Before NTI and Now

I taught for two plus years before even thinking of NTI. I tried to clean up the mess left behind
from the previous teacher I replaced, but the kids were already used to doing whatever they
wanted and it was very hard. I had to do all of the dirty work in order to get a lab assignment
going. I worried about the program in general. I had a lot of lip service and very little real support. I tried to follow the state DOE curriculum, but always seemed to run out of time. I had
never seen students with behavior problems like the ones I encountered. I wondered often was
it worth going back and trying. Having said all of this is not to say that every day was terrible. It was just not structured in the correct way. I was not organized enough and my lesson plans were after thoughts. I had my doubts about NTI, as well. How could any class help with all of this?
NTI has taught me to be more organized and has given me insight on both classroom and shop
management. I have learned to write a lesson plan that can be followed and makes sense. I have learned that there is no magic wand or silver bullet, but basic steps that you build upon in order
to become better. I am very thankful for NTI and the course it has set me on.