Today I walked into a totally different school. It looked the same, smelled the same, was in the same location, but was very different. Shortly after greeting my 2nd period class and getting settled into the lesson, the fire alarm went off. I thought it was strange, because we had already met our drill quota for the month, but oh well, let's go. So we all file out the door and meet in our assigned space. For the next hour, we are all standing outside freezing to death. We are in the back of the school and we see no smoke nor do we have an idea of what is going on. Soon after, a teacher comes to us to let us know the drug dogs are here, along with 4 counties worth of police officers. I have had, so far, 2 students get called out of class to go to the office. One was a bit surprising to me but I think it might have been a false alarm. Another students' book bag and shoes were missing from the classroom when we got back. Several students are in the office right now being interrogated. It's definately been an interesting day. I think someone may have finally woke up and realized that we have serious problems here that need to be addressed. I'm feeling more confident in my administration now, and even more so since I know that last week's incident is being handled. The student is unofficially expelled until Thursday, when it will become official. He will have formal charges pressed against him by the school. Some things, I guess, I need to just give time to and let things work out. However, last week I was not so confident.
As far as keeping in touch, I think we should all stay on here for the new folks. We all have a lot of wisdom and insight to pass along to them. I wish last year's group would have been here for us. We are the best though, so let's show them up! LOL
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?
3 comments:
The amount of hardcore dealers in some schools is amazing to me. At our rural school, we have the occassional weed problem, but some schools seem to be over-run with the "hard stuff". However, just last week one of my students got "popped" trying to snort a crushed Lorcet tablet in the parking lot. Collectively, has the world lost it's mind?
joec
Wow! Glad to hear that you're seeing some welcome changes at your school. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you that the winds of change are in the air and that things will continue to improve.
Very cool; good for you!! Looks like I'm joining others in being glad that things are taking a turn for the better at your school. Here's to looking forward to more positive changes for you and your school!
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