On class advising

Well, I broke my own goal last week. No post. However, I have forgiven myself as my reasons are legitimate and acceptable. Reason #1 is that I was sick last weekend with bronchitis, and I even took Monday off from school. Reason #2 is that it was homecoming week at school, and as a class adviser, I had to supervise construction of the float for the class of 2012. Which brings me to the topic of this post: being involved at school (and knowing when you need help).

When I interviewed for my current job, I made it a point to say that being a class adviser was something in which I was interested. Next thing I know, I'm hired and given the freshman class to advise. It was awful that first year. I had no idea about homecoming, or the fact that each class builds a float for a town parade. Nor did I know how to fundraise. I. Knew. Nothing. And worse, no one helped me.

I literally begged for help that first year; help to supervise activities, help to organize fundraisers, help with ANYTHING. No one could/would help me. In fact, most of the time, the emails I sent to ask for help were ignored completely. In retrospect this was the best thing that could have happened. Since the class officers and I had to figure it out on our own, we are now a well-oiled machine with lots of know-how. Last year was easier in terms of knowing what to do and when, but I still struggled with trying to find help from other teachers. This year? Best year yet.

Another newer teacher at my school, who taught nearly all of the 2012 kids last year, helped with our float every night! In fact, because I was sick, she was there more than I was! There's no way, and I'm serious here, that our float would have gotten done without Sara. She helped us organize, construct, clean, and make a BEAUTIFUL FIRST-PLACE Cat in the Hat float. It was so great for the kids, and even better for me! I got to spend every evening with amazing students and one of my favorite colleagues. Our float was beautiful, but even if it hadn't been, we still would have been winners. We would have been winners for a lot of reasons, but here are just a few:

1. The class of 2012 and the freshman class worked together better than anyone could have imagined. They shared materials, helped each other build, and even took turns getting each other pizza. It was great to see them be so kind.
2. Spending time with students outside of teaching time is an important part of education. They need to know we care, and that we are human. I get more respect from students after they see me doing something to make their experience better (like building a float).
3. It's just fun. The kids who come to do these extra things are the kids who go the extra mile, and it's so neat to hang out with them and talk about more than English class.

The first year I took the role of class adviser, I thought I was nuts. Now? I can't imagine letting someone else be in charge of my class. There's a sense of pride when they succeed that I wouldn't have without the extra time I spend with them. I dread the long days of float-building week, but the time I spend working with the students definitely makes it worth it.