Reflections: Westbrook (PapaJoe)

I have reflected many times this Fall about how the NTI course has helped so much this fall. The main thing that I enjoyed was having a good start. The classroom management plan from day 1 was perfection. Having a plan for every day is heaven. I have had to use a sub three times this fall when I am pulled for instruction and the emergency lesson plans worked! The instructional plans and types of learning have helped. My students enjoy the change. The use of the video camera has helped me a lot. You hate to see yourself though. I need to go on a serious diet. The camera does point out many flaws and a lot of behavior problems that you are not aware of. You have to always be on alert, even with your stars. I had my best student get in serious trouble in class last week. He decided to create a huge fireball with a lighter and brake cleaner in the small tool room. He and I were lucky. Me for catching him in the act, and him for not creating a disaster.
I need to be better at monitoring all behaviors, especially during lab. Eyeballs in the back of my head are needed, but I have gotten new cameras in my room. I need to be able to challange my better students with additional special projects. I need more hands on material. Being better prepared for the additional outside responsibilities that are not taught at NTI. More training on LD and counseling techniques would be helpful.
The encouragement from all the NTI instructors has been amazing and very much appreciated.
Thank You!