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?

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Learning and thankful, but tired

Wow! What a busy nine weeks. I have learned so much from NTI and this class, but I am tired. The five weeks we spent driving four hours a day in the summer and now trying to keep up with this class, has really made for an exhausting first nine weeks. In addition to the rigorous demands of this course, teaching, skills student organization, and just being a dad and husband, is a lot. Don't get ,me wrong, I do not regret the classes because the friendships as well as the learning that has taken place has been a valuable experience. I am hoping for a nice long and peaceful Christmas break. It will be here before you know it, we are already a quarter of the way into the year.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Hi Chris,

I know exactly what you mean. I have never worked so hard in my entire life. Between going to school, teaching, and coaching--I am worn out. When I was working in the school as a School Resource Officer, I used to look at teachers and think, I can do that job and be off in the summers. My wife always said it isn't as easy as you think it is...boy, was I mistaken. This is the hardest job ever--dodging bullets was much easier and believe it or not, a lot less stressful. I realize teachers need multiple breaks to keep them from quitting. It is a very rewarding job, but man, it is tough. Hang in there, Christmas will be here before you know it!

JT

Unknown said...

You hit the nail on the head. We have so much to appreciate in our lives. From a career standpoint, each one of us is lucky to forge on another career path- all made possible by NTI. We have to wear many hats every day. Some hats fit better than others. I have learned one thing in the past year as a new teacher and NTI student, husband, father, coach- strive for and enjoy the small victories you achieve. We get caught up in the grand scheme of things. Those small victories go unnoticed amid our hectic schedules. Find a small victory to cherish at the end of your day, and have that “win” propel you into tomorrow. (I didn’t mean to sound like a self-help guru, but a little NTI soup for the soul never hurt anyone. I’m counting the days until winter break, too.)