I'm not sure if you guys feel the same way that I do right now, but I always feel that I don't have enough time to get everything done. When I signed up for teaching, I had no idea how long it would take to prepare for my classroom. Everyone had told me that it would get better the second semester, and I have to say that it is better in a way but different. Let me explain. My first semester was just survival mode. This semester I'm working through all of my material again and trying to tweak to improve upon it. I have one problem though - I don't have enough time to create new and challenging projects to go along with the material. I feel as if I'm failing my students because I know that I can do a better job at this if was just given a little more time. I'm looking forward to this summer when I will be able to really think about improvements and work through the task analysis of the projects that I have floating through my head right now.
Not only do I feel overwhelmed with my classroom material, but the administrators are asking us to create "data centers", brochures for "open houses", and participate in SkillsUSA. Then I struggle with performing my best at GSU.
I know there are no real solutions right now other than to just hang in there and it will get better! I'm holding on to that thought until this summer.
Hi Natalie,
ReplyDeleteYou describe very accurately a dilemma that I think all great teachers have. Instead using the same lesson plans, activities, and materials over and over again with our students, we feel compelled to make changes and major revisions to our courses. We challenge ourselves to improve upon our teaching. Instead of coasting after a year or two of teaching, we reflect upon our practice to create better systems for teaching our students. And,yes, there's never enough time. Maybe the key is to set manageable goals for ourselves. Maybe we won't be able to create new and challenging projects for our students every week, but we could aim for something more realistic. Perhaps one time consuming [to develop]incredible lesson or project a month. Would that be enough to keep us inspired about our teaching without causing burnout? What do you and others think?
Natalie,
ReplyDeleteI understand the dilemma you are experiencing. Somtimes it appears that there is not enough time during the day to complete our objectives. I have also faced similar struggles during the year. My plan is to keep planning and adjusting and maybe I will get things done in a more efficent manner. I agree with Jessie, we may need to re-evaluate our systems and manageable goals.We must also be more realistic in setting those goals. But then, My question becomes, realistic to whose expectations? The administrators or the educators?
Henry
Natalie, I think we all "feel your pain". But Jesse point is a good one. Having one new project a month is realistic; it's do-able. And as we collect these we will eventually wind up with a "trunk full" of quality projects with which to amaze our students and keep them coming back for more. (At least that is what I am counting on)
ReplyDeleteHey Natalie,
ReplyDeleteThis situation is what I also faced my first year. I had to become flexible and adjust my time management skills to supplement not having enough time.
Natalie, I agree with Jessie and the others. We were talking with Dr. Burns on Monday night about when it gets easier. It seemed that everyone had told me that the first year was the toughest and that it would get easier after that. Maybe that was true for them. Anyway, Dr. Burns did reassure us that it does get better and that we have to hang in there and not feel like we have to be perfect all the time.
ReplyDelete