This site is a class blog space for new Career and Technical Specializations and Heathcare Science teachers enrolled in the New Teacher Institute (NTI) at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Is this the right "fit"?
I have been thinking long and hard about this teaching venture, beyond my first year's contract...it has been difficult for me to, "be mean and do not even smile until December" as I have been advised by numerous of my fellow instructors. That is not my personality, and I am naturally more of a warm person then I am able to be as an instructor. This requires more serious consideration and some input from my classmates...I am not a quitter, so I will fulfill my contract, but beyond that, I remain uncertain. When Jessie came to observe me, I told her I was starting to like my work, but then some other behavioral events made my 4th block that day bad...I just do not know. Kim
Hey Kim, I had a real hard time last year. It was my first year. I know exactly how you feel. I spent the whole year trying to decide if this is what I wanted to do. I prayed very hard. Spring semester I decided I am where I am supposed to be. It is definitely a calling. I am loving it this year. I feel like I have a purpose. Hold on tight and don't give up. If you ever need to talk give me a call. I think this is the hardest thing I have ever done but the most rewarding.
ReplyDeleteKim, I agree with what Tracy said. The first year is THE hardest. However, you have an advantage I didn't have...you have NTI strategies to use! I built my program from scratch (and by the seat of my pants!). Before NTI, I made it up as I went along and I feel that I failed miserably. Just today, I had a student who has had me the past 2 years comment on how much more FUN class was. She didn't know why so I told her about NTI. She was impressed of the changes I had made and wished she could redo those past 2 years so she could relive the FUN times. Hang in there!
ReplyDeleteHey Kim, I feel your pain and uncertainty. I feel I have been lucky because of my wife's many years of teaching experience to guide me. I think the hardest thing for me to comprehend was "it wasn't about me." The whole teaching experience must not be taken personally. All the ugly personalities and comments these children bring to the classroom must be repaired while they are still young. I believe that is the beauty of this profession. We can make a difference. My prayers are with you.
ReplyDeleteHI Kim,
ReplyDeleteI felt the same way last year. I came in November to a very hard 3rd block. I was told by one of my students that I was a "true blonde" and that I was "slow." That class was so mean that the teacher that was here before me quit after a month. The students actually bragged about getting rid of her. When I came in November I decided that I could hold out until Christmas break. After Christmas I had a terrible fourth block. 3 boys made it a very difficult class. I again decided that I could make it to the end of school year. I even told the vice-principal that I would give it one more year. This year my students are great for the most part. The biggest problem I have with my classes is talking and cellphone. I think you have to show the students that you are there to stay and maybe next year you will weed out the students who really don't want to be in healthcare.
I really have appreciated the encouragement...I was warned, and continued to be warned by seasoned techers in CATE that the first year is the pits for everyone. Wky do people ever go beyond year 1? Is it the concept, "If I made it through the first year, it cannot be any worse." I will stick out this year. My school has had at least 4 new HSTE instructors leave in the past couple of years, so I know they would like me to stay...one day and one week at a time, and we shall see. That's right, it is not about me, but sometimes they act as if they actually hate the very sight of me and the sound of my voice. For THEIR sake I may need to go!!
ReplyDelete