As you all know, this is my first year for teaching high school. What an eye opener! I am following in the foot steps of a teacher who did not attend NTI. (That's why there was an opening.) It has taken me the first 3 weeks of school to build relationships and begin to win the confidence of my students. Thank goodness for all those lesson plans. When I was overwhelmed and couldn't think straight, all I had to do was look in my plan book and think - "Oh , this is what I need to do." Thanks Ms. Chillis for that assignment.
Syllubus writing also came to the rescue. When asked to turn mine in, all I had to do was make some minor adjustments and send it on. One less thing to obsess over.
Implementing parts of our lab management plan is starting to make a difference in the organizaion of lab activites. As time goes on and the students get more acclimated to my methods, I'm hopeful our labs will smooth out even more.
Thanks to Dr. B., Dr. M. and Ms. C for all your instruction and advise.
Chris
ReplyDeleteSounds like besides learning to teach high school students, you have had to unteach them. I really agree with you about the lesson plans. The intro classes especially, take alot of energy, and having that plan in place has given me the opportunity to focus energy on other areas. I was not exited when we were doing them, but they are worth it now.
Last year was an eye opener to me . Having been a school nurse for a long time I though I knew what teachers went through. Until you step in front of 28 adolescent faces, you have no idea. No one can make the situation perfect, but keeping an eye on the plan and the goal hopefully will give you the stamina to hang in there.
Hi, Chris - great post and thanks for sharing. Yes, your labs will smooth out as time goes by - remember not everything needs to be perfect the first time around. Breath deeply and take time for yourself regularly throughout the year. I know that you have a really challenging schedule so pace yourself!
ReplyDeleteChris,
ReplyDeleteGirl, I am so happy for you! I know you are doing a wonderful job! You have so much to offer those young minds.... even in the little time I have known you, you have taught me some things, Mrs. Perm Queen!! I too had to "unteach" some students. I am constantly hearing that's not how Mrs. P did it! The teacher I took her place had been there over 20 years and just retired. It was time for a change and most students are enjoying the change but some are having a hard time dealing with it. I can tell you have a knack for teaching and will do a wonderful job! I wish you the best of luck and remember if you need ANYTHING, I am just a phone call away.. talk to you soon!