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, November 2, 2008
Open Mic
This year has been much better than last year for me. I feel like I have more confidence and a better understanding of what it is I am supposed to be doing! Last year was just one day after another of treading water and trying to stay clear of the "sharks". I wish I could have had NTI before I started teaching. But it may be the year of experience without NTI that has made it so valuable to me. I know how a class can run when you are not fully prepared to teach it and now how it can run when you have some experience and some good ammunition! I love working with high school age students. I was a little apprehensive when I took this job that I wouldn't be able to relate to high school students. I had been working with young special education students for eight years and was nervous. Not to mention that my students were all non-verbal. I always prayed for a verbal child to teach. Well, you know the saying about being careful of what you pray for. Actually this has been the best answer to prayer! Now I pray for many years to continue to teach Cosmetology. I love the school I teach at and everyone treats each other like family. I am happy!
Hi, Jayna - great to hear your enthusiasm and I'm sure your students are the beneficiaries as well. I also taught one year without NTI way back in the day, and it does make you really appreciate having real 'teacher-skills'. Soon, as you said in a comment, you will have an entire arsenal of tools/weapons to use and I'm sure we will hear of many wonderful accomplishments from your students.
ReplyDeleteI can also imagine that maybe just a few of your students are quite verbal now :)