Saturday, September 1, 2007
Planning Periods
As a first year teacher, I find it extremely frustrating that the administration feels it necessary to use planning periods for meetings, monitoring, etc. I "have" first period planning - unfortunately I never seem to get to "plan" for my students. I have not had a planning period for over a week due to meetings, monitoring, testing, etc. I wish they would let us use our planning periods for just that - planning.
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6 comments:
I think this is a huge misuse of teachers' professional time. This is obviously an administrative problem. More days should be built into the school calendar for the types of events and activities that school administrators are quick to schedule during regular school days and teachers' planning periods. I think teachers need to advocate for a stop to this common practice, but I realize this could be tricky and risky. Does anyone out there have any suggestions? Advice?
Steve, I feel your pain. Every Tuesday and Thursday both of my planning periods are taken up with our "Professional Learning Communities". This is where we meet with a group of other teachers who share these planning periods to work on professional development. Many times, they end up being gripe sessions where nothing gets accomplished. I have even complained to administration about these meetings because one group in particular likes to bash the other teachers. I am not going to waste my precious time sitting in a meeting like that!
Like Jessie said, we should advocate for our time back...but then again, I have to wonder what they would put in place of a meeting? I'm sure they'd find something "useful".
Coming out of the private sector I too was shocked at the misuse of time and became very frustrated. But, I finally came to the realization that it goes with the territory. I made a decision that if it was a battle I couldn't win or if there was nothing I could do about it I would not get bent out of shape over it. Somehow this strategy worked for me. Be careful not to get sucked in to that group of teachers, and I'm sure every school has them, who gather around and complain. Their long on complaints and short on solutions.
Thanks to all...I'm re-arranging my desks so the temptation to look elsewhere for the answers to quizzes, will be in their own brain. Any ideas? Right now they are in a semi-american "one-behind-the other-don't-think-for-yourself-follow-the-crowd" indoctrination desk formation! (Again...this is why I've been a cop for thirty years and retired as a simple patrolman!).
On a lighter note...two of the previous "hardcases" for the previous teacher are well above 80% so far.I'm kinda mentoring them. The idea of letting them have responsibility in the classroom has helped a lot. I'm starting a "Student Security Team" at school. I have 40 kids all waiting to be interviewed. It will tie into the Chapter we are starting this week about recruiting and background investigations for public safety. They'll get a good taste of how to interview.
Hey Perry... The goggles are a hit. This week we're driving a golf cart with them on. Also, I've been appointed Assistant Golf Coach! (Whats golf?)
See you guys soon
Steven
here is how i get out of meetings during planning...if they cant find you, they cant tell you to be in a meeting..i tried "no speak english" but that didnt work as well as it does on teh street..they love the goggles...im taking my bunch to the rapelling tower with ROTC this week..they should love that
At my school meetings are planned either from 7:30am or 3:15pm untilbut not during planning period. What do you do if you have to put something before your next class?
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