My second week started with an in service day on Monday, I didn't know what to expect since most of the teachers seemed upset that they had to attend it. It wasn't that bad at all, the teachers had to collaborate in their department at outline for lesson plans. They had to find which outline would help them succeed the most. This was a great value to me to see how different things happen in a school when it is not in secession. Learning how experienced teachers go about creating lesson plans and connecting to their students.
By now I know basically every students name, even if it takes a little time to remember you can tell they appreciate it. I had the students make note cards with information about themselves on it including hobbies, likes and dislikes, and put down something no one knows about you. The students are so funny and creative with them that i found myself laughing when reading them in the middle of class. One student put down his nickname is Captain Awesome, when I was teaching I called him that unless he was being disruptive. This was very valuable because he helps me know the students better, have more fun with them, and helps me create lessons plans that relate to them better.
Last week i had to fill out an evaluation form to help coach wrestling and baseball, on Tuesday I received an email and a letter letting me know that the school board approved me to do both of them. Which is fun because he helps me better interact with my students and they seem to appreciate the effort that I put in.
Due to some delays from weather and the students being in the middle of a project in both classes I didn't start teaching till Friday, which I hated. I was ready to just go out there and do it. The lesson I taught was only 15 minutes long but it was fun and i definitely engaged the students with examples and through discussion. They all seemed to be on task and knew exactly what to do for the work.
The only thing i would change if I had to start the week over would be to videotape my first lesson, to see what mistakes I made, which i already know one and just see what I am know and view my progression throughout the semester. It is going to be a fun ride and cant wait to teach again.
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I also have a similar story to your student "Captain Awesome". I made name cards for the students that I set on top of their computers so that they knew where to sit and also that I could see their names. By this point in time I new many of their nicknames so I tried to make cards with their nicknames on them, rather than strictly their full names, but I told them that they could turn the "bi-fold" cards around and put their nicknames on there if the name I put on there was not preferred. One of the students raised his hand and excitedly said "OOOHH Can my name be Dragon??" and another (both seniors mind you) said "OOOHH YEAH! and can I be Nighthawk??" (making reference to the movie step brothers) so I told them it was allowed. From then on if I called them by their regular names, I was quickly corrected haha.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear it's been a good time for you so far! I look forward to reading more.....
Congratulations Rich on your appointment by the school board as an assistant coach for two sports. That says a lot about the district and also about you. Administration appreciates teachers who give of their time after school lets out for the day. It shows you care. The word "care" keeps coming up in the teaching profession.
ReplyDeleteMake sure you mention your coaching positions during your future teaching interviews. It really says a lot when a student teacher, whose time is very limited, volunteers to help students.
Kudos to you Rich!