Teaching has always been a passion of mine. It did not matter if it occurred at the bedside, in a classroom setting in the hospital education center or mentoring a new nurse. I loved it and found myself wanting to teach as a full time career rather than just every once in a while. A change was something I needed after working in the hospital setting for over 21 years, mostly in the Emergency Room. The stress of that high level of organized chaos can be incredible. No room for error, it can cost a life. To add to the stress are the long hours, no bathroom or dinner breaks and you get called daily to work. Imagine what that can do to a family. I tried teaching for a couple of semesters in a college setting, but it was not very pleasant. I thought if it was meant for me to teach, something would come up.
The first time I was asked about teaching in the high school level I just thought that I could not take the pay cut. Many times the HSTE position would come up. Then one day my husband said, "Maybe this is what the Lord wants you to do, quit ignoring it and apply" and so I did. I really enjoy teaching. The students bring me back everyday ready and eager. This first year has been stressful between being a first year teacher, going to NTI and making sure that I'm there for my family. BUT the stress is nothing in comparison to what it was when I was at the hospital.
I signed my contract without hesitation. I thought of my students and the look on their faces as they got excited about learning CPR or realizing the importance of hand washing. The look on my two state finalist face at HOSA competition was another priceless moment. Who would have thought that our first year we would have two state finalist. WOW! I was so proud of all the students who went and competed. (all 5)
There have been alot of good memories this first year. Most of all my family see a less stressed Mom and wife who is happier.
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?
1 comment:
Esther, I am so glad this has been a good year for you! You have done an outstanding job! The first year of teaching is very stressful in and of itself. And then adding going to school, HOSA, blood drives, and all the activities of your own kids, it can be so overwhelming. And you have handled it all like a pro!
Your calm manner, your kindness, your genuine caring and concern for your students are truly an inspiration for me.
I can see you being a teacher for many good years to come!
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