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My summer lingers....
I have this week off. Yahoo. I am not sleeping in this morning because... I don't know, sob! I am going to be working on my attitude right up until I park the car in the parking lot (Mon Aug 20th for in service week). I know I can get back some of the magic and love for the profession. I just gotta keep looking. Today I will give in to the excitement of school supply shopping with The General, new 1st grader. I KNOW that will help my attitude. |
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You will find it my dear friend...we never lose that...it just gets blurred by all the outside BS from time to time.... Hang in there and enjoy shopping today.... |
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You are right it is the outside BS. I ended the year last year thinking to myself... in the 2012/13 school year... I will not engage.... In the petty BS, back stabbing and running around in fear of "crazy eyes" vice principal who is out to get us. That seems overly dramatic... and it is! and still it is true. However, I know how the system at the school I work at now. So I can begin my year focused on the kids, avoid the drama, and stay on target to grow professionally. |
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ANYTIME you need to vent or express...I'm here to support!!!! |
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I am blessed with a fabulous kid and gy! I am very lucky. I've always loved my job so it is odd to have this "not really growing/learning" phase. I am rereading a book for some inspiration. The Passionate Teacher. It is dated (1995) but I am hoping to refocus on what am I passionate about in public education. So far I've been reminded that passionate teachers are focused. I'll be reading slowly... |
pencil box
Okay so I am working hard at gearing up for back to school. I think I am starting year 14 of teaching. I need some mixing it up. I have a serious love of school supplies... So I was mentally making my ultimate personal school supply list.
1. Sharp ticonderoga pencils, and lots of 'em. I don't like pencil top erasers so when there is no more eraser there is no more pencil. 2. Quality, quiet and fast pencil sharpener... this is an absolute must for the lover of sharp pencils. And sometimes sharpening pencils is my daily moment of zen. 3. 2 pocket folders with out the 3 hole punch strip in the center. I like my folders in a rainbow of solid colors and no frills! 3. Kleenex. 4. 3 sizes of ziploc bags: snack, sandwich and gallon. I've got things to organize. 5. Rainbow collection of fine tip sharpies. I am just like the colors. 6. Colored paper clips... the shear number of papers I shuffle and copies I make for various levels of CYA folders means I abhor staples. And a little flair makes me smile while I deforest the Amazon. 7. Markers. Especially red and green. I like to give dots where to start and stop on work sometimes. 8. Highlighters. Not for highlighting my professional reading but because the kids think they are soooo freaking cool. Give a kindergarten student a highlighter and suddenly you are a star! 9. post its... Nothing is permanent in education! And rarely do things make it to my long term memory! 10. Water bottle. Gotta flush the germs 11. dry erase crayons. These are new and I am gonna give them a try. 12. Velcro. 13. Card stock. Sometimes I like things to last longer than regular paper, and I need to use it before I can laminate it. Maybe I'll never have time to laminate it. Let's be honest here. 14. Binders in a nice color or navy blue with the clear pockets to label. I've got a thing for binders... Meeting notes, data, schedule. I like to have 1 one inch binder that is with me at all times. 15. traveling hanging file box...I'll take my data to go please! |
The real pencil box...
A very funny friend of mine said she'd have...
1. tazer 2. valium 3. flask 4. get of jail free cards in her pencil box. Love how she reminds me I am taking this too seriously! |
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LMBO....where I'm at - perfect... |
Well...I'm just tired. What a long day...I need to do some paperwork...but don't think I can tonight. Five minutes before open House, which we had to have in the Gym (because of construction), we were told - by the way - you will have no access to your rooms tomorrow (because of construction)...Really???? So now I have to work Sat. GGRRR! Tomorrow, we are getting bussed to a forced pep rally...followed by a whole afternoon of mandated meetings....
Wish I could say I feel better from venting...but I don't really... :seeingstars: |
By Tuesday, I will have had seven full days of meetings at six different locations. Blah. Tired and losing steam, and I haven't done a lick of work to actually prepare to do my job.
We listened to an executive from a major -- MAJOR -- tech company talk to us today. She had NOTHING new to say except that tech needs prepared grads. No shit. The free pastries don't even make me feel better anymore. I never thought I'd turn my nose up at an apricot danish. One funny funny awesome thing was that they got an eighth grader who looked more like a 10 year old get up and give us a pep talk. The kid was ON FIRE. I mean amazing. Sweet, funny, real, and just so good at public speaking. We all wanted to adopt him. I saw my classroom. Pretty much a pit. Starting from scratch again. Whine. Oh and I don't care how nice they are in real life and how much better they are than the asshole at the other school, all administrators suck. They are so cavalier about the things that matter to you. Re a much needed printer so that we won't have to disturb another class to pick up our printing, she says, "OH, I think D was going to order that. He said he was. But I think he forgot." No phone service -- again we have to interrupt another class. No computers yet. No passwords for the web application to create IEPs. No keys ordered. Re the fact that there are NO translators for Special Education (for IEP's), she is just like, oh well. There are only two for the entire -- large -- district. Yes, we put kids first. Sigh. I was so enthusiastic until the endless days of meetings beat me down and until I saw what it looks like on the ground. What gets me about this administrator is that she used to be a Sped teacher. What happens to them when they get that degree and move into Administration? Body snatched or something. And our union is sooo in love with administration. I have never been anywhere like that. Today was my first day with veteran teachers, and . . . oh well, it's just like anyplace else. You have to fight to be able to do your job. Any other profession, your bosses understand it's their job to give you the tools and the information you need to perform. I remember once asking a principal for a teacher's edition of a textbook. His response: "Good luck with that." |
My gift has been early childhood education. I love it dearly. However, at 50 years old, I wish I had gone to college for the older grades. You all are very blessed!!
Have a wonderful school year!! Ruthie |
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Wish I was closer to you to help out with room set up. Saturday work sucks!:goodluck: |
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Today I had lunch with 2 coworkers. We discussed our plans for regular support meetings. Whatever it takes to keep our focus on the kids. |
And so it begins...sleepless nights...mind boggling tasks...making it happen with nothing....
I must say....not being dramatic - but, 25 yrs. and I have never started not knowing what I will be doing when I go in Monday.... Also - shouldn't have to go in on a Sat. - yet - but due to construction and lack of leadership...yep - I will be there for 3 or 4 hrs at least today.... I did finally get some help moving stuff yesterday until we were kicked out... As of yesterday afternoon when we were booted out of the building, no Internet or intercom system...not sure how that will fly Monday... At our forced pep rally...not so bad - though I couldn't get past seeing $ signs and waste of money after positions being cut, programs slashed, budgets taken, furlough days, no raise in 4 yrs. - the Superintendent speaks at the end....100 people may have clapped out of 6000. Hello!!!! Then he actually made a remark about paying us - moans and groans from the audience....he actually turns from the mic and laughs....He's looking for a buyout! 3 new administrators....not a pretty sight! besides that...I promise to not bitch and moan .... In my room - I will make unbelievable music with my kids! That - you can count on! |
BK I am so glad you got to work some in your room. Saturday work is nuts. Unless you like doing it then I suppose it isn't.
I've been amazed by the music teachers I've worked with in the past. What they come up with and how they get the kids to make music together is amazing. I can only imagine what your dedication has created over 25 years. I know you are talking about creating something out of nothing in the wider context. And once the music starts you'll know you are coaching, prodding, guiding lots of someones to make some music! All the budget cuts, pay cuts, day cuts, position cuts gets so frustrating and disheartening. Especially when sitting in a district rah, rah. I think if you want to work us like dogs then let us in our rooms to work! Peace BK! :praying: |
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I'm a future physics proffessor. I'm gearing up for the second year of graduate classes.
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Way to go...you're almost there! |
Day 2 better....schedules are forthcoming...Been baysitting...Yesterday an during 8th grade, I asked a student to chill and follow the simplest of directions...the next thing I know - he's mumbling to me that his homeys have guns...I looked at him and said - Really - you just said that - thank you...now its a whole new ballgame....ugh. SMH
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Hi BK,
Not to get all weird so early in the morning but I thought a bit about the situation you described. When kids make random threats to teachers it can really change the mood of the classroom. For everyone. And that isn't cool. It can be hard with muttered words to address and know if it is serious. Stoney is better at this. Hy works with teenagers. One of the things I've learned from hym is consistency... Follow the rules, implement the rules despite how other staff might change them for kids. It makes things difficult for staff following the rules yet it teaches the kid a lot. It takes time to sort out and it is worth it. Even without having a hairy fit, being calm and consistent and reporting the problem, Stoney's approach allowed the kid to work through and realize different rules with different people are frustrating and confusing. And other staff realized the need for consistency for the kids sake. I've been through "threat assessments" with kids who in frustration said during state testing that is it they were going to blow up the building. Now there was really no "threat" reality but district policy was district policy and we worked on how to express frustration for that student more than we were (it was a big lacking skill for him). |
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I am in that rushing around and working super hard phase. I have only seen three kids so far, for two hours each. I am in a special program. Sorry I can't say more. (I had a threat myself a while ago now, but I am still being safe online.)
Anyway, I finally got to see my new space and start actually working on Tuesday. God it's only been three days, Tues, Wed and Thurs. Amazing the amount of work one gets done, but it's never enough. One kid got me to actually slow down and listen to him. That's my job actually, so I am glad I did. And also so grateful that he allowed me to temporarily stop the whirlwind of activity that has been these three days. http://cn1.kaboodle.com/hi/img/2/0/0...=1192928203000 |
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TGIF....this has been a seriously stressful beginning...and still a while before things settle down...so glad we have weekends!
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My classes for the semester
Quantum Field Theory III
Quantum Mechanics I Statistical Mechanics I |
Calling Monday...checking into early retirement....
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Hi everyone!
Some of you know that I am a high school math teacher. I also teach robotics, and This year, I'll be teaching Digital Electronics. The training was intense, and I expect that I will be challenged. My contract year starts Mon, Aug 27 but I have already been at school several days. I am really looking forward to seeing the kids, and I am hell bent on staying away from the usual drama. |
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I also am looking to stay away from the usual drama. It doesn't serve the kids and causes my alcohol budget to bloom out of control. Which then affects the health care budget and so on it goes. Luckily several co workers I usually debrief with are also on the more positive and directly confront problems with open mindedness and possible solutions train this year as well. That should help oodles. My contract starts Tuesday the 21st. Should be fun. I've been in for other trainings and independent work in my newly assigned space. I am anxious to get back in and getting my self organized further. I don't mind putting in extra time at the beginning. Once we officially start I'll be meeting with the sped team and then with classroom teachers about the kids in their classes and won't have a second to spare preparing for the students. Last year was such chaos for me as a newbie to the building that I really don't want a repeat. The vice principal promises more clear communication this year. She is pretty earnest about it. |
It sounds great. I actually like exploring things for the first time WITH the students. They are generally patient and help a lot. However, I've never worked on projects like this. Wow. It is so cool that you are bringing this to your school and students.
I hope you take the first break, whenever it is, and actually get some relaxing in. Quote:
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Re drama, I am also determined to steer clear, but my Asst Principal and my colleague are already talking shit about my Program Specialist. I won't be surprised if he at some point talks shit about them. Ain't it always the way?
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One of my goals
I want to develop a better relationship with one of my administrators.
I want to learn to lean on him more, and I definitely want to stop talking smack about him. In fact, I want to stop talking about my colleagues in general. It's not community building, and It doesn't make me a better teacher. I don't feel good when I say unkind things about other people, and I would hate to know that others were saying unkind things about me. |
Going through an attitude adjustment, professional/personal evaluation and will change what I can and let go of the rest...I truly do work for and want what's best for the children! I apologize publically for my display of displeasure at work...It is what it is and out of my hands...I have a long term plan I will keep guarded and will work toward it everyday....
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So today is our annual special education department day. Last year we had 2 days. I am grateful this year we are more efficient (unlikely but let's go with it). We lost our day with our school team day, thank goodness. I was telling Stoney the story of how I met the special ed team at the school I work at last year. My goodness I forgot how odd that was.
I was brand spanking new to the school last year. New to the east coast and very nervous about "social norms" in NH. Every thing seemed so difficult. Getting to work was a challenge and I was going in for the first time and I needed to be on time. I get there, find a seat which was tricky because well I was obviously the new kid. I ended up sitting next to the occupational therapist for preschool, K and 1st grade. She ends up being a lifesaver to me last year and a wildly adored friend now. At that moment she was a stranger who seemed a bit bristly. We open with an ice breaker the vice principal has planned. We are supposed to answer a question and be ready to share our partners answer with the group. The question was.... What was one of your most difficult moments in life and why? I am sitting next to a stranger thinking to myself... What life moment that was difficult is appropriate to share at work with someone I don't know? And of all the ice breaker questions my god what was this woman thinking. I did learn why the woman I was sitting next too was a bit bristly, her father recently died. I don't even remember what I said. So today I am thinking that how ever long this day will be I am not answering that questions again and having my answer shared with a group of strangers. Thank heavens. |
Yes SpritzerJ... a day of fun... I have training during my planning and after school...yay me!...
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