The last few weeks I have felt a little overwhelmed.
I guess the reason for that is that I have pretty much ran out of lesson plans that I created over the summer and then the ones that I was able to create as the year was moving along, so there is the added work of creating more lesson plans, coming up with assignments, and the like.
I guess, though, that's part of the deal. I have a solid idea of what I am going to be teaching from week to week, but creating the daily plans can be a bit of a hassle. The thing is, though, I can't imagine not having those lesson plans now, so it is well worth the effort of creating them, if only I could find an extra hour or two each week to use for making them.
And once I have them, the hope is that I can adapt them, altering things that worked, adding new things, or whatever. Most of the time consuming work will be done, so I can then focus on making them the best they can be.
I know we are all busy. But I think it's a really nice kind of feeling to lay down at night knowing that I have really exhausted myself for my students. I really try to be the best possible teacher I can be for them. I am nowhere near where I want to be, but I am so much better than I was this time last year.
And I have another success story to tell.
Last year a young lady took my class. She was a senior and she fell in love with making videos. She was easily one of my best students.
A while back she asked me to write a recommendation letter for her to use as she sought out opportunities at various colleges. She wrote me last weekend to let me know that she had been accepted to the Savannah College of Art and Design for film and television broadcasting.
She thanked me for my class and for me turning her on to video and film.
What a great opportunity we have, to touch the lives of our students, to give them hope, a chance at a great career, a chance for a better life than they may have had otherwise.
So sure, I am overwhelmed. I am tired. I am spent. But I am those things because there are students out there that are apparently hungry for what I (and all of you) can offer. That's a great feeling.
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:
Very touching story Tuck. I am sure all your students appreciate having the opportunity to learn from you.
That's awesome Tuck!! You touched a student and changed their life forever. I am glad to hear that story. Those type of stories drive me to continue to teach.
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