As I looked at the topic for the blog this past week I paused for at about 24 hours before posting...open mic...hmmm, what should I blog about? There is a multitude of topics related to teaching and being an NTI student that I can think of. In a world of constant planning, teaching, grading, emails, meetings, unexpected issues that interrupt instruction and the demand to respond to administrative directives. These are the few things my weary mind can think of right now; and all the while balancing it all with precious time with my most valuable assets, my children. Tonight I chose to talk about the main dish on my plate right now. I AM IN MY FINAL SEMESTER OF NTI! Yes, one month and eight days of NTI left for me. Wow, I am SO grateful that I have been able to complete the process of going back to college after so many years of being out of school.
When I started NTI out of sequence last January I had so much going on personally that I had to step out in faith to even start. With each day that has passed I have been graced with more strength mentally and physically and have found a new sense of accomplishment and ambition that has caused me to start the process of reaching toward some of the other goals that I have for my life. As I attend classes online, complete required assigments, and beat the clock to meet deadlines I find myself slowing down to give hugs, fix snacks, check homework, and tuck little ones into bed. I am very thankful for the gift of a deep inner peace inside that keeps me grounded. I find peace and strength in knowing that what I am doing does make a different in my students' lives and in the lives of my own children.
As I work hard to improve myself personally and professionally, I like to think that other teachers are doing the same thing in hopes that ALL (mine included) of our children will receive the best educational experience possible. In my self talk I lean on my faith and I tell myself that I can do everything that I need to do to be successful - and I go for it! When things get really hard and seem overwhelming I find my quiet place, I think of my students, and I remind myself of how fortunate I am to have the opportunities that I have. My landing gear is down and as I prepare to land at the destination of full certification, I realize that it is actually a "layover" before I take flight to the next venture - or shall I say ADventure!
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?
2 comments:
I love the landing gear analogy and that you sound so upbeat and optimistic! Congraulations on being so close to finished!!!
This is a well written and thoughtful post. I appreciate all the time and effort you put into everything you do. I am sure your students do too. I know I am a richer person for having you in the NTI program :) Dr. J.
Post a Comment