Sunday, October 31, 2010

Keepin' my mouth shut

Instead of sharing my thoughts, I'll savor the taste of this non-dairy ice cream. I will piss less people off this way.

Mom always told me, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all."

Friday, October 15, 2010

Much-Appreciated Praise

The first six weeks are over, report cards have been sent home, and the routine of being a "floating" teacher is getting easier. The students have settled - somewhat - and they are learning to adapt their products to my expectations. For most students, it is the first time they have been pushed academically and most of them have accepted the challenge. For others, they will learn soon enough. I have high expectations for these young people because I know they are smart, but they are very lazy. And, truth be told, they have been - in my opinion - "babied" far too long. There are two specific students that I am thinking about right now, that walked into the classroom with an I-don't-care-attitude...eight weeks later, they know Mrs. Hutchison will not accept mediocre work and are performing very well.

When the second six weeks began, I set four goals for myself:
  • attend as many pull-outs and professional development classes as possible;
  • improve communication with parents and document EVERYTHING;
  • integrate more resources with lessons; and,
  • more CLASS work, less HOME work!
It took six weeks for me to learn this, but most students do not complete their homework. There are several reasons for this, including a new block schedule, but overall it is like pulling teeth to assign homework and then have them return it - much less DO the work! Thus, I refuse to fight this battle so I have integrated more classwork activities into my lessons and assign fewer homework assignments. Afterall, the class period is 90 minutes - I have to stay engaged or I lose interest too!

My passion in the classroom is built upon my passion for life-long learning. It is no secret that if I could go to school and get paid, I would - oh wait, I do! Seriously, if I could have stayed in college and gotten multiple degrees and paid for my time, I would have done it. I love to learn. Nowadays, I love witnessing my students experience their own a-ha! moments. The lightbulb flickers and then, BAM! it's bright. Those are small successes that I cherish. I also enjoy those classroom conversations when everyone is listening and engaged in the lesson. For a few moments in time, I have their undivided attention and they are human sponges, just soaking everything in. Those moments are even sweeter when my louder, more rambunctious students are participating.

During today's TEAM meeting, our principal surprised us with a visit. She met with us today to discuss our curriculum frameworks and pacing; miscellaneous requests (i.e., a District-issued laptop would be nice); and upcoming Learning Walks. These are non-evaluative classroom visits by teachers, principals, and administrators to observe and provide an opportunity for continuous learning and feedback on instructional practices. Teachers in FWISD are required to participate on two Learning Walk teams during the academic year. Of course, some of those teachers will have their own classroom visited for one of these walks.

Mrs. B told me that I would be participating in LW's with an additional role: she has submitted my name to the District to visit my classrooms. Of course, I was afraid that she has forgotten about my "floater" status but she complimented me by saying:

Mrs. Hutchison, you have accepted this position as a first-year teacher with ease and determination. You do not complain, and you do not use your situation as an excuse. I have visited your classroom, as have other campus administrators, and you are engaging your students with interactive, well-planned, and well-paced lessons. You are an example of what other teachers need to see, and learn from, during our Learning Walks - which is why I have submitted you to my administrators to be on the list of rooms to be visited by teachers and administrators from other campuses. 

Wow. Thank you, Mrs. B, very much. The kudos I received this afternoon are greatly appreciated. There are been instances where I have doubted my decision and ability to become a professional educator, but these tiny moments of success push me to become an even better one. The Son (yes, I believe in heavenly presence!) was shining on me this afternoon........my 4th period class was well behaved today!!!