaxing time - you can't teach with only one student in the class... that's too much make-up work :-)  Thursday was dedicated to one class taking a test, another class going over their test, and another class watching a video.  I'm trying to keep all of these classes together since they're all U.S. History classes.  So, I'm going to start them on notes on Monday at the same time.  Woo!

Today was Junior Work Day where they go out and raise money for their prom next year, or something like that.  My cooperating teacher left after 2nd period, so I had the rest of the "classes" since most of them are made up of Juniors who weren't there.  

But I had 8th period again.  Remember that class period that I had issues with the last time my teacher was gone?  Well, I had them again.  All the same students.  And I took the advice of those before me.  I acted like they were my favorite class in the world and smiled and laughed with them as they came in the door and sat down.  Before the bell rang, several of them had crowded around me to talk (since they've never had that opportunity before), so we did for a minute or so before I had them all sit down so I wouldn't have to count them tardy.  They were very good this time.  I was so very impressed.  I gave them work to do and they worked on it for a while.  But, they are a very talkative class (and I was very aware of that).  I had them work for about half an hour and then decided that since it was Friday and I hate watching them do busy work, I would let them talk.  They asked me a lot of questions, quizzed me on my state capitals (which I aced, btw, Mrs. Efaw), and talked about life in the country in various aspects.  It was a very pleasant class period and they all seemed to really enjoy the fact that I wasn't afraid to talk to them and try to connect with them.  I wasn't overly awful because I knew they knew that I meant business because of the last time.  They actually did what they were asked to do, and I was very impressed.  Students that I had never heard speak much at all were participating in the discussion we were having and they stayed after class to talk some more.  That made me feel so good!  Maybe I am doing something right.  Of course, the fact that non-talkative students are now talking has been true in all of the other classes I've been taking over, too.  They all seem to really enjoy the fact that I'm going to be teaching them.  They say hello to me in the hall and  seem very comfortable asking me questions.  It makes me fall in love with teaching every day!  I'm so glad I will enjoy what I've chosen to do.  That makes a world of difference!

I wrote and gave my first test last week.  Before the test, I told the students the format they could expect, as well as how many questions they were going to see.  Then we went over everything on the test after I told them that it would be an excellent, very good, probably should do idea to write down everything we were going over.  I said that at least 3 times and only two people took the hint and wrote anything down.  It definitely showed when they took the test who had actually studied and who had not.  The highest grade was a mid-B.  We won't talk about the lowest grade....  The average?  A 64%.  I didn't curve the grade.  Since I put several bonus opportunities on the test AND gave them a word bank for the fill in the blank (which I originally didn't have), I decided that it would be too nice to curve the grade so most of the students would pass.  Maybe that's a little cold of me, but they sort of have to get used to the fact that I'm not going to hand them a grade.  They're going to have to work for it - probably for the first time in their lives.  That is so sad...

After I posted their grades, gave them their tests back, and went through it with them, I asked them what I could do differently the next time in order to help them do better on the next test.  The unanimous answer?  A study guide.  Well, okay.  I can do that.  And a review game (which we did before the first test).  I can keep doing that, too.  Anything else?  I got nothing.  All they want is a study guide and a game.  I can do that, but I won't hand them the test.  

The thing that brought most of their grades down was the short answer.  So, I'm going to have to go over how to write a short answer and that specifics are VITAL to a good short answer answer.  Yep, a good heart to heart about short answer will be in place soon.  And, hopefully, a writing assignment (which they're going to hate, but they need the practice).  

Overall, connections are good and I'm excited to see how that will help in the classroom as I teach the students.  Tests could be better, but I'm going to try my hardest to find out what helps everyone.  I've been asking quite a few of the students personally how I can help THEM in the classroom as individual and then trying to think about how to incorporate that into the classroom for everyone.  It's a work in progress, but, then again, so is all of the teaching profession.  But, I'm excited to see where it all leads.

Next week is the last week before Spring Break and I can't wait!!  Everyone's ready for a break at school.  Then there's only 9 weeks left in school for them after that.  Yeah!

If anyone has any suggestions for a game I can play with the students related to the Depression, the States, and/or the Capitals I would greatly appreciate it!  

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.  Love you guys!!!

Aimee

It's about building relationships

Hello all!  It's been a fast three days.  I can't believe it's almost Thursday (my favorite day of the week).  I blinked and everything disappeared!  Wow!  If that's how school goes all of the time, I'm in for a roller coaster ride.

These past three days have been really good.  I started teaching my third period class.  So now I have second and third period for U.S. History.  They're great.  Each class has a life of its own and I love that.  Third period seemed a lot less vocal than second period at first, but I quickly found out that they love to voice their opinions and are not afraid to share them - on anything.  We had a nice discussion about immigration today in class as we were discussing the immigration laws set in place in the 1920s and how immigration affects us today.  There was also scattered in there views on nativism and racism then and now.  It was great hearing what they all had to say.

I've been working with second period on their map of the 50 states.  I handed them a packet with the states and the capitals on it on Tuesday and told them they needed to study it for the test.  I went over the states with them today and they were right on with their states for the most part.  I could tell they studied and that made me so proud of them.  And I told them that.  I try really hard to reinforce when I notice their work ethic, and I try really hard to praise them when they get something correct.  That's part of having a positive classroom atmosphere - a safe place they know they can learn in.  That's what I want for my classroom all the time.  

Along with having a safe classroom, building relationships is key.  I personally believe that it is so very important that the student know that the teacher is there for them, first and foremost as their educator, but also someone they can approach with questions, issues, etc.  It's hard trying to form relationships with students sometimes.  It will NOT happen automatically - these things take time.  There were some students that I clicked with right away when I got to the school.  They were talkative and loved having a new person around.  Then there were others who were skeptical - and you can tell those students who look at teachers and automatically don't trust them.  You have to give them a reason to.  Demanding trust does not cut it - you both have to earn it.

There is a student that I see every day.  When I first saw him, I saw a shy kid, quiet, who keeps to himself.  I was one of those kids in middle school and high school, so I knew how to relate.  He's such a sweet kid!  The day I had to substitute, I learned his name and tried very hard to include him in the class.  What did I do?  One of the other students in the class wanted to know the definition of a word and they asked me.  I could have told them, but I sent them to the source - the dictionary.  Not the one online, the actual book dictionary.  I pointed at the quiet student and asked him if he would mind looking up the word.  He obliged, found the definition, and put the book away.  Then another word was asked.  He automatically got out of his seat, picked up the dictionary, and looked up the word and then another - with enthusiasm.  Then we designated him as the official definition-finder for the class.  He had a huge smile on his face.  (I think I'm going to try and find a new word every day for that class, have him look it up, and see if I can't use it in the lesson somewhere)  Everyday after that, I have made a conscious effort to pick him out and say something to him.  I see him everyday after lunch because he comes to collect his books from Mr. M's room.  Every time he is making his way out of the door, I tell him goodbye with a smile.  Most of the time he glances at me, mumbles goodbye, and walks out of the door.  But today, he looked right at me, smiled the biggest I had seen him yet, and said goodbye to me before I could say anything to him.

I think I may be getting somewhere.

I don't expect this to happen with all of my students, but having someone throughout the day that you can count on to brighten it just a little is all some of these kids need.  They come from broken homes, with broken families shrouded in grief and depression.  School is the place they can get away from those things for a while, so why not put a glimmer of hope, a ray of sunshine into kids lives to let them know you care?

It always impressed me when a teacher would call me by my name (with a smile) and tell me to enjoy the rest of my day, or have a great weekend.  I always wanted to work harder for that teacher because I wanted to make them proud.  I also didn't want to see them disappointed in me, because that shatters a kid's world like nothing else can.  

It's about building relationships - positive ones.  That's what my aim is for the short time I am a part of this school, and a part of any school in the future.

------

I give my first test on Friday.  Right now, the taking time is about an hour.  I have to cut that down to 45 minutes (taking into consideration the student with learning disabilities), else they won't get finished.  I will be talking to my cooperating teacher about that tomorrow.  But they get to write for me!  Yay!  Every student's dream!  Or not....

But they need to get better.

They can get better - I know they can.

I impressed upon them the importance of knowing how to be grammatically correct, as well as learning how to spell things correctly.  They looked at me like I was an alien from the third planet, grumbled, but I emphasized that it was only to help them because I want them to be able to succeed in later life.  If they can't write what they know, they don't know it.  I'm sorry, but that's just the way it is.

Today, I was observed for the first time by the university.  I was a little nervous at first, but the supervisor really liked my lesson and had no constructive criticism.  I'm not sure if that's really that good, but I took it in stride.  I would hope that I'm not at the peak of performance just yet.  I'm only beginning.

The rest of the week looks good.  Review or notes tomorrow.  Test or more notes and a map review on Friday.  Then the weekend.  Ah!  The smell of sleeping late!  How I miss thee!

But I picked the wrong major for sleeping in.  

I picked the right one for my passion.

I hope to write back and tell you how my test goes.  Let's hope I don't bomb the entire thing.  Have a wonderful rest of the week!

Another smile to brighten a day,

Aimee

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