CTE New Teacher Institute Forum: Needing to "trim the fat"

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.

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?

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Needing to "trim the fat"

If I had the past week to “do over” I honestly wouldn’t change anything I did inside the classroom. My change would be all of the stuff I have to handle when I am not teaching. I heard it 100 times before I entered the world of education, “I would be a great teacher if they would just let me teach”, and I am definitely feeling that way. I have been pulled in several different directions and I feel that I have allowed myself to get taken advantage of in a way. In my coaching role I have somehow been put in charge of creating the athletic practice schedule for ALL fall sports. In my role as an advisor I have filled up my plate with t-shirt orders, after school events, and budgeting paperwork (not a strong skill of mine). In my new position on the Homecoming committee I have taken on a few more projects than I wanted to and I am now feeling overwhelmed by that. And finally, in my role as the teacher in charge of the morning announcement show, I have found myself in a miniature battle of sorts with administration. I don’t mean to complain, because I honestly love what I do, but as I reflect on my mistakes of the week, I now see that I need to learn how to say no, and just focus on what I want to do, which is teach!

3 comments:

Unknown said...: Wow! And I thought my plate was full. You are exactly right, if we could just teach it would be okay. I think many of us wanted to give back to the fields that we have enjoyed and been a part of for so many years, not really realizing what all was required of teachers. I know I have a new perspective on how undervalued teachers are--people just don't realize it. I wish you the best of luck as you try to juggle many hats...if you get it figured out, please share it with the rest of us!

JT; September 24, 2013 at 4:48:00 PM EDT
Unknown said...: Taylor,
I completely understand how you feel!! Your post reminds me almost exactly of what I am going through. I didn't realize how much work I said "yes" to. And my next question would be, do our supervisors and administrators really know exactly how much they are asking from us when they need someone to take that job over. I always watch teachers leaving withing a half hour after the bell rings at the end of the day and feel like those are the ones who knew to say "no". I think all this reflection on what we are doing on this blog and learning in class is really helping me to know what to discuss when contracts come out next year. It will help me compile information to know what I need my year next year to look like. Thanks for letting me know I'm not alone! :); September 24, 2013 at 5:34:00 PM EDT
Dr. J said...: Yes, remember what we talked about this summer. If you are one of those people who have a difficult time saying "no" tell the person you will look at everything you are committed to currently and get back to them. When you get back to them you now have the "element of control" and let them know it is not possible.; September 28, 2013 at 4:59:00 PM EDT