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1. Only use your first name (no last names, addresses, IM screen names, etc.)
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FINAL BLOG POST - OUR "DAILY TRIPLE" (DUE 12/1).
This week I would like you to use your imagination. You have just won the lottery and will leave your teaching post immediately to travel around the world. As you leave your keys you meet your replacement. You are asked to give this new teacher just ONE piece of advice. What would that be, and why? Enjoy your world expedition!

Blog Post - Week 7
This past week in my own teaching I felt a little disconnected which prompts my question to you, "What was the moment (or moments) when I felt most disconnected or disengaged as a teacher - the moment(s) I said to myself, I'm just going through the motions here?"

Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 6
For the past couple of weeks you have experienced asynchronous online learning (doing modules by yourself). Previously this semester you have experienced synchronous online learning (all together in the Collaborate room). Which do you think is more effective and why do you think that? Which do you like better, and why?

Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 5
This week we have what we call "open mic." You can write a post about anything related to your teaching that you would like responses from your classmates.

Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 4
Here is this week's question: "What was the event that most took me surprise this week - and event that shook me up, caught me off guard, gave me a jolt, or made me unexpectedly happy?"

Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 3
Please write a post about the following question, "In thinking about my past week teaching what is one thing I would do differently, and why?"

Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 2
Please write a post about the following question, " In thinking about my teaching activities this past week, of what do I feel most proud? Why?"

Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 1
Describe something you used in your program in the first weeks of school that you learned in the summer NTI program. How did it work? Did it get you off to a stronger start than last year?

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Open Mic

I guess I would like to vent again. I am having a hard time with the "balancing act". Since the beginning of the year, things keep happening. As soon as I feel like I make head way, something happens and then I am behind again for a week. It all started with my husband's grandmother passing away the first day back to school and then every other week after that something has happened. My oldest daughter was sick, then my youngest, then we have visited the emergency room twice with my oldest and still don't have an answer for her severe abdominal pain. This past week my youngest has had two asthma attacks, one last thursday and I had to rush her to the doctor for a breathing treatment and then tuesday evening (11:00 pm) I had to call 911 to come to my house because she could not breathe. I have missed several days of work and I think that I am out of sick pay. I have been going to school 2 nights a week and attending THE EXCEPTIONAL CHILD CLASS from you know where. I feel like if one more thing happens I am going to explode. I know "it is life" and "this too shall pass" but I wish it would go ahead and pass. I know you all don't want to read all of this whining but I just had to vent. It is hard to juggle family and working as a teacher. I was a dental hygienist and a nurse. I have worked on the surgical, medical floor, home health and labor & delivery and I feel that teaching is absolutely the most challenging thing that I have ever done. I have a new respect for all of the teachers that have taught me and my children in the past and I will never complain about them ever again. Now I understand what they go through. Although I have just complained and whinned, I must say I still love my job I just need to learn how to balance everything. I know one day I'll look back at this and laugh. Ha! Ha!

4 comments:

Dwayne Connors said...

Hey Tracy,
I do believe that we're all with you on this one. When I read your blog I said to myself "that's me"! I've done a lot more praying since I started teaching. And yes, my hat is off to all of you guys! I feel that a little longer "on these ropes" and we'll figure out how to last out the "rounds" of teaching. NTI is a major help. I'll be glad when we all find our groove, and I know it will be soon, so we can look back and laugh! Hang in there, I know you can do it!

Trevor said...

Hi Tracy Venting is good for the heart. Venting is much better than suppressing. I don't mind reading your blogs it gives me one more item to pray for. It is situations such as this why we need to stay in touch on the blog that we your classmate whom you know can encourage each other.
I did the HB671 class about 2 years ago, we met for class on alternate weeks for one night 5;30pm to 7;30pm then the week that we did not have class we did online assignments, or we met in groups, or use the phone to do conference calls to complete the assignment for that week. You might want to suggest this to your instructors. All the best and I will be praying for you.

Connie said...

Hi Tracy,
It's not whining. Sometimes it is just good to get things off your chest. You have had a LOT on you. Yes, we will pray for each other. I agree with you, Dwayne, and Trevor. Teaching is a hard and demanding job. And our blog gives us a safe place to vent and that makes us all feel better.

Dr. J said...

Dear Sweet Tracy, Your honesty and openness is part of the reason why your students admire you (I could see it when I observed you.) Your situation gives you empathy for others, and a new understanding of just how difficult the life of a teacher can be. This will pass, you wil come out the other side, and you will continue your journey to become a Master teacher. Dr. J.