I like to think of my post title as a set induction, if I can get people interested, then they may read my posting. Of course, this posting has nothing to do with Dolphins, Butterflies, or Ladybugs. That being said, please enjoy my humble submission...
The most important thing I've learned about myself as a teacher in the past term/year is... that teaching and my career run a distant second to my family and my mental well-being. Please do not think that I do not take my role as an educator seriously, but I know that we can be so invested in lesson planning, IEP meetings, and collaboration, that we don't have time for what makes life worth living.
I know how important it is to be prepared and have a good plan, but I feel that if you are not getting enough time with your family and to yourself, you will become overwhelmed. When this happens, whatever spark you may have had to begin with will be extenguished by the monontony of daily life.
Don't think that this posting is a bad thing, that it is an indication of my fading light. In fact, I feel quite the opposite. I now see a light at the end of the tunnel and I am becoming very happy with my surroundings.
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?
7 comments:
Family should always come first. We either spend more time with our family and children when they are young or we will spend more time getting them out of trouble later. We never want to short change our family. I gave up golf for fifteen years to spend more time with mine. I didn't want to look back one day and say if I had it to do over, I would have spent more time with my family.
Ok! I was wondering where "dolphins, butterflies, and ladybugs" was going. It did catch my attention. I agree, family and our personal well-being should definately come first. If we are not happy at home, then we can't be good teachers. We have to be emotionally secure and satisfied in order to be the best person, and teacher, that we can possibly be. I agree that it is important to be prepared and to have our school-life in order. I also feel that we have to have something that keeps us content and that keeps us from feeling overwhelmed. Don't worry about your post sounding bad, we all know deep down how true what you are saying is. School-life and home-life have to work together and we have to find that balance of the two that makes us happy and successful teachers.
Josh, you always grab our attention. I would love to be in one of your classes, I know you are that fun teacher that everyone loves! It is wonderful that you are discovering the importance of balance in life at such a young age. It will save you a lot of heartache in your future. I think it is wonderful that you are so honest. Not every experience we have teaching is "butterflies and lady bugs", and your honesty is refreshing. Keep up the good work. And thanks for making class so much fun! :)
I totally see where you are coming from because when things become so busy we have to take time out for what is the most important in life. Work can be great but draining at times and we have to put things in prospective.
Hi, Josh - well said, papa. Babies change things and your new daddy perspective is reassuring. Your family and your students will benefit from this attitude. Thanks for sharing.
Loved your set induction to your post. It really grabbed my attention. I would also like to add that I believe that when we prioritize the things that are most important to us in our lives (such as family), we actually become more productive in our work.
Josh, you hit the nail on the head...you said everything I felt last semester. I didn't think I was going to make it. But focusing on my happiness with prayer, family and friends...I can see the light.
Thanks for your mind reading post!!
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