Remember that last post? The one about how excited I get about school? I think I might feel that way until the night before kids come, because right now I'm super nervous. Fluttery stomach, jiggly legs nervous. And it's not getting better.
I can't say for certain that it's the start of school alone bringing this on. That definitely plays into the nerves, but I also think I'm just very hesitant about everything on my plate right now. I took stock the other day after a colleague made the following comment:
"You've made a mistake. You showed us that you're too competent, and now we lean on you."
On the one hand: YAY me! That's a great compliment. On the other hand: uh oh. One more thing on my list. Speaking of said list, let's take a look at everything I'm responsible for this semester:
1. 5 academic classes (three preps and three brand new curriculums)
2. 10 practicum students from the university (working with me on the writing center)
3. Freshman teaming (brand new endeavor)
4.Grad school (Young Adult Lit and an independent study)
5. Presenting at a conference in October
6. Taking care of my Nana
7. The writing center at my school
8. One field experience student from the university
9. Adviser to the class of 2012 at school
10. All of the other things grown ups take care of
Phew. No wonder I'm nervous. And I think writing that list made it worse. As much as I love being active and involved, and despite the fact that I will inevitably get all of this done, I'm overwhelmed right now. It's like this every year, and yet I always forget the struggle. Usually the end result overshadows this time of stress and adjustment.
So, now, about to head to an early bedtime, I want to say:
Happy first days to all! (Remember to enjoy and to remind yourself that the first days are the toughest - that's what I'll be doing)
Monday, August 30, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
One of my favorite times of the year is fall. Somewhere around the first or second week of August, I begin to smell the signs of the changing season, and of school quickly approaching. I haven't changed one bit since I was kid, either.
Every year, for as far back as I can remember, the week leading up to the start of school is full of last minute appointments, school supply purchases, and sleepless nights. Ok, not actually sleepless, but less sleep than usual (and not because I'm getting up early). And it's already started for this year!
I went to bed with good intentions last night, and I was even pretty tired from some last minute school prep. But, per usual, as soon as the light went out and I was letting go of the day, my mind began to race.
What are my classes going to be like? What about the kids? Did I get that bulletin done? How many copies do I need to make? I wonder if I will get to see so-and-so at lunch again. Oh, oh, oh - still need to buy ____________, for that one class.
I can't tell you how frustrating, and utterly exciting this whole process is! One of the reasons that I know I love my job is because of this very excitement. When I stop looking forward to a new year, I'm getting out, STAT. The anticipation is what keeps me going; it's what keeps my teaching fresh and new.
There is nothing like the cooler temperatures, the changing color of the trees, a new outfit or two, and walking into a freshly-waxed classroom. It's my favorite time of year! It's the time of year I remind myself of during the March mud-season or when the kids have checked-out June 1st. It's the most wonderful time of the year!
Every year, for as far back as I can remember, the week leading up to the start of school is full of last minute appointments, school supply purchases, and sleepless nights. Ok, not actually sleepless, but less sleep than usual (and not because I'm getting up early). And it's already started for this year!
I went to bed with good intentions last night, and I was even pretty tired from some last minute school prep. But, per usual, as soon as the light went out and I was letting go of the day, my mind began to race.
What are my classes going to be like? What about the kids? Did I get that bulletin done? How many copies do I need to make? I wonder if I will get to see so-and-so at lunch again. Oh, oh, oh - still need to buy ____________, for that one class.
I can't tell you how frustrating, and utterly exciting this whole process is! One of the reasons that I know I love my job is because of this very excitement. When I stop looking forward to a new year, I'm getting out, STAT. The anticipation is what keeps me going; it's what keeps my teaching fresh and new.
There is nothing like the cooler temperatures, the changing color of the trees, a new outfit or two, and walking into a freshly-waxed classroom. It's my favorite time of year! It's the time of year I remind myself of during the March mud-season or when the kids have checked-out June 1st. It's the most wonderful time of the year!
Monday, August 23, 2010
Greetings, world!
I've been thinking about starting a blog on my teaching for a while now, and I've clearly decided to take the plunge. I have some ideas about what this thing will look like, but you know what they say about the best laid plans. So, I'm just going to blog.
My desire to blog about teaching started with the North East Writing Institute. I worked on a piece of writing there, for an entire week, that wound up representing me as a teacher (I'll post it soon). That, in turn, got me to thinking about publication and sharing my ideas with the world.
I start my fourth year of teaching in less than a week, and I have a lot to say. I have a lot to offer my students and my colleagues. But, because of my youth, I'm not always heard, or I'm not taken seriously. My theory is that with a blog, people can listen or not. And the huge plus here is that I don't need to watch them roll their eyes when I say what I think.
My goals at this point are simple:
1. Write at least one post a week
2. Write with honesty and sincerity
3. Do the first two of these goals, faithfully
So, here it goes. A Teacher in Progress**. I hope, if you've read this far, that you'll follow my journeys as a teacher. Follow me with the little link on the right, or just bookmark my blog. Let me know that you're out there! Leave a comment, if you want (telling me to shut up, keep talking, or what to talk about).
Fingers crossed!
**Special thanks to CW for helping me with the title!! <3
My desire to blog about teaching started with the North East Writing Institute. I worked on a piece of writing there, for an entire week, that wound up representing me as a teacher (I'll post it soon). That, in turn, got me to thinking about publication and sharing my ideas with the world.
I start my fourth year of teaching in less than a week, and I have a lot to say. I have a lot to offer my students and my colleagues. But, because of my youth, I'm not always heard, or I'm not taken seriously. My theory is that with a blog, people can listen or not. And the huge plus here is that I don't need to watch them roll their eyes when I say what I think.
My goals at this point are simple:
1. Write at least one post a week
2. Write with honesty and sincerity
3. Do the first two of these goals, faithfully
So, here it goes. A Teacher in Progress**. I hope, if you've read this far, that you'll follow my journeys as a teacher. Follow me with the little link on the right, or just bookmark my blog. Let me know that you're out there! Leave a comment, if you want (telling me to shut up, keep talking, or what to talk about).
Fingers crossed!
**Special thanks to CW for helping me with the title!! <3
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