Well, I am in a sentimental, blue state today. Hormonal, I guess. But I have been on the verge of tears all day. Like everyone else, I am tired all the way down to my bones. And when I get this tired I get all gushy and mushy and sappy. So please bear with me...
All day today I have been thinking about all the things that I am grateful for. When I'm down, counting my blessings helps to pull myself back up. And I am truly blessed in so many ways. I have a wonderful husband, good kids, good grandkids. I am grateful for my family.
I am grateful for my NTI family. No one, except all of us going through it, could begin to know how much stress we all feel. This blog is so helpful to me. It helps me to verbalize my thoughts and feelings. And I feel safe doing it. I know without a doubt that everyone who reads my blogs understands exactly what I'm talking about.
I am grateful for NTI class days. Even though I am really tired on most NTI class days, it is comforting to get in class and see everyone. The feeling of mutual support is very strong in our classes. And Dr. Burns and Jessie TRULY like us and care about us. (I know, I know, this sounds like Sally Fields, but it is the truth!) I am grateful to Dr. Burns for changing our classroom to the Education Building. The Aderhold building was a long, long walk for me...
I am grateful for Esther and Tracy. Without these two girls I could not be doing NTI at all. They drive each week. And they allow me to hang on to their arms and they literally drag me through the streets of Atlanta to find our classroom. Without their physical support I would never get to the classroom, my knees and hips would give way. (I guess I would be mistaken for a bag lady lying on the side of the curb!) I love these two girls and I will forever be grateful for all the many ways that they help me. They are truly blessings in my life.
I am grateful for Julia for being a rock-of-gibraltor (sp?). Julia's manner and calmness are so strong. Just talking to her makes me feel better. Julia has more class in her little finger than some people do in their whole body. My life is richer for having met Julia.
I am grateful for Julie for always being encouraging and always willing to share her knowledge and ideas. Julie inspires me. She has accomplished so much and has a full load at home too.
I am grateful for all the other ladies in our class too. Mortissa, Victoria, everyone. How blessed I am to know each and every one of you.
I am grateful for all the guys in our class. What a fine group of real men that we have! Steve, thank you for always being willing to be our "escort" to the parking lot. I feel safe knowing that you are with us. Your mama raised you right! I hope that all your male students are paying attention to you and learning from you, not just academics, but the real things in life that make a man a man. Ed, thank you for walking with us, and even lending me your coat. How many men still do things like that? I am truly blessed to know all of the guys in our class. Wonderful men! And all of them have such a great sense of humor to boot!
OK. I will stop. But I could go on and on...
My husband is worried that I am getting ready to drop dead. He says that when people get as sentimental and blue as I have been the last few days, it must mean they are dying. He hates it when I get in my sappy moods. He killed a bug and I started crying because I thought he was just going to catch the bug and throw it outside. I didn't mean for him to murder the bug. Yes, I am too sappy!!
Well, I feel better. I sure hope I haven't drug you all down into the dumps with this blog! I really do love you all! And I promise I won't be so sappy the next time we have Open Mike.
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.
Rules For Posting To This Blog and Weekly Blog Question
1. Only use your first name (no last names, addresses, IM screen names, etc.)
2. Show respect and consideration of others when posting and commenting. This includes individuals, students, organizations, political parties, colleagues, etc.
3. Check all posts for spelling and grammar errors before posting.
4. Protect the privacy of others. Gain permission from other people before you write about them. Avoid sharing someone else's last name. Use job titles or pseudonyms when writing about experiences with your co-workers or students.
5. Watch your language. Use politically correct and non-offensive language.
6. Make sure you write about things that are factual.
7. Keep your postings education-oriented. Avoid discussing plans for the weekend, etc.
2. Show respect and consideration of others when posting and commenting. This includes individuals, students, organizations, political parties, colleagues, etc.
3. Check all posts for spelling and grammar errors before posting.
4. Protect the privacy of others. Gain permission from other people before you write about them. Avoid sharing someone else's last name. Use job titles or pseudonyms when writing about experiences with your co-workers or students.
5. Watch your language. Use politically correct and non-offensive language.
6. Make sure you write about things that are factual.
7. Keep your postings education-oriented. Avoid discussing plans for the weekend, etc.
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?
5 comments:
Connie,
You are one incredible, awesome, wonderful person (Sappy and all). We are truly blessed for having you in our lives.You are an encourager and I have learned so much from you.I'm grateful to you.
I can't say it any better than Esther! You are my inspiration.
Where are the Kleenex! You're absolutely right Connie! I look so forward to NTI nights! The support I feel from eveyone as well as Dr. Bs' and Jessies' wisdom on the subject matter gives life back to me at the end of the day! I hate to see it all end!
Thank you, guys! I am feeling somewhat better now.
I love you all!
Dear Ms. Connie,
I just want you to know that I couldn't do NTI without you!! You lift me up and encourage me in so many ways. How many times have I called you freaking out and you gave me encouragement and have helped me not to quit and to carry on. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!!!
Love, Tracy
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